Pre/Post Operative Treatment
The best surgical recoveries don’t start in the operating room; they start before surgery. Pre- and post-operative physiotherapy at OmniPhyzio in Ottawa prepares your body for surgery and guides you through recovery, so you heal faster, safer, and more completely.
Recovery Starts Before Surgery, Not After
Physiotherapy is something most people associate with post-surgery. What surgeons are now realizing, however, is that the more mobile and stronger you are when you go in, the smoother your recovery will be when you come out. Planning and rebuilding afterward can make the difference between a long, frustrating recovery and a confident return to normal life.
At OmniPhyzio in Ottawa, we support you throughout both stages of your journey. Our surgical recovery care is ideal if you’re:
- Preparing for a scheduled surgery and want the best possible outcome
- Recovering from a recent operation and unsure how to rebuild safely
- Facing a joint replacement, ligament repair, or orthopedic procedure
- Worried about stiffness, weakness, or a long recovery
- Looking to return to work, sport, or daily life as quickly as possible
Surgery on the horizon? Book your assessment
Pre & Post-Operative Physiotherapy
Pre-operative physiotherapy (prehab)
Pre-operative physiotherapy, or prehab, prepares your body for the stresses of surgery without ever setting foot inside an operating room. Starting physiotherapy 4-6 weeks before a procedure can significantly improve recovery and outcomes. We work to increase your strength, mobility and endurance in the areas that will be affected by the surgery and, more importantly, help you feel calmer and more confident when you go in. A stronger starting point almost always means an easier road back.
Pre-operative physiotherapy (prehab)
Pre-operative physiotherapy, or prehab, prepares your body for the stresses of surgery without ever setting foot inside an operating room. Starting physiotherapy 4-6 weeks before a procedure can significantly improve recovery and outcomes. We work to increase your strength, mobility and endurance in the areas that will be affected by the surgery and, more importantly, help you feel calmer and more confident when you go in. A stronger starting point almost always means an easier road back.
Post-operative physiotherapy (rehab)
After surgery, post-operative physiotherapy is key to a successful recovery. Our post-operative physiotherapy rehabilitation restores the strength, movement and function that surgery removes and protects the healing tissue. We also assist with the practical aspects of home recovery, such as stairs, dressing and getting in and out of the car, so you can get on with your day. A well-paced rehab, guided by someone, will minimize pain and swelling and decrease your risk of complications and setbacks.
Surgeries We Support
Whatever procedure you’re facing, post-operative physiotherapy and prehab can improve your outcome. We regularly support recovery from:
- Knee and hip joint replacements
- ACL, MCL, and meniscus repairs
- Rotator cuff and shoulder surgery
- Spinal and back surgery
- Foot and ankle procedures
- Sports-related orthopedic surgeries
If you’re recovering from a sports procedure, our sports injury physiotherapy team can help you go a step further, back to full performance. You can also explore the broader range of conditions we treat on our What We Treat page.
Your Recovery Journey
We stay with you at every stage, so nothing about your recovery is left to guesswork:
- Pre-operative preparation. Before surgery, we complete a thorough baseline assessment of your strength, movement, and range of motion, then build a prehab plan to get you in the best possible shape and ready for what’s ahead.
- Early recovery. Once cleared by your surgeon, we begin gentle, protected movement to reduce swelling, ease pain, and prevent stiffness, while closely following your surgical precautions.
- Return to full function. As you heal, we progress your strengthening and movement until you’re back to work, sport, and the activities you love.
Why Choose OmniPhyzio for Surgical Recovery
Recovering well from surgery requires genuine rehabilitation expertise, not just a handout of exercises. Every plan at OmniPhyzio is personally led by Maysa Alnattah, MSc PT, whose training is ideally suited to surgical recovery:
- A Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Science, alongside a second master’s degree in Sports Medicine
- Over a decade of hands-on clinical experience
- Training certification in RAPID Neurofascial Reset Therapy
- Certified in advanced dry needling through the Acupuncture Canada Association
- Humanitarian field experience with the ICRC and Doctors Without Borders
We also liaise with your surgeon and medical team, ensuring that your post-operative physiotherapy care aligns with their advice throughout. There are two locations in Ottawa, including one in Orleans and downtown, so help is close by. No matter where you go, you’ll be treated by one physiotherapist who knows your full story and treats you as a person, not a chart number.
Start With Maysa. Book Your Assessment
Recover Stronger, Starting Today
Whether your surgery is weeks away or already behind you, the right plan makes all the difference. Book your pre- and post-operative physiotherapy assessment with OmniPhyzio in Ottawa, and let’s set you up for your smoothest, strongest recovery yet.
Book Your Recovery Plan. Start Today. | Call 343-585-5300
Frequently Aksed Questions
What is prehab (pre-operative physiotherapy)?
Prehab is physiotherapy performed before surgery to prepare your body for the procedure and for recovery afterwards. It emphasizes strengthening, mobility, and endurance in the areas affected by surgery. It’s like recovery training: the fitter and stronger you get, the smoother and faster your recovery.
Why is physiotherapy important before surgery?
Your condition before surgery has a significant impact on your outcome after surgery. Physiotherapy started 4-6 weeks before a procedure can accelerate recovery and improve outcomes. Prehab also helps prepare you mentally, reducing the anxiety that can accompany a scheduled surgery and leaving you feeling prepared rather than uncertain.
When can I start physiotherapy after surgery?
Depending on the procedure and your surgeon’s advice, some patients begin rehabilitation soon after surgery, within days to a couple of weeks. Rehabilitation is a gentle process. One of the best ways to avoid stiffness and complications is to move early and in a controlled manner. Your surgeon’s precautions are always followed, and your post-operative physiotherapy treatment is always paced to your healing.
How long does post-surgical rehabilitation take?
Most rehab programs last 6 to 12 weeks, and sometimes strengthening is recommended after that. This will vary depending on the surgery performed, where you are starting, and how diligently you follow your plan. We review and tweak your post-operative physiotherapy management regularly to ensure you are on the right track to recovery and that it is realistic.
What surgeries benefit most from pre- and post-operative physiotherapy?
It is very beneficial for joint replacements, ACL and ligament repairs, shoulder and rotator cuff surgery, spinal surgery, and most orthopedic surgeries. In fact, any surgery that affects your strength or mobility is worth preparing for and rehabilitating properly, as even minor surgeries can significantly affect your mobility.
Do I need a doctor's referral for post-surgical physiotherapy?
No, physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners in Ontario, and you can book directly without a referral. However, some insurance plans require a referral before they will reimburse, so it is important to check your insurance policy. If you’re searching for “post-operative physiotherapy near me” in Ottawa, we make it easy to get started close to home.
How does physiotherapy help prevent complications after surgery?
With guided rehab, you can move safely at a time when too much or too little movement can be an issue. This lowers the risk of complications such as stiffness, muscle weakness, excessive scar tissue, and setbacks from returning too early. You heal slowly and steadily with the proper plan, and you can prevent aggravating complications that can delay healing.