Pre- and Post-Op Physiotherapy: What You Need to Know
If you’re facing surgery, you might have a mix of emotions–anticipation, a bit of worry, and a strong desire to get back to your normal life as quickly as possible. What you might not know is that physiotherapy can make a big difference in that journey, both before and after your surgery.
You probably already expect to participate in post-surgical rehabilitation. But if you haven’t considered pre-surgical rehabilitation, now’s the time. A guided pre-operative exercise program can effectively reduce complications and length of hospital stay in post-operative situations. At MSK Centre, we can help you prepare your body for the challenges of surgery and guide you through the best possible recovery. Our experienced physiotherapists will arm you with strength, knowledge, and preparation to help you before and after your procedure.
Why Choose Both Pre- and Post-Surgery Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in achieving your surgical and recovery goals, both before and after your procedure. Pre-surgery rehab (or “prehab”) focuses on improving your strength, range of motion, and overall fitness to prepare your body for the surgical process. Post-surgical rehab focuses on reducing pain and restoring strength, mobility, and function.
Together, they can help ensure good outcomes for your surgery.
What You Need to Know About Pre-Surgical Physiotherapy
Prehab aims to optimize your physical condition before surgery for a smooth recovery and a higher likelihood of a successful outcome. Here’s what you can expect:
- Improved Strength and Range of Motion: Strengthen the muscles and maximize your range of motion in and around the surgical area.
- Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Manage existing discomfort and reduce or eliminate inflammation to support successful post-operative healing.
- Education and Preparation: Learn what to expect from the post-operative experience, including exercises you’ll perform, how to use assistive devices, and adjustments you can make beforehand to safely navigate your home environment.
Patients who engage in prehab often experience lower levels of anxiety than those who skip it. Understanding what lies ahead and feeling equipped with knowledge and strength can help you feel more empowered and improve your emotional well-being throughout the process.
What You Need to Know About Post-Operative Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an important part of the recovery process after surgery. It helps you regain your normal movement patterns, rebuild strength, and restore overall function. Our goal is to support your body’s natural healing process by using the following:
- Pain Management: We use techniques like manual therapy and modalities to reduce post-operative discomfort, which can help minimize the use of pain medications.
- Reduce Swelling and Scar Tissue Management: Targeted hands-on treatments, including joint mobilizations, scar tissue massage, and therapeutic massage, can help reduce swelling, minimize scar tissue formation, and restore range of motion to avoid limitations in overall movement.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: This targeted rehabilitation technique focuses on improving communication between your brain and muscles, helping to restore proper movement patterns and coordination.
- Functional Training: Functional training helps restore your ability to perform daily tasks, from using stairs to returning to sports. We select movements and exercises that mimic the tasks most important to you.
Pre- and Post-op Physiotherapy with MSK Centre
Our physiotherapists design every pre- and post-op program based on individual needs and goals. At your first appointment, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history and existing condition to understand the details of your upcoming surgery. Then, we’ll discuss your questions and concerns and set achievable goals for success.
If you or a loved one is considering surgery or have scheduled an upcoming procedure, give us a call today. We’ll schedule your first appointment and discuss how our pre- and post-op physiotherapy program can help you.
Return to PT at MSK Centre!
Miss feeling your best? Come back to MSK Centre and let us help you get there—schedule your appointment today!
June Word Scramble
cresunnse
teaaldcsns
miwsmngi
avoatnic
gdenidw
refiifsle
Answer Key
sunscreen
sandcastle
swimming
vacation
wedding
fireflies
Have you been wanting to get into gardening, but don’t have the yard space? Consider planting a potted herb garden!
Container gardening is easy, convenient, and leaves you with a supply of beautiful fresh herbs. Almost any herb can be grown in a container, so the possibilities are endless!
Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your potted herb garden is successful this spring:
1. Be mindful of what you plant.
One of the exciting things about a potted herb garden is that you can grow as many different types of herbs as you want in the same container. However, before you start planting, be sure to do some research on the sun, water, and soil requirements of each herb.
