Pre-Operative Physiotherapy in Richmond & South Yarra

Planning for surgery? At Sports & Health Physiotherapy Clinics in Richmond and South Yarra, our Pre-Operative Physiotherapy programs are designed to help you recover faster, improve your surgical outcomes, and regain confidence in your body.

Whether you're preparing for a joint replacement, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, spinal surgery, or any orthopaedic procedure — working with a physiotherapist before surgery can significantly reduce complications, shorten hospital stays, and improve long-term function.

Why see a Physiotherapist before surgery?

Pre-op physio — often referred to as "prehabilitation" — is the process of preparing your body for surgery through targeted physiotherapy. Our pre operative care aims to take advantage or early exercise therapy to better prepare you for surgery and achieve better post operative outcomes. Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved strength and mobility before surgery

• Faster recovery and return to function post-op

• Reduced post-operative pain and swelling

• Better surgical outcomes and fewer complications

• Mental preparedness and confidence going into surgery

• Enhanced knowledge about what to expect before and after the procedure

Studies have shown that patients who undergo pre-operative physiotherapy regain function sooner and require fewer post-operative sessions overall.

What to Expect

At our Richmond and South Yarra clinics, pre-operative physiotherapy begins with a comprehensive, one-on-one consultation to tailor your plan to the type of surgery you're having and your individual needs.

Baseline Strength and Functional Assessment

We start with a detailed assessment to determine:

• Joint range of motion

• Muscle strength

• Balance and mobility

• Functional limitations (e.g., walking, stairs, lifting)

• Swelling or pain in the affected area

We use the VALD system to collect objective data which gives us an accurate baseline measurements of your strength and function.

Prescription of Exercises for Better Post-Operative Outcomes

Based on your assessment, your physiotherapist will design a custom exercise program to:

• Build muscular strength and joint flexibility

• Improve circulation and reduce stiffness

• Maintain cardiovascular fitness

• Activate supporting muscle groups to help with compensatory movement patterns

• Teach you safe techniques for movement, transfers, and crutch/walker use (if needed)

We also educate you on post-surgical precautions, set realistic expectations, and ensure you're mentally and physically ready for the challenges of recovery.