Winnipeg Pre- and Post-Operative Care

What is pre- and post-op care?

Surgical procedures can be hard on your body and including pre-operative therapy before your operation, and post-operative therapy after your operation should be considered to help you with a smooth recovery.*

Pre-Operative Therapy

Before an operation different forms of therapy can be used to prepare you for your upcoming surgery. Managing pre-existing medical conditions and preparing the body for surgery minimizes the risks of complications and strengthens muscles to facilitate a speedy recovery. Such therapies might include a combination of physiotherapy, chiropractic care and psychological services to prepare you mentally as well as physically for an operation.

Post-Operative Therapy

Therapy may also be important after a surgical procedure to rehabilitate the body. Post-operative therapy promotes healing, manages pain, and minimizes complications. Therapy after an operation can manage pain while providing an opportunity for regular assessment of the body and its recovery. More specifically, physical therapy post-op is often recommended to help you regain mobility, strength, and function of the affected area. 

Why do people seek Pre-  & Post-op therapy before and after surgery?

Pre and post-op care is a critical part of treatment. It optimizes surgical outcomes by reducing risks of complications and facilitating recovery. Ensuring care before and after a surgical procedure can minimize the risks associated with surgery and it can help manage pain and promote healing. Overall, many seek pre- and post-op care to improve their quality of life and to have a smoother recovery process.

It's important for individuals undergoing surgery to follow the recommendations of their healthcare providers for both pre- and post-operative care to ensure a successful recovery.

What are the benefits of pre/post op surgery care?

Benefits of Pre-Operative Therapy

  1. Better physical health - Taking the time to plan pre-operative care before you undergo a surgery can improve physical health. This helps you manage your chronic conditions, improve nutrition, and addresses any issues that could potentially impact your upcoming surgery. 

  2. Psychological preparation - The process of preparing for surgery can be a stressful time, pre-operative therapy can help individuals mentally prepare for their procedure as it provides an opportunity to discuss fears, concerns and expectations to help reduce anxieties. Do not underestimate the value of this aspect of pre-operative care as this mental preparation can reflect back on your physical performance throughout the process. 

  3. Risk reduction - Surgeries can come with various risks. Pre-operative therapy can address these potential risks before surgery to reduce the likelihood of complications before, during, and after the procedure.

  4. Educational support - Seek pre-op care to help to support your physician’s and surgeon’s advice. Information about the process, potential outcomes and expectations of post-op care will better equip you throughout the process and empower you in your recovery. 

  5. Lifestyle modifications - Going into a surgical procedure with good overall health facilitates a smoother recovery. Pre-op care can help give you the tools you need to adjust your lifestyle.  

Benefits of Post-Operative Therapy

  1. Pain management - Post-op care and therapy helps you manage pain and discomfort so the recovery period is as comfortable as possible. 

  2. Faster recovery - Therapeutic care such as physiotherapy can speed up the recovery process by promoting mobility, building strength, and mending functionality. This is especially true if you are undergoing orthopedic surgery. 

  3. Emotional support - Psychological services are sometimes overlooked in post-operative care. Coping with pain, changes in body image, and other personal concerns as a result of surgery are important to pay attention to and address as a part of your post-op care. 

  4. Monitoring for complications - Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals ensures that the body is healing and that there are no complications. Early detection and intervention prevents escalation of issues. 

  5. Improving quality of life - Just like with pre-op care, post-op surgical therapy’s goal is to enhance your overall quality of life. Support after the surgery ensures your lifestyle doesn’t have to be turned upside down because of pain, limited mobility, and other physical and psychological challenges. 

  6. Rehabilitation - After a surgical procedure rehabilitation may need to be included as a part of post-op care. Post-op rehabilitation from surgery is aimed at improving mobility, strength, and functionality. This is particularly important if you are recovering from joint replacements, a neurological procedure, or from a surgery involving the musculoskeletal structures. 

Seek therapy before and after surgery to get a holistic approach to healthcare. Pre- and post-op therapy and care can address physical and psychological aspects, and it can smooth the transition before and after surgery. 

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors' like Dr. Gerald Tole have as their primary focus the musculoskeletal system and the spine, providing non-invasive treatments for conditions related to the joints, muscles, and nerves. Chiropractors may be involved in pre- and post-operative care in order to manage pain in the spine or joints and to aid in rehabilitation after surgeries involving the spine or musculoskeletal system. They may also participate in improving functionality including mobility and joint function. 

Physiotherapy 

Physiotherapy is commonly used before and after surgery as pre- and post-operative care. Physiotherapists like Carrie Cole, BMR PT can assess your current physical condition, identify your needs and create a customized plan to prepare you for surgery and facilitate your rehabilitation afterwards. Physiotherapists work with you, educating you about your upcoming procedure and what kinds of things may be involved in the recovery process. They help with pre- and post-op muscle strengthening and pain management. 

The physiotherapy care plan might include rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and function, including a plan to improve joint mobility to prevent stiffness and bring function back to your joints. Functionality is a key consideration and monitoring your progress is important to address new challenges and complications that may arise throughout the process.* 

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may be used to treat discomfort to reduce your stress and relax muscles before and after surgery. It can be used as a way to address joint mobility, circulation, pain, swelling, and scar tissue.*  

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is sometimes used as a complementary therapy for pre- and post-op care to manage stress, pain, inflammation, swelling, and to promote healing.* 

Psychological Service

Mental health should not be forgotten when considering therapies for pre- and post-operative care. It can be quite difficult to manage your own mental health amongst all of the stress of a physical injury or impending surgery. Seeking professional psychological services can help you prepare for your operation, manage your anxiety and stress, receive help to cope with changes, address trauma, and receive support while adapting to lifestyle changes.*

To see what a psychologist can do to help you with your specific pre and post-op concerns, reach out to Dr. Sarah Chaulk.

WCB Work Related Injuries

If your surgery is the result of a workplace injury, check with the WCB to ensure your pre or post-op care and therapy is covered.*

*IMPORTANT - It is important to consult with your primary care physician and/or surgeon to determine if and what pre- and post-operative therapies would be beneficial to your specific needs.