What is Pre / Post Op Rehabilitation
Undergoing surgery can be a daunting experience, but the right preparation and ongoing support can make a world of difference to your final outcome. At Richmond Physiotherapy, we provide a sophisticated and evidence-led approach to surgical care, encompassing both “Pre-hab” and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation. Our logical and detailed pathways are designed to reduce anxieties, minimise complications, and accelerate your return to the activities you love. Based at Lawton Gate House, our entire clinical team is dedicated to supporting you from the moment your surgery is scheduled until you achieve full functional recovery.
Specialist Surgical Rehab vs Standard Care
Feature
Basic Post-Op Advice
Richmond Specialist Rehabilitation
Preparation
No pre-operative input
Targeted "Pre-hab" to optimise tissue health
Surgeon Liaison
Minimal communication
Direct collaboration with your surgical team
Technology
Standard exercises
Evidence-based "Return to Sport" testing criteria
Recovery Scope
Generic mobility goals
Functional, occupational, and athletic milestones
Multidisciplinary
Standalone therapy
Integration with Sports Rehab and S&C coaches
Pre-Operative Physiotherapy: Preparing for Surgery
Personalised Exercise Programme: We’ll design a set of exercises to strengthen important muscle groups, helping your body prepare for the operation.
- Improved Movement and Flexibility: Our goal is to expand your safe range of movement, making post-surgery recovery smoother.
- Hands-On Treatment: If you have swelling or muscle tension, especially after an injury, gentle manual therapy can relieve discomfort and optimise the joint calmness for surgery.
- Clear Guidance and Reassurance: We’ll talk you through what to expect before and after your operation, answering your questions and helping to ease any worries.
- Preparation for Recovery: Our experienced clinicians will advise you on any equipment you might need and help you understand your recovery pathway.
Our supportive approach means you’re never alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Post-Operative Physiotherapy: Your Recovery Journey
- Early Recovery: Straight after your operation, we focus on reducing swelling, managing pain, and gently restoring movement and strength.
- Structured Treatment Plan: We work closely with your surgeon to develop a personalised plan for each stage of your recovery.
- Ongoing Support: As you progress, we’ll help you build confidence, increase activity levels, and address any challenges along the way.
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Where helpful, we may involve sports rehab therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, or yoga/Pilates instructors to further support your rehabilitation.
- Return to Sport and Daily Activities: For those aiming to return to sport, we use evidence-based criteria to assess your readiness—ensuring you’re safe, strong, and confident.
Post-Operative Physiotherapy: Your Recovery Journey
Early Recovery
Straight after your operation, we focus on reducing swelling, managing pain, and gently restoring movement and strength.
Structured Treatment Plan
We work closely with your surgeon to develop a personalised plan for each stage of your recovery.
Ongoing Support
As you progress, we’ll help you build confidence, increase activity levels, and address any challenges along the way.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Where helpful, we may involve sports rehab therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, or yoga/Pilates instructors to further support your rehabilitation.
Return to Sport and Daily Activities
For those aiming to return to sport, we use evidence-based criteria to assess your readiness—ensuring you’re safe, strong, and confident.
Our Richmond Clinic
Richmond Physiotherapy is conveniently located at Lawton Gate House, 7 Hill St, Richmond, TW9 1SX. We are a central hub for surgical rehabilitation for residents in Twickenham, Kew, Sheen, and Teddington. Our clinic is situated just moments from Richmond Station, making us highly accessible for patients travelling from Kingston, Barnes, or Isleworth who may have mobility restrictions early in their recovery. Whether you are preparing for surgery at a local London hospital or rehabilitating to return to walks in Richmond Park, our Hill Street facility provides the professional environment required for your recovery.
Pricing & Insurance
We provide a transparent fee structure for all surgical rehabilitation sessions. We are recognised by all major insurance providers, including Bupa, AXA, Vitality and Aviva. For these providers, we offer direct billing to simplify your journey. Our sessions involve a multidisciplinary approach, where sports rehab therapists may work under the guidance of our senior physiotherapists to provide intensive, cost-effective loading in the later stages of your rehab. Please contact our team at 020 8332 1132 to discuss your specific surgical protocol.
FAQs
What exactly is "Pre-hab"?
Pre-hab is pre-operative rehabilitation. It involves a targeted exercise programme to strengthen key muscle groups and improve range of movement before your surgery, which is proven to improve post-operative recovery times.
When should I start physiotherapy after my operation?
Early intervention is often recommended, sometimes within days of discharge, to help manage pain and swelling. However, we always follow the specific time-frames and protocols set by your surgeon.
Do you talk to my surgeon?
Yes. Our experienced physiotherapists liaise with your surgeon to formulate a structured treatment plan for each stage of your recovery, ensuring we stay within the safe limits of your procedure.
How long does post-op rehab take?
This varies significantly depending on the surgery. A simple arthroscopy might take a few weeks, while an ACL reconstruction or joint replacement often requires a 6 to 12-month structured pathway.
What is "return to sport" testing?
This is a series of objective, evidence-based tests we use to measure strength, balance, and power. It ensures you are safe to return to competitive sport without risking re-injury.
Can I use my health insurance for this?
Most post-operative physiotherapy is covered by major insurers like Bupa and AXA. We recommend checking your policy limits for post-surgical care before your first session.
Glossary of Terms
- ACL Reconstruction: Surgical replacement of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the knee.
- Arthroplasty: The surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint.
- Pre-hab: Pre-operative rehabilitation designed to optimise physical health before surgery.
- Oedema: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues, common after surgery.
