For health professionalsContact us(08) 6110 0570admin@pdchealthhub.com.au
Physiotherapy

Getting Ready for Surgery: Prehabilitation

Physiotherapy before planned surgery to build strength, practise the exercises and equipment you will need, and plan your recovery.

#40ab4b

About this service

Going into surgery stronger and better prepared makes the first weeks afterwards easier. Prehabilitation is physiotherapy in the weeks before a planned operation, most often joint replacement, knee or shoulder surgery, spinal surgery or abdominal surgery.

Your physiotherapist builds the strength and movement that the operation will demand, teaches you the exercises you will be given afterwards so they are familiar, sorts out crutches or a walking aid in advance, and sets out what the recovery timeline usually looks like. After surgery we follow your surgeon's protocol, so bring any written instructions you have been given.

What is involved

  • A baseline assessment of strength, movement and function, with goals for the weeks before surgery.
  • A strengthening and conditioning programme for the limb or region being operated on.
  • Practice of the post-operative exercises, transfers and walking aids you will use.
  • Practical planning for home, work, driving and help in the first fortnight.
  • A booked follow-up soon after surgery so rehabilitation starts without a gap, guided by your surgeon's protocol.
Getting Ready for Surgery: Prehabilitation
At a glance
Team
Physiotherapy
Session length
60 min initial - 30, 45 or 60 min reviews
Funding
Medicare (GP plan) - Private health - NDIS - DVA - Workers compensation (WorkCover WA)
Telehealth
Available, where your clinician judges it suitable
Referral
No referral needed for private appointments; GP plan and referral for Medicare
Booking
Online, or call (08) 6110 0570

More from this team

Most people use more than one service over time. Every service here works from the same shared plan, so you never have to start your story again.

Explore all services

How it works at PDC

Three steps from your first call to a plan the whole team can see.

1

Book your first visit

Book online or call (08) 6110 0570. If you have a GP referral or care plan, bring it with you or ask your GP to send it to us.

2

Assessment and goals

Your clinician takes a full history, asks what matters most to you and agrees goals you can work towards together.

3

One plan, one team

With your consent, your plan is shared with your GP and with other PDC clinicians you see, so everyone works from the same page.

Common questions

Do I need a referral?
+

Most of our services can be booked without one. You do need a GP referral to claim a Medicare rebate, and a Home Medicines Review or Residential Medication Management Review always starts with a GP referral. NDIS, DVA and workers' compensation claims each have their own paperwork. If you are not sure, call us on (08) 6110 0570 and we will check before you book.

Can I claim a Medicare rebate?
+

If your GP has prepared a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan and referred you to us, Medicare pays a rebate for up to five eligible allied health visits a calendar year, shared across disciplines. Private health cover may also contribute, depending on your policy. We confirm what applies to you when you book.

Can I be seen by telehealth?
+

Many of our services can be delivered by secure video call. Where a service needs a hands-on assessment, such as a foot or physiotherapy examination, we will book you in person at one of our ten clinics.

What should I bring to my first appointment?
+

Your referral or care plan if you have one, a list of your current medicines, any recent test results, and your Medicare, DVA or NDIS details. If you use a glucose meter, CGM or insulin pump, bring that too.

Can someone come with me?
+

Yes. A family member, carer, interpreter or support worker is welcome at any appointment. If you need an interpreter, let us know when you book.

Ready to get started?

Book online in under a minute, or call and our care team will check this is the right place to start.

Or go straight to a service

Phone (08) 6110 0570 · Medicare, NDIS, DVA and private options across our services

For GPs and health professionals

Referring a patient for this service?

Send an online referral in under two minutes. One referral reaches every discipline at PDC Health Hub.