As physios train in hospital settings, we are very involved with rehabilitation after surgery. Often we are the first to help people out of bed after their surgery!
Before surgery:
It has long been considered best-practice for patients to see a physio before surgery. This is especially true for surgery on joints, but also for abdominal, chest and gynaecological surgery. We like to call it “pre-habilitation”.
It is always easier to learn your exercises when you aren’t hazy from anaesthetic and pain medications after surgery. Also, starting strengthening and movement exercises ahead of time can mean you have a smoother and faster recovery. If we see you before surgery, we can teach you what to expect afterwards and plan which aids you might need. For example, making sure you’ve got the right height walking aid and check on home equipment.
After surgery:
Physios are the experts of post-operative rehabilitation. We follow guidelines from your surgeon (known as protocols) and aim to get you moving and back to your best as fast and safely as possible. There will always be exercises to do, and we keep an eye on any post-op complications. We’ll always send you to your GP or surgeon if we are concerned.
After emergency surgery:
Not every surgery is planned. After accidents, surgery is sometimes required. While it is often more complicated than elective surgery, we love working with people after accidents to get them back on top. We will problem solve, find the gaps in your ability and create the solutions!