Before & After Surgery

Surgery has two sides. Getting ready beforehand and being guided afterward both take the right kind of care. We do both.

Most people think about physiotherapy once surgery is behind them

But what happens before it can matter just as much.

Surgery can be scary, especially when you don't know what's ahead. Our team does. They can help you prepare and get through it, together.

Up to 29%

Up to 29%

Sooner return to day-to-day life, with rehab before surgery

Sooner return to day-to-day life, with rehab before surgery

50%

50%

Fewer setbacks when care starts before surgery, not after

Fewer setbacks when care starts before surgery, not after

80%+

80%+

Positive outcomes, in strength and mobility post sugery

Positive outcomes, in strength and mobility post sugery

Physiotherapist examining a client’s knee in a treatment room

One team before and after

One team before and after

The same team that gets you ready can also guide you through recovery. Multiple disciplines working together, all under one roof, means you can live fully on the other side of surgery.

The same team that gets you ready can also guide you through recovery. Multiple disciplines working together, all under one roof, means you can live fully on the other side of surgery.

This is for you if...

This is for you if...

You have a procedure scheduled and want to go into it as strong and prepared as you can be

You have a procedure scheduled and want to go into it as strong and prepared as you can be

You're newly out of surgery and need hands-on care to manage swelling, protect the area, and start moving safely

You're newly out of surgery and need hands-on care to manage swelling, protect the area, and start moving safely

Weeks or months later, movement still feels stiff, guarded, or not quite right

Weeks or months later, movement still feels stiff, guarded, or not quite right

You want to build strength and confidence, not just get through the basics

You want to build strength and confidence, not just get through the basics

Care that carries you through

What helps most can shift as you go. We have multiple services to give you what you need when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Still not sure where to go? Our full FAQ covers booking, billing, and what to expect across every service. Or reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.

Still not sure where to go? Our full FAQ covers booking, billing, and what to expect across every service. Or reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.

How soon after surgery can I start physiotherapy?

Often within days, depending on your surgeon's protocol. Early, guided movement matters — it helps manage swelling, prevents stiffness, and gets you moving safely much sooner than waiting it out on your own.

What does physiotherapy after surgery actually involve?

It depends on the procedure and your surgeon's protocol, but the shape is usually similar: early sessions focus on protecting the area and easing back basic movement, then we build strength and function step by step from there — always working within whatever restrictions your surgeon has set, not around them.

Do I need a referral to start physiotherapy after surgery?

No — in BC you can access physiotherapy directly. That said, we coordinate closely with your surgeon's specific protocol, restrictions, and timeline. If you're claiming visits through extended health benefits, it's worth checking whether your policy requires a referral for reimbursement.

How does physio help prevent long-term stiffness?

Once your incision is fully closed and your surgeon has cleared you (typically two to three weeks post-op) we start gentle scar tissue mobilization alongside swelling management and progressive stretching. The goal is keeping new tissue flexible so it doesn't restrict your motion later.

What People Say

We work with your coverage

We work with your coverage

Paperwork shouldn’t be the hard part of getting help. We direct bill many extended health plans and work with ICBC and MSP, so there’s less for you to sort out before your first visit.

Paperwork shouldn’t be the hard part of getting help. We direct bill many extended health plans and work with ICBC and MSP, so there’s less for you to sort out before your first visit.

FIND A CLINIC

Kitsilano

3303 West 4th Ave, Vancouver BC, V6R 1N6

UBC Wesbrook Village

#6-5958 Webber Lane (Second Floor) Vancouver, BC V6S 0J9

Join the PhysioWorks Community

Be the first to hear about wellness tips, clinic news, workshops, and resources to help you stay active.

Grateful to live, work, and play on the unceded Coast Salish territory of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.

FIND A CLINIC

Kitsilano

3303 West 4th Ave, Vancouver BC, V6R 1N6

UBC Wesbrook Village

#6-5958 Webber Lane (Second Floor) Vancouver, BC V6S 0J9

Join the PhysioWorks Community

Be the first to hear about wellness tips, clinic news, workshops, and resources to help you stay active.

Grateful to live, work, and play on the unceded Coast Salish territory of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.

FIND A CLINIC

Kitsilano

3303 West 4th Ave, Vancouver BC, V6R 1N6

UBC Wesbrook Village

#6-5958 Webber Lane (Second Floor) Vancouver, BC V6S 0J9

Join the PhysioWorks Community

Be the first to hear about wellness tips, clinic news, workshops, and resources to help you stay active.

Grateful to live, work, and play on the unceded Coast Salish territory of the sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.