Do I Really Need Physio Before Surgery?

Why pre-hab could be the secret to a faster recovery

If you’ve got surgery coming up, you’re probably already thinking about what life will be like after the operation — when you’ll be able to move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love.

But here’s something not many people talk about: what you do before surgery can make a huge difference to your recovery afterward.

It’s called pre-habilitation — or pre-hab — and it could be the secret weapon that gets you back on your feet faster.

Let’s break it down.

🧠 What is pre-hab?

Pre-hab is simply doing the right kind of movement, strengthening, and preparation before surgery. Think of it like training for a big event. You’re getting your body ready — so it knows what to do during recovery, and it bounces back more quickly.

At our Tewantin physio clinic, we’ve seen time and time again how pre-hab helps people heal better and feel more in control going into surgery.

💡 Why pre-hab helps more than you might think

Surgery is tough on your body. Muscles can weaken, joints can stiffen, and it’s not uncommon to lose confidence in movement after the operation.

But when you’ve already done some groundwork beforehand, it’s like your body says, “Oh yeah, I remember how to do this.”

Here’s how pre-hab sets you up for success:

• ✅ Stronger muscles mean better support after surgery

• ✅ Fitter bodies handle surgery stress more easily

• ✅ Practising post-op movements beforehand makes rehab easier

• ✅ Confidence grows when you feel prepared

🤕 “What if I’m in pain now — won’t exercise make it worse?”

That’s a common worry. But pre-hab isn’t about pushing through pain or doing high-intensity workouts. It’s about safe, gentle movement that’s tailored to your body.

At our clinic, we work with you one-on-one to create a plan that strengthens what needs support, improves your movement, and helps reduce pain — not increase it.

Even a few sessions before surgery can make a big difference.

🏃 What types of surgery is pre-hab helpful for?

Almost all kinds! Pre-hab can be especially useful if you're having:

• Knee or hip replacements

• Shoulder surgery

• Back surgery

• ACL or ligament repair

• Foot or ankle operations

In fact, research shows that people who do pre-hab before joint surgery recover faster and return to daily activities sooner.

📆 When should I start?

Ideally, as soon as you know surgery is on the cards. The more time you have, the more your body can build strength and prepare. But even a couple of weeks can make a positive impact.

If surgery is a while away, there’s even a chance that pre-hab might delay the need for surgery altogether. By improving strength, balance, and joint stability, some people find their pain becomes more manageable — and they can put surgery off safely.

🧡 Support through every stage: our Pain to Performance approach

At Tewantin Physiotherapy, we guide you through surgery in three key stages:

1. Prepare your body before surgery (pre-hab)

2. Recover and rebuild after surgery (post-op rehab)

3. Return to doing what you love with strength, confidence and ease

We’re here to support you at every step, not just patch things up after.

✋ Final thoughts

Surgery can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone. Pre-hab gives you the power to walk in feeling prepared, and walk out with a better shot at a smoother, faster recovery.

So if you’ve got surgery coming up and you’re wondering, “Do I really need physio before it?”
The answer is: yes — and your future self will thank you for it.

Ready to start your pre-surgery prep?
Book an appointment with a supportive rehabilitation physio in Tewantin and let’s get your recovery off to the best start possible.