Helping You Prepare for Surgery and Recover with Confidence

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:

"Once I have surgery, everything will be fixed."

Surgery can be an important part of treatment for some conditions, but it's only one step in the recovery journey.

How well you prepare before surgery and how you rehabilitate after surgery often plays a significant role in your overall recovery, movement and long-term function.

At Spine Chiropractic Melrose Park, I work with people before and after orthopaedic and spinal surgery to help them move with confidence, rebuild strength and safely return to everyday activities.

Whether you're preparing for a joint replacement, recovering from spinal surgery or returning to sport after an operation, my goal is to support your rehabilitation every step of the way.

What Is Prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation, often called "prehab," is rehabilitation performed before surgery.

Research has shown that improving strength, mobility and fitness before surgery may help improve recovery afterwards.

Think of it like training for a marathon.

You wouldn't wait until race day to start exercising.

Preparing your body before surgery can often make rehabilitation afterwards easier.

Benefits of Prehabilitation

Depending on your condition, prehabilitation may help:

  • Improve strength

  • Improve mobility

  • Optimise balance

  • Improve walking ability

  • Improve confidence

  • Reduce stiffness

  • Prepare for crutch or walking aid use

  • Improve cardiovascular fitness

  • Educate patients about recovery expectations

Every programme is individualised according to your surgery and goals.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Surgery is designed to address a specific problem.

Rehabilitation helps you regain:

  • Movement

  • Strength

  • Confidence

  • Balance

  • Function

  • Endurance

  • Independence

Without rehabilitation, many people continue to compensate with poor movement patterns long after surgery has healed.

My goal is to help your body move efficiently again.

Conditions We Commonly Assist With

Rehabilitation may be appropriate following:

Spine Surgery

  • Lumbar discectomy

  • Lumbar decompression

  • Cervical surgery

  • Spinal fusion

  • Disc replacement

Joint Replacement

  • Total knee replacement

  • Total hip replacement

  • Shoulder replacement

Sports Surgery

  • ACL reconstruction

  • Meniscus surgery

  • Rotator cuff repair

  • Shoulder stabilisation

  • Achilles tendon repair

Other Orthopaedic Procedures

  • Wrist surgery

  • Elbow surgery

  • Ankle surgery

  • Foot surgery

Every rehabilitation programme is tailored to your surgeon's recommendations and stage of healing.

Our Comprehensive Assessment

Every rehabilitation programme begins with understanding where you are in your recovery.

Your assessment may include:

  • Medical history

  • Surgical history

  • Review of specialist recommendations

  • Pain assessment

  • Functional assessment

  • Walking assessment

  • Balance testing

  • Muscle strength testing

  • Joint mobility assessment

  • Postural assessment

  • Movement analysis

If required, we'll communicate with your GP, surgeon or physiotherapist to ensure your rehabilitation complements your medical care.

Evidence-Based Rehabilitation

Depending on your stage of recovery, treatment may include:

  • Chiropractic care where clinically appropriate

  • Gentle joint mobilisation

  • Soft tissue therapy

  • Mobility exercises

  • Strengthening programmes

  • Core stability

  • Balance retraining

  • Walking retraining

  • Functional rehabilitation

  • Return-to-work programmes

  • Return-to-sport programmes

Every exercise programme is progressed gradually and safely.

Returning to Everyday Life

Successful rehabilitation isn't measured by how quickly you leave the clinic.

It's measured by getting back to the activities that matter to you.

That might mean:

  • Walking comfortably again

  • Playing with your children

  • Returning to work

  • Gardening

  • Travelling

  • Going back to the gym

  • Returning to sport

Your goals become our goals.

From Dr Nasim

This area of practice is especially meaningful to me because I've experienced spinal surgery myself.

I understand what it's like to feel uncertain before an operation and what it takes to rebuild confidence afterwards.

One of the biggest lessons I learned—both personally and professionally—is that recovery isn't just about healing tissues. It's about rebuilding trust in your body.

Some people become afraid to bend, lift or exercise after surgery because they're worried they'll cause damage.

