How an Exercise Physiologist Can Help You Recover from Surgery
Recovering from surgery doesn’t end once you leave the hospital. A proper recovery plan is essential to regain strength, movement, and confidence. Whether it's after joint replacement, abdominal surgery, or a sports injury procedure, how you move post-surgery can make a big difference in your healing process.
This is where exercise physiologists play an important role. These professionals are trained to create safe, personalised exercise plans that support recovery, improve function, and help prevent future issues. With the right support and a structured approach, you can return to your daily routine faster and with less discomfort.
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An exercise physiologist is a university-qualified health professional who specialises in designing safe and effective movement programs for people recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic health conditions. Their focus is on improving strength, mobility, and overall function through structured, evidence-based exercise.
Unlike physiotherapists, who often focus on hands-on treatment and early injury care, exercise physiologists step in to guide the longer-term recovery process using exercise as therapy. They also differ from personal trainers, as their training is medically based and includes working with people who have complex health needs or physical Activity.
Their expertise lies in clinical exercise interventions, which means every plan they create is tailored not just to fitness goals, but also to medical history and recovery needs. This makes them an essential part of many post-surgical rehabilitation teams.
The Importance of Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
● Post-surgery rehabilitation is a key part of healing that helps the body regain normal movement and strength after an operation.
● It involves more than just resting, structured exercises support the recovery process by gently rebuilding muscle, improving joint movement, and increasing flexibility.
● These exercises are introduced gradually and tailored to the individual, ensuring that recovery happens safely and at the right pace.
● Targeted movement encourages better blood flow, reduces swelling, and helps prevent common post-surgery issues like stiffness, scar tissue build-up, or poor posture.
● Delaying or avoiding rehabilitation can lead to slower healing, muscle weakness, and reduced mobility, which may affect your ability to return to normal activities.
● Early and consistent rehab often means less pain, faster recovery, and fewer long-term problems.
● With support from a trained exercise physiologist, you get a recovery plan based on your surgery type, health condition, and personal goals—making your rehab more effective and more comfortable.
How an Exercise Physiologist Supports Recovery?
● Creates personalised plans based on your type of surgery, current fitness level, and overall health needs—no one-size-fits-all approach.
● Develops safe and effective exercises that support healing, improve mobility, and reduce risk of re-injury.
● Monitors your progress closely during each phase of recovery and makes necessary adjustments as your strength and movement improve.
● Focuses on pain management by using specific movements to ease discomfort, lower inflammation, and improve circulation.
● Helps reduce stiffness by including gentle mobility and stretching exercises in your routine.
● Encourages safe movement, which helps rebuild confidence and reduces the fear of reinjury.
● Supports long-term recovery by promoting healthy habits and gradual return to daily activities and exercise.
Prehabilitation: Preparing Before Surgery
Prehabilitation, or “prehab,” refers to the exercises and movement strategies done before surgery to help prepare your body for the procedure. By focusing on building strength, improving flexibility, and maintaining joint mobility ahead of time, prehabilitation can lead to better outcomes after surgery. It’s a proactive approach that gives your body a stronger foundation to work from, which often means faster recovery, fewer complications, and a smoother return to everyday activities. Working with an exercise physiologist before surgery ensures that your plan is tailored to your needs and supports both your current health and future recovery.
What to Expect During a Recovery Program?
A recovery program with an exercise physiologist is designed to be gradual, safe, and tailored to your specific needs. In a typical session, you’ll begin with gentle movements to warm up and assess how your body is responding post-surgery. Depending on the type of surgery—whether it’s a joint replacement, abdominal procedure, or spinal operation—you may be guided through targeted exercises to improve mobility, rebuild strength, and restore function.
For example, after a knee replacement, the focus might be on leg strength and joint flexibility, while spinal recovery may involve core stability and posture work. Your physiologist will track your progress and adjust the plan as needed, ensuring you move forward at a pace that’s comfortable and safe for your body.
When to Search for Help
If you're struggling with pain, limited movement, or difficulty returning to daily activities after surgery, it might be time to search for an exercise physiologist near you. An exercise physiologist can help guide your recovery, providing specialised exercises to improve strength, mobility, and overall function. It’s important to seek support early in your recovery process, as starting post-surgical exercise therapy too late can slow down healing or lead to complications. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to consult with a professional early to ensure you’re on the right path to full recovery.
Conclusion
Exercise physiology plays a vital role in ensuring a safe and effective recovery after surgery. With tailored exercise plans, an exercise physiologist helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility, making the recovery process smoother and quicker. Professional guidance is key to preventing setbacks and enhancing long-term outcomes.
If you’re recovering from surgery and want to rebuild safely, consider booking a consultation with a certified exercise physiologist at Movement Therapy. Our support can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
