Surgery Assessment & Rehabilitation
Preparing your body before surgery and rebuilding it afterwards. Our rehabilitation programs help you recover faster and return to full function.
Surgery is sometimes the right path, but the work you do before and after the procedure has a major impact on how well you recover. Patients who enter surgery stronger and better prepared consistently recover faster and achieve better outcomes.
We work alongside surgeons to provide pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery rehabilitation for a wide range of foot and ankle procedures. Whether you are heading into surgery or recovering from one, our goal is to help you reach your best possible result.
Pre-Surgery Rehabilitation
The period before surgery is an opportunity to improve your starting position. Activation and strengthening work done in the weeks before a procedure can reduce recovery time and improve your post-surgical outcomes.
Why Pre-Surgery Rehab Matters
Research consistently shows that patients who are stronger and more mobile before surgery recover faster afterwards. Pre-surgery rehabilitation, sometimes called prehabilitation, builds a foundation that your body can draw on during recovery.
Activation and Strengthening
We prescribe targeted exercises to activate and strengthen the muscles around the surgical site. This helps maintain muscle function leading into the procedure and gives you a head start on the rehabilitation that follows.
Education and Planning
We walk you through what to expect before, during and after surgery so there are no surprises. Understanding the recovery timeline, milestones and what you can do at each stage reduces anxiety and helps you stay on track.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
After surgery, the goal is to restore function progressively and safely. We work within your surgeon's protocols while pushing your recovery forward at an appropriate pace.
Early Recovery Phase
In the early stages after surgery, we focus on managing swelling, maintaining joint mobility within safe limits, and beginning gentle activation exercises. This phase sets the tone for the rest of your recovery.
Progressive Loading
As healing progresses, we gradually increase the demands on the surgical site. Strengthening exercises, balance work and functional movements are introduced step by step based on your surgeon's guidelines and your body's response.
Return to Full Function
The final phase of rehabilitation focuses on returning you to your pre-surgery activity level or beyond. We set clear benchmarks for strength, mobility and function, and work with you until you meet or exceed them.
Procedures We Support
We provide pre and post surgical rehabilitation for a wide range of foot, ankle and lower limb procedures. Our team is experienced in the specific recovery requirements of each surgery type.
Forefoot Surgery
Bunion correction, hammertoe surgery, Morton's neurotomy and metatarsal procedures. These surgeries affect the mechanics of push-off and weight distribution, and targeted rehabilitation is essential for a good outcome.
Midfoot and Hindfoot Surgery
Lisfranc and midfoot operations, ankle replacement, ankle fusion and fracture fixation of the fibula and tibia. These are significant procedures that require careful, staged rehabilitation to restore stability and strength.
Tendon Surgery
Achilles tendon repair, tibialis posterior tendon reconstruction and plantar fascial surgery. Tendon procedures require a specific loading protocol to allow the tendon to heal while gradually building its capacity to handle force again.
Fracture Management
Stress fractures, acute fractures and metatarsal fractures that require surgical fixation. Post-surgical rehabilitation focuses on bone healing, restoring range of motion and rebuilding the strength lost during immobilisation.
Ligament Repair
Ankle ligament reconstruction and repair procedures. Rehabilitation addresses stability, proprioception and strength to reduce the risk of re-injury once you return to full activity.
Do You Need Surgery?
Not every condition requires surgery. In many cases, conservative treatment can resolve the problem or manage it effectively without an operation. We can help you understand your options.
Conservative Treatment First
We always explore non-surgical options first, including strengthening programs, orthotics, footwear modifications and load management. Many conditions that seem surgical respond well to a structured conservative approach.
When Surgery Is the Right Option
Surgery may be appropriate when conservative treatment has been given a fair trial and symptoms persist, or when the structural problem is beyond what conservative methods can address. We work with your surgeon to ensure the timing and approach are right.
Why Choose MSP?
We combine clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach to get you back on your feet.
Book Your AppointmentSports-Focused
Decades of combined experience treating foot, ankle, and movement concerns.
Evidence-Based Plan
Every plan is guided by proven research and tailored to your lifestyle.
Preventive Approach
We focus on identifying risks early to keep you moving comfortably.
Convenient Clinic Locations
Easily accessible clinics in Brighton, Richmond, and South Melbourne.
Collaborative Care
We work with your GP, physio, or coach for consistent recovery support.
Easy HICAPS Claims
Simple, instant health-fund claiming at every appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Clinics
Three convenient locations across Melbourne. Choose the clinic closest to you.
Call: 1300 332 201