For example, rosemary prefers hot and dry conditions, whereas parsley requires consistent moisture. As a result, they would not get along in the same pot.
2. Choose the right container.
As long as it has good drainage, you can use almost anything as an herb container. However, it’s important to be aware that using smaller pots means you need to be extra cautious in how much you water your herbs. Too much or too little water can be especially detrimental to an herb in a small pot.
3. Use high quality soil.
The best way to ensure a healthy start to your container garden is by using high quality soil. Container soil should be lighter in density than traditional garden soil. You can also add organic matter, like perlite or peat moss, to the mixture to improve drainage and moisture retention.
We hope you’re feeling ready to get started on your potted herb garden this spring. Remember to have fun and good luck!
Follow Us on Instagram!
Patient Spotlight:
“The doctors here are amazing. The reception staff is so kind, which is rare for doctors’ offices!! They have comfortable, accessible seating, and clean open facilities.“
-Daisy B.
Exercise of the Month
DUMBBELL FRONT RAISE
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart holding dumbbells at your sides. Raise both arms straight in front of you to shoulder height, keeping elbows slightly bent. Lower slowly and repeat to strengthen the shoulders.
Thank you for subscribing to MSK Centre!
Share Your Success Story
Love your experience with MSK Centre? Click the button to leave us a Google review—your feedback helps others find the care they need!
Pineapple Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen banana slices (about 1 medium banana)
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional)
Directions:
Add almond milk and yogurt to a blender, then add spinach, banana, pineapple, chia seeds and sweetener (if using); blend until smooth.
Refer a Friend
If you’ve experienced the outstanding care at MSK Centre, why not share it with your friends? Referring them means giving them access to personalized treatment that can make a real difference in their health and well-being. Help them find a trusted healthcare partner—refer a friend to MSK Centre today!
Meet Our Team
Robert Chalmers
B.Sc.(PT), B.A.(PHE), MCPA
Drew Dupras
Hons. B. Kin, M.Sc.PT
Jordan Fayez
BKin (Hon), M.Sc.PT
Parth Suthar
Hons. BHSc. Kin, DPT
Joan Tew
B.H.Sc.PT
Thirusan Thiruchelvam
B.Sc.Kin(Hons), M.Sc.PT, Cert.SMT
Vito Manchisi
BKin Honours, MScPT
Adam Yousufzay
BSc Honours, MScPT
Adrienne Paliyath
BSc(Kin), M.Sc.(P.T.)
Alexandra Ilich
B.H.Sc.(PT), H.B.Sc., MCPA, Advanced BoneFit™ Certified
Patrick Lee
PT, BScPT, BSc, MSc
Dr. Julia Callaghan
B.Sc. (Hons), DC
Dr. Joel Dixon
B.Kin. (Hons), DC
Dr. Michael Frey
B.Sc. (Hons.), DC
Dr. Kevin Fuss
B.Sc, DC
Dr. Andrew Robb
BA, DC, FRCCSS(C), CSCS, Acu., ART®
Dr. Nick Bayley
MD, FRCS(C), Dip Sport Med
Dr. Olivier Gauthier-Kwan
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. Chris Geddes
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Brandon Girardi
MD, MEd, FRCS(C)
Dr. Paul Grosso
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. Thomas Hupel
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Rick Lau
MD, MSc, FRCS(C)
Dr. Matthew Snider
MD, FRCS(C)
Dr. David Stevens
MD, BSc, FRCS(C), CIME
Dr. Horacio Yepes
MD FRCSC
Dr. Kevin Asem
MD, CCFP(SEM), Dip Sport Med
Dr. Peter Keizer
MD, CCFP (EM), Dip Sport Med
Dr. John McCuaig
MD, CCFP(SEM), Dip Sport Med
Alicia Petrie
CCPA, B.Sc.PA, B.Sc.Kin (Hons)
Kim Schlattman
CCPA, B.H.Sc. PA, BSc. (Hons)
