Many patients think rehab begins after surgery — but what you do before surgery has a major impact on your outcome. Pre-surgery physiotherapy (prehab) helps improve strength, mobility and confidence, setting the stage for a smoother and faster recovery after your procedure.

For patients having surgery through Northern Beaches Hospital, prehab is one of the most effective ways to reduce early pain, support mobility and prepare your body and mind for what’s ahead.

Why Prehab Is So Important

Surgery places stress on the body. Entering it in the best possible condition gives you a valuable head start. Prehab commonly focuses on:

• Strengthening the muscles that will protect the joint after surgery
• Improving mobility where safe and indicated
• Reducing swelling and irritation prior to the operation
• Learning the post-op exercises you’ll begin immediately after surgery
• Building confidence by knowing exactly what to expect
• Improving general conditioning and pain control

Patients who complete prehab typically recover faster, move better and feel more confident in the early weeks post-op.

What Prehab Looks Like

Your physio will tailor your program based on your upcoming procedure. This usually includes:

• Strength and activation work
• Range of motion preparation
• Balance or core training where relevant
• Education on mobility aids, weight-bearing and restrictions
• Planning for the first 2–6 weeks after surgery

You’ll also learn how to position yourself, move safely and manage pain effectively after your operation.

Better Coordination With Your Surgeon

We work closely with many of the orthopaedic surgeons at Northern Beaches Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney Adventist Hospital (The San) and other Sydney hospitals, allowing us to align your prehab plan with your surgeon’s protocol. This improves clarity, reduces conflicting advice and creates a seamless transition from hospital to physiotherapy.

Already Booked In For Surgery?

Starting prehab even 2–4 weeks before your procedure can make a meaningful difference. We see patients for pre-surgery planning at both our Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest clinics and help them enter surgery stronger, calmer and better prepared.

If you have a surgery date coming up, it’s worth booking a prehab session early — it sets the foundation for a faster, more successful recovery.