Surgical Preparation & REhabilitation

Support your healing journey with clinical massage therapy that bridges the gap between medical care and functional recovery.

Restore with Confidence

Surgery — especially joint replacements — is a major event physically, emotionally, and logistically. Yet many patients feel under-supported during the healing process. My integrative orthopaedic medical massage therapy program fills this gap, offering customized care to help you prepare your body before surgery and recover more efficiently afterward.

Prepare, Heal and Recover Smarter

This is no ordinary massage — it’s precise, medically informed care built on 24+ years of experience, including my own cervical spinal fusion recovery.

What this program offers

A whole-body, hands-on plan designed to:

  • Prepare muscles, fascia, and circulation before surgery
  • Reduce post-operative pain, swelling, and complications
  • Guide patient early-stage rehab safely and effectively with a home visit
  • Support the emotional and physical demands of recovery
  • Collaborate with your surgeon, physiotherapist, or care team

Close-up of a healed surgical scar on the hip from a hip replacement, post-recovery

Who It’s For

Patients who’ve struggled with past post-op outcomes

Individuals seeking a smoother, faster, better-informed recovery

Patients with planned surgeries:

  • JOINT REPLACEMENTS: hip, knee, shoulder and other joints
  • ORTHOPAEDIC:  tendon/ligament repairs, arthroscopy, spinal decompression/fusion, bunion correction
  • RECONSTRUCTION: elective mastectomy & reconstruction for BRC1 & BRCA2 gene, post-mastectomy with oncology considerations, TRAM/DIEP flaps, scar revision, trauma/congenital fascial surgeries
  • COSMETIC: liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation/reduction, rhinoplasty, facelift/neck lift
  • ABDOMINAL: appendectomy, bariatric, colon resection, hernia
  • DENTAL:  orthognathic (jaw realignment)
SURGICAL TESTIMONIALS

Joint Replacement

REHAB PROTOCOL PLAN

Joint replacement is a major procedure, and having a recovery plan in place beforehand helps your body prepare and promotes a smoother, more successful rehabilitation.

Initial Assessment & First Treatment

Ideally 6 Months Pre-Surgery

  • Full history review, orthopaedic and postural assessments to identify risk factors
  • First treatment to explore the assessment findings
  • Home care recommendations to support pre-op readiness

Pre-Surgical Sessions

4–6 Weekly Appointments

  • Targeted myofascial release with other adjunct modalities to improve circulation and mobility
  • Focused soft tissue preparation to reduce risk of post-op complications and speed recovery
  • Final session 7–10 days before surgery
Stacked wooden blocks labeled Goal, Plan, and Action representing strategic joint replacement rehab planning

Home Visit

Day 5 Post-Op

  • How is the home recovery going so far?
  • Personalized review of surgeon-assigned home rehab exercises with form corrections if necessary
  • Safe exercise guidance, posture tips, and comfort strategies
  • Gentle massage techniques to reduce swelling and promote mobility

Post-Surgical Office Visits

3-4 Appointments

  • Progressive, orthopaedic test based treatment
  • Swelling and scar tissue management
  • Gait, balance, and compensation correction
  • Final discharge once recovery goals are met (typically 12–14 weeks post-op if not sooner)
  • Discharge paperwork will guide your allied health care team.

**OTHER SURGERies**

REHAB PROTOCOL PLANs

These same Surgical Preparation & Recovery Protocols can also support a variety of other elective or planned surgeries.

When procedures are scheduled in advance—whether cosmetic, reconstructive, orthopaedic, or abdominal—there’s a valuable opportunity to condition your body ahead of time. This targeted preparation can lead to improved surgical outcomes, faster healing, and reduced post-operative complications.

Each plan is tailored to the individual, their medical history, and the specific procedure involved. While the overall structure may resemble the joint replacement timeline, it is always adapted to reflect the unique demands and recovery considerations of the planned surgery.

What You Can Expect

  • Faster healing and mobility improvements
  • Fewer complications or setbacks
  • Greater confidence and comfort post-surgery
  • Better alignment with your physiotherapy plan
  • Patients often exceed expectations at their 6-week check-ups

“My PT was shocked — I was ahead of schedule and needed fewer sessions than expected. This program was a game-changer.”

Smiling older man dancing confidently at home after successful post-surgical rehabilitation

This is no Ordinary Massage

Your surgery Plan, Your Way

Customized care with transparent options. Clients experience:

  • 4–6 pre-surgical sessions
  • 1 in-home post-operative visit
  • 4–5 post-surgical recovery sessions
  • Discounted prepaid package pricing is available or pay-as-you-go at regular rates.
  • Sessions are billed as therapeutic massage and may be reimbursable under extended benefits.

Results that last

This protocol isn’t about just getting through surgery — it’s about helping you return to your life with confidence, strength, and function. You’ll receive tailored care, guided rehab, and expert insight at every step.

When should I start?

Ideally a first visit 6 months before surgery to assess your starting point, strength recommendations and plan your pre-surgical prep appointments. Functional prep appointments usually begin 5–7 weeks before your expected procedure date.

Can I start later?

Yes. Even 2–4 weeks of preparation can improve post-op outcomes however planning ahead will ensure a signficantly better outcome.  Contact me immediately to find out about availability — while I often have a waitlist, sometimes there are cancellations.

Do I have to continue indefinitely?

No. Most clients are discharged by me around 12–14 weeks post-op and return to their regular RMT or PT for periodic maintenance through their first year of healing.  Discharge notes are provided to assist with selfcare and allied health care maintenance strategies.

What if my surgery is postponed?

That’s fine — the work still holds. A single refresher session a week before your surgery date is usually enough to get back on track.

Are there any discount rates available?
Yes — once you have had your first assessment & treatment we will have a better idea of what will be needed for your best outcome.  At that time a discounted package price will be available to you, payable when you start your first pre-op treatment or you can pay as you go at regular rates.

Is this covered by insurance?

Treatments are billed as “Massage Therapy” and may be covered if your plan includes massage benefits.  Some insurance companies require a doctor’s prescription for massage so be sure to inquire with your provider in advance so you are ready to go when it is time.

Do you direct bill to insurance PROVIDERS?
Yes, I can direct bill to your insurance company for pay-as-you-go treatment plans only.

HOW TO BECOME (OR REFER) A PATIENT

My caseload is intentionally limited to ensure quality outcomes and lasting results. There may be a wait list for New Client Surgical Preparation & Rehabilitation Cases.

Ready to prepare with purpose and recover with support?

Let’s create your customized surgical recovery plan.

CONTACT ME