Pre and Post-Operative Physiotherapy on the Sunshine Coast

Prepare for surgery and take the next steps in your recovery with Sunshine Coast physiotherapist Scott Baines. Personalised pre and post-operative physiotherapy focuses on your strength, mobility and everyday activities, guided by your procedure and surgical team’s advice.

Physiotherapy before and after surgery

Pre and post-operative physiotherapy supports your physical preparation for surgery and rehabilitation afterwards. Scott considers your strength, mobility and everyday needs, whether you are preparing for a joint replacement, spinal procedure or another operation.

Before surgery, your programme may focus on building physical capacity and practising movements you will need during recovery. Afterwards, Scott adapts your exercises and activity to your stage of healing, discharge instructions and surgical team’s precautions.

This support forms part of Healthy Impact’s personalised physiotherapy treatments, with goals shaped around your procedure and the activities you want to return to.

Support through each stage

Work on suitable strength and mobility exercises, learn relevant movement strategies and plan for the practical demands of returning home after your operation.

Begin or progress your rehabilitation according to your discharge advice and surgical precautions. Scott guides your exercises and reviews how you respond.

Practise tasks such as getting out of a chair, walking and managing steps, with progression matched to your recovery and the activities you want to resume.

A recovery plan for your procedure

The movements you can practise after surgery depend on the procedure, the tissues involved and your surgical team’s instructions. Scott reviews your discharge information and any restrictions on movement, lifting or weight-bearing before planning your rehabilitation.

Your programme may begin with gentle exercises, walking practice or guidance on getting in and out of a chair. As recovery allows, it can progress towards functional strength rehabilitation for the everyday tasks you want to resume.

Scott reviews your symptoms and response to activity to guide adjustments. Healthdirect’s information about rehabilitation after illness, injury or surgery explains how rehabilitation can support movement, strength and independence.

Before your operation

After your operation

Your programme follows your surgical team’s instructions and stage of healing. Scott reviews your response before progressing exercises or introducing new activities.

Recovery in your own environment

Returning home after surgery brings practical questions. How will you manage your entrance steps, get out of your usual chair or move between rooms? Scott considers these everyday demands when planning your home rehabilitation.

Your sessions provide an opportunity to practise suitable movements in the spaces you use. Scott can review how you use prescribed walking aids and explain ways to organise activity and rest around your current capacity.

As you progress, the focus can shift towards household tasks, work or recreation. Where breathing difficulties or reduced stamina also affect recovery, Scott may incorporate relevant elements of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation, according to your needs and medical advice.

Frequently asked questions about neurological rehabilitation

What is prehabilitation before surgery?

Prehabilitation focuses on preparing your physical capacity before an operation. Scott may prescribe suitable strength, mobility or fitness exercises and help you practise movements you will need afterwards. Your programme takes account of your planned surgery, current ability and medical advice.

When should I start pre and post-operative physiotherapy?

Contact Scott once your surgery is planned to discuss suitable timing. Starting before your operation provides an opportunity to assess your movement and prepare for recovery. After surgery, treatment begins according to your discharge instructions and your surgical team’s recommendations.

Can I have post-operative physiotherapy at home?

Yes, when home rehabilitation is appropriate for your needs. Scott can guide your exercises, review the use of prescribed walking aids and practise everyday movements in your own environment. Some people need hospital-based rehabilitation or additional support before returning home.

Will my exercises follow my surgeon’s instructions?

Yes. Scott plans your pre and post-operative physiotherapy around the information provided by your surgical team. This includes any restrictions on joint movement, lifting or weight-bearing. If instructions are unclear, he may seek clarification before progressing your exercises.

What should I have ready for my first appointment?

Have your surgery date, procedure details and any relevant reports available. After surgery, include your discharge summary, rehabilitation protocol, prescribed exercises and instructions about movement or weight-bearing. Tell Scott about changes in your symptoms and any updated advice from your treating team.

How long will I need physiotherapy after surgery?

The duration depends on your procedure, health, starting ability and recovery goals. Scott reviews your progress and adjusts the frequency of appointments and exercises accordingly. Returning to work, sport or other demanding activities may also require clearance from your surgeon.

For information about appointments, referrals and rebates, read our FAQs. You can also view appointment times and consultation fees.