After surgery, rehabilitation should follow the surgeon’s diagnosis, procedure, precautions, and timelines. Physiotherapy may be recommended to help restore movement and function, but the plan must be individualized. Starting earlier or doing more is not always better.
1. Restore movement within safe limits
Pain, swelling, immobilization, and protective movement can reduce mobility. A physiotherapist can explain the permitted range, demonstrate appropriate exercises, and monitor how the surgical area responds. Some procedures require strict limits during early healing.
2. Rebuild strength and capacity
Strength can decrease before and after surgery because of pain or reduced activity. Rehabilitation may progress from simple muscle activation to resistance exercise and functional tasks. The dose should match tissue-healing precautions and your current tolerance.
3. Practise everyday activities
Recovery is about more than a measurement in the clinic. Treatment may include walking, stairs, transfers, reaching, lifting, balance, work tasks, or sport-specific movements. Goals should reflect what matters to you.
4. Build confidence with a structured plan
It is common to feel uncertain about which sensations are expected and how much activity is safe. A clear plan, realistic milestones, and regular reassessment can make recovery less confusing. Timelines vary by procedure and individual factors.
What to bring to your first appointment
- The surgeon’s protocol or discharge instructions
- A current medication list and relevant medical history
- Information about wound care, weight-bearing, bracing, or movement restrictions
- Your work, home, caregiving, and activity goals
Warning signs after surgery
Follow your surgical team’s instructions. Seek urgent medical advice for increasing wound redness or drainage, fever, new calf swelling or pain, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, uncontrolled pain, or new neurological symptoms. Call 9-1-1 for emergency symptoms.
Post-surgical rehabilitation in Abbotsford
Visit our
post-surgical rehabilitation page or
contact Townline Physiotherapy to ask about an assessment. Bring any restrictions provided by your surgeon so treatment can align with the surgical plan.
This article is general information and does not replace instructions from your surgeon or medical team.