Part of my role is helping you understand what's safe, guiding you through progressive rehabilitation and giving you the confidence to move again.

Every recovery journey is different, and that's why I take the time to create a programme that's tailored to you—not just your operation.

Why Exercise Is So Important

Hands-on treatment can be helpful, but long-term recovery depends on movement.

Your rehabilitation programme may focus on:

  • Strength

  • Flexibility

  • Mobility

  • Core stability

  • Balance

  • Endurance

  • Functional movement

  • Sport-specific training

The aim is not simply to recover—but to return to life stronger and more confident.

Home Advice

Recovery doesn't stop when you leave the clinic.

We'll provide guidance on:

  • Walking progression

  • Home exercises

  • Lifting techniques

  • Sleeping positions

  • Returning to work

  • Returning to driving

  • Exercise progression

  • Lifestyle modifications

Every recommendation is based on your stage of healing and your surgeon's advice.

When Should You Contact Your Surgeon or GP?

Seek medical advice immediately if you experience:

  • Increasing wound redness or discharge

  • Fever

  • Severe swelling

  • Increasing weakness

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

  • Sudden severe pain

  • Calf pain with swelling

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pain

These symptoms require urgent medical assessment.

Myth vs Fact

❌ Myth

Once surgery is over, recovery just happens naturally.

✅ Fact

Surgery addresses a structural problem, but rehabilitation is often essential for restoring strength, movement, balance and confidence. A structured rehabilitation programme can play a vital role in helping you return to everyday activities safely.

Did You Know?

Research suggests that people who enter surgery with better strength, mobility and physical conditioning often recover more efficiently than those who are inactive beforehand. Similarly, progressive rehabilitation after surgery is associated with improved function and a safer return to daily activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a chiropractor after surgery?

In many cases, yes. The timing and type of treatment depend on your surgery, healing stage and your surgeon's recommendations. Treatment is always modified to suit your individual circumstances.

How soon should rehabilitation begin?

This depends on the procedure. Some rehabilitation begins within days of surgery, while other programmes require a period of healing first. We'll work within your surgeon's guidelines.

Can you help if I've had surgery years ago?

Absolutely. Many people continue to experience stiffness, weakness or movement limitations long after surgery. Rehabilitation may still help improve function and confidence.

Will you communicate with my surgeon or GP?

Yes. With your consent, we're happy to collaborate with your surgeon, GP or physiotherapist to ensure your rehabilitation plan supports your overall recovery.

What if I want to avoid surgery?

Not everyone requires surgery. If you're exploring conservative treatment options, we'll perform a comprehensive assessment and discuss whether chiropractic care and rehabilitation may be appropriate or whether referral for further medical assessment is recommended.

Why Choose Spine Chiropractic Melrose Park?

Recovery is about more than healing—it's about getting your life back.

Dr Nasim Vesalpour has over 16 years of experience helping patients recover from spinal and orthopaedic conditions. Having personally undergone lumbar disc surgery, she understands the physical and emotional challenges of rehabilitation and combines clinical experience with an evidence-based approach to guide each patient's recovery.

Our approach includes:

✔ Evidence-based rehabilitation

✔ Individualised prehabilitation programmes

✔ Post-surgical rehabilitation

✔ Diversified & Activator Methods® where appropriate

✔ Progressive exercise prescription

✔ Functional movement retraining

✔ Sports rehabilitation

✔ Collaboration with GPs, surgeons, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals

✔ English & Farsi consultations

Related Conditions

You may also be interested in:

  • Herniated Disc & Disc Bulge

  • Lower Back Pain

  • Neck Pain

  • Sports Injuries

  • Knee Pain

  • Frozen Shoulder

  • Joint Pain

Book an Appointment

Preparing for surgery or recovering afterwards can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone.

Whether you're planning an operation or looking to regain strength and confidence after surgery, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Book an appointment with Dr Nasim Vesalpour at Spine Chiropractic Melrose Park for a comprehensive assessment and a personalised evidence-based rehabilitation programme designed around your surgery, your goals and your recovery.