You've had your surgery and your mind tells you it's time to return to your old routines, and maybe some new ones. But your body says, "Not so fast." The truth is, before you can get back to these activities, you'll likely need some rehab to regain your mobility and strength.
Physiotherapy can help you recover and get going through all the stages of rehabilitation from early recovery, rehabilitation to return to activities and sport. Each stage has its own focus depending on the type of surgery you have had and the surgeon’s guidelines, if provided.
Why Rehab is Needed?
Physiotherapy can speed your recovery no matter what kind of operation you’ve had, be it a fractured bone, joint replacement, ligament or tendon repair, gall bladder removal, hysterectomy, prostatectomy, heart surgery, abdominoplasty with recti plication (tummy tuck) or a procedure to treat cancer. Your rehab will likely begin in hospital where you will be provided with skills and exercises to get you ready to go home.
What is Involved in Rehab?
Each stage of recovery takes time and effort (some more than others). Keep your ultimate goals in mind as we help you:
- Reduce pain and swelling and address any issues with ambulation at home or managing your activities of daily living (toilets, bathing, sleeping, getting around the house etc.)
- Improve movement and range of motion of the body region that had surgery
- Restore motor control (how the muscles are linked to fire together)
- Strengthen and build endurance with an exercise program targeted to your individual goals
Time to Recovery
Your recovery time depends on many factors: your overall health, the kind of surgery you had, your age and most importantly your commitment to your rehab program. Your dedication and commitment to recovery is as important as your rehab team and will pay off in the end.
Pre & Post-op Services
Click on the following links for more information specific to your type of surgery.
Pre & Post Orthopaedic Surgery
Our physiotherapists will complete a full assessment both pre and post-op and develop an individual treatment plan to help expedite your recovery and reduce any secondary problems related to the surgery.
Pre & Post Spinal Surgery
Have you recently had or are planning to undergo Spinal Surgery and wondering if Physiotherapy can help?
Pelvic Surgery
Training the pelvic floor is not a one size fits all exercise. A surgery specific treatment plan based on assessment findings can be helpful for a successful outcomes long term.
Pre & Post Abdominal Surgery
Many people recover well from various abdominal surgeries with no complications. Other people are not so fortunate and can suffer with abdominal pain, rib tightness, digestive discomfort or numbness and tingling in the skin of the abdominal area.
Coming soon!
We offer the services below and are currently working on writing up the pages for this website. If you like reading blogs check out this one Diane wrote for Pain Hero on Rehab after Surgery. The Role of Physiotherapy in Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Cancer surgery
- Plastic surgery for Abdominal Wall Repair
Related Practitioners
Cathy Rogers
Cathy received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia in 2000. As a member of the varsity women’s volleyball team at UBC during those years she was first exposed to physiotherapy and it’s positive impact on her own personal athletic career.
Leigh Fortuna
After studying kinesiology in university for two years, Leigh decided that pursuing a career in physiotherapy was the path she wanted to follow. She graduated from The University of British Columbia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
Eric Perkio
Eric has been practicing Physiotherapy since 2006. He received his Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney, Australia and began his career working in a private clinic where he gained valuable experience in working with Rugby, Soccer, and Aussie Rules Football clubs.
Judit Orban
Judit has a special interest in helping people with various spinal conditions such as back pain, scoliosis, kyphosis, chest conditions and spinal fusions.
Since graduating in 2010 from the Semmelweis University of Hungary, Judit has been working in various spine specific clinics around the world. She started dancing at a young age and after high school she completed a Contemporary Dance Teacher course. Learning about the capabilities of the human body influenced her to study more and to earn a degree in Physiotherapy
Sarah Hamanishi
Sarah received her Bachelor of Science with a minor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She then pursued a Master of Physical Therapy degree, graduating in 2013 from UBC. Sarah has taken post-graduate courses for dry needling, rehabilitation Pilates, visceral and neuromeningeal manipulation, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Megan Davis
Megan graduated from the University of Ottawa, with a Master of Health Science in Physiotherapy and a BSc honours in Biomedical Sciences. She also completed her Master’s in French. Megan carries a wealth of knowledge from a patient perspective as she has worked hard to rehabilitate multiple injuries, as she has made it back to competitive powerlifting at the Canadian National level after hip surgery.
Cheri Le Cappelain
While working as a nurse Cheri saw the importance of physiotherapy on the rehabilitation ward to help patients regain their independence. As a result of these positive experiences she decided to go back to school to become a physiotherapist so she could have a more direct role in rehabilitation and help others regain their independence. Cheri graduated in 2018 with a Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Lily Han
Lily is passionate about assisting her clients in gaining and regaining their function. She obtained her Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta. She has diverse experience within the healthcare field, including in diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy, medical first aid, and with other interdisciplinary teams allowing Lily to approach each patient’s condition holistically. Lily is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Josh Toor
Josh graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science (with distinction) in 2019 and a Master of Physical Therapy degree in 2024. He grew up in North Delta and is fluent in both English and Punjabi. His journey into physiotherapy was fueled by a passion for movement and sports, as well as a dedication to helping individuals of all ages and activity levels overcome injuries, restore mobility, and achieve their personal goals, whether that involves returning to daily activities, excelling in sports, or managing chronic conditions.
Olivia Zawadiuk
Olivia graduated from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a Master of Physical Therapy in 2024. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology at UBC, where she was also a member of the UBC artistic (synchronized) swimming team. Olivia’s desire to become a physiotherapist was inspired by personal experiences as a competitive athlete, coach, and kinesiologist.
