# Can physiotherapy help before or after surgery?

URL: https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-physiotherapy-help-after-surgery
For: Patients | Physiotherapy care | Last updated 19 October 2026

**Answer:** Yes. Before surgery, physiotherapy (sometimes called prehabilitation) can improve strength, understanding and readiness for recovery. For some musculoskeletal problems, structured exercise and education may improve pain and function enough to delay or avoid an operation, though it cannot prevent every operation or repair every structural injury. After surgery, physiotherapy supports safe mobility, breathing, swelling management, range of movement, strength and return to daily activities, following your surgeon's instructions and precautions.

### After surgery

When physiotherapy starts depends on the procedure, stability, wound and your surgeon's instructions; some programmes begin immediately, others need a period of protection first. Care may include:

- Education about precautions and expected recovery
- Getting in and out of bed, transfers and walking, with crutches or a walker if needed
- Breathing exercises and early movement where suitable
- Progressive range-of-movement and strengthening exercises
- A home programme and milestones such as stairs, work or sport

Recovery timelines vary, so progress should follow healing and function rather than time alone. Physiotherapy should never delay surgery or medical care when there is an urgent need. Fever, wound redness or discharge, sudden breathlessness, chest pain or marked calf swelling need urgent review.

## Related questions

- [Can children have physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-children-receive-physiotherapy)
- [Can older adults benefit from physiotherapy?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-older-adults-benefit-from-physiotherapy)
- [Can physiotherapy be combined with medication or injections?](https://tymirahealth.com/resources/faqs/can-physiotherapy-be-combined-with-medication-or-injections)

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