Pre Operative Rehab

The Importance Of Pre And Post-Operative Rehab 

Any major surgical procedure takes an immense toll on the body and can leave an individual physically and emotionally weak. With the summer holidays fast approaching, it’s actually one of the most popular times for elective surgery. When it comes to an individual’s surgery outcome and rehabilitation, pre and post-operative physiotherapy are essential. 

Prehab   

Pre-operative physio, otherwise known as ‘Prehab’ is one of the most effective treatments that can lead to a faster, more successful recovery. Pre-operative physio is an exercise-based program designed for individuals who have planned for major surgery in the near future. Pre-operative physio has a range of benefits including: 

  • Reducing pain and inflammation after surgery   
  • Improving the surgery outcome by strengthening the muscles and reducing the recovery time 
  • Improving muscular control in the injured site and restores range of motion more effectively  
  • Reducing your hospitalisation stay and long-term rehabilitation costs 

Pre-operative physiotherapy is highly effective and can prepare the body for surgery, while also giving patients the confidence to know what surgery and post-recovery will look like.  

Rehab   

Post-surgery rehab can begin as soon as after your surgery and even on the same day. Depending on the surgery and injury type, physiotherapists aim to restore motion as soon as possible after surgery. Post-operative physiotherapy is essential to a successful recovery and has been proven to: 

  • Improve circulation as it not only facilitates faster healing, but also reduces the chance of blood clots occurring post-surgery 
  • Regain lost strength, movement and overall function in the area  
  • Reduce pain and swelling around the injured site 

Recovery from surgery can be difficult, especially when the joints and muscles have to take on the body’s weight. Hydrotherapy is an effective treatment used in post-surgery rehabilitation to reduce the impact of traditional weight bearing exercises. The buoyancy of the water provides a partial weight-bearing environment to exercise, which is a great stepping stone to move towards a land-based exercise program. 

The goal of physiotherapy is to restore, maintain, and improve the mobility, function, and well-being of our patients. We aim to establish this in your pre and post-operative rehabilitation. If you have a planned surgery coming up and would like to know more about how physiotherapy can help with your preparations and recovery, contact the Progressive practice this week. 

Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.

Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.

Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.

As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.

Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024. 

Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.

Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).

Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.

Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools. 

Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.

Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.

Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.

Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.

Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.

Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.

During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.