POST SURGERY RECOVERY.
Get the best rehabilitation after surgery with an Exercise Physiologist.
Exercise Physiology and Post Surgery Recovery
Recovering from surgery isn’t just about rest, it’s about rebuilding. Whether you’ve had a knee replacement, hip surgery, shoulder reconstruction, or spinal procedure, working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can make a huge difference in your recovery.
At JY Exercise Physiology, I specialise in post-surgery rehabilitation by creating safe, effective, and personalised exercise programs. These are designed to help you regain your strength, mobility, confidence, and independence.
I explain how exercise physiology helps after surgery, the benefits of getting started early, and why our clients across Brisbane and surrounds trust us with their recovery.
What Is Exercise Physiology ?
Exercise physiology is a science-based health profession that uses targeted exercise interventions to help people recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, and improve physical function after surgery.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) has specialised university training and is recognised by Medicare, WorkCover, DVA, NDIS, and private health insurers. Unlike personal trainers, exercise physiologists are trained to work with complex health conditions and post-operative rehabilitation needs.
At JY Exercise Physiology, I don’t just focus on your injured area, I help you build resilience and long-term strength.
Surgeries We Commonly Support in Recovery
I’ve worked with clients recovering from a wide range of procedures, including:
Knee replacements (total and partial)
Hip replacements
Shoulder surgery (rotator cuff repair, reconstructions)
Spinal surgery (discectomy, laminectomy, fusion)
ACL repair and meniscus surgery
Arthroscopies and joint debridements
Tendon repairs (Achilles, biceps, hamstring, etc.)
Each type of surgery brings its own challenges. My job is to guide you through a safe and progressive recovery, customised to your condition, lifestyle, and goals.
How Exercise Physiology Supports Your Post-Surgery Recovery
1. Regain Strength and Muscle Function
After surgery, muscles around the affected area often weaken due to disuse, swelling, or pain. Exercise physiology helps you:
Rebuild lost muscle strength
Improve joint stability and function
Regain the ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, lifting, and reaching
Progressive resistance exercises, tailored to your stage of recovery, can significantly reduce your time on the sidelines.
2. Improve Mobility and Joint Range
Surgery can leave joints stiff and restricted. Without proper movement, this can become a long-term issue. We use controlled mobility exercises to:
Improve joint range of motion
Reduce stiffness
Support optimal healing of soft tissue and surgical repairs
Mobility work is especially important after knee replacements, shoulder surgery, and spinal operations, where restoring full range of motion is key to long-term success.
3. Reduce Pain and Swelling
It might sound counterintuitive, but gentle movement reduces pain. When done correctly, exercise increases circulation, supports lymphatic drainage, and reduces swelling, all of which promote healing and pain relief.
Your AEP will guide you through exercises that are safe, pain-conscious, and adjusted based on your tolerance and stage of healing.
4. Prevent Re-injury and Setbacks
We don’t just get you moving, we teach you how to move safely. Many post-operative complications come from pushing too hard too soon, or from poor technique.
An experienced AEP ensures that every exercise you do:
Is appropriate for your recovery stage
Promotes good movement patterns
Avoids overloading the healing site
Reduces your risk of falls or re-injury
5. Rebuild Confidence and Independence
It’s common to feel unsure or fearful after surgery. “ Can I walk without pain ? ” “ Will I ever get back to doing the things I love ? ”
Working with an exercise physiologist helps you:
Regain confidence in your body
Rebuild independence in daily activities
Work towards your personal goals, whether that’s getting back to gardening, hiking, work, or sport
We move at your pace, with your goals in mind.
6. Support Your Full Body Health
Recovery doesn’t stop at the surgical site. A good post-surgery program also focuses on:
Cardiovascular fitness (to reduce fatigue and improve heart health)
Balance and coordination (to reduce falls risk)
Core and postural strength (especially after back or shoulder surgery)
Mental wellbeing (as exercise supports mood, sleep, and energy)
This whole-body approach helps you return not just to movement, but to quality of life.
When Should You Start Post-Surgery Rehab ?
The answer: AS EARLY as your doctor or surgeon recommends.
In many cases, I begin working with clients within a few days or weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure and surgeon’s guidelines. In other cases, we start with pre-habilitation, where we help you get stronger and healthier before surgery to improve recovery outcomes.
Starting early helps:
Reduce post-operative complications
Maintain muscle tone
Improve circulation
Boost recovery confidence
If you're unsure when to start, we're happy to speak with your medical team and coordinate the best plan for you.
Why Choose JY Exercise Physiology ?
At JY Exercise Physiology, i’m proud to support individuals across all stages of surgical recovery. We take a caring, evidence-based approach that puts your comfort, safety, and goals first.
Here's what sets us apart:
✅ 1:1 Personalised assessments and programs
✅ Ongoing progress tracking and adjustment
✅ Home visit options available for those less mobile
✅ Support for DVA Holders, WorkCover QLD, Medicare plans, and Private health rebates
✅ Warm, supportive environment with a focus on long-term outcomes
I see clients in-clinic and in-home, depending on your needs and mobility.
Let Get The Best Rehabilitation
Whether you’ve just had surgery or you’re preparing for one, working with an exercise physiologist can significantly improve your recovery, health, and quality of life.
JY Exercise Physiology is here to help you move better, live stronger, and recover with confidence.
Located in Upper Mount Gravatt and speak with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist now to discuss how I can facilitate your needs.
Feel free to explore our other blogs to learn more and gain additional insights.
Call +61 421 967 711
