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Preparing for a Smooth Recovery After Surgery.
- evddawix
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Surgery is a big step—but recovery is where the real work begins. Whether you’re preparing for a joint replacement, a rotator cuff repair, or another orthopaedic procedure, setting yourself up with the right tools and support can make a huge difference in how smoothly your recovery goes.
At Royal City Physio, we believe in taking an active role in your recovery. That includes preparing before your surgery, so you can return to the activities you love as efficiently and safely as possible. Here's what to consider to get your home and support system ready.
The Right Equipment for a Safe Start
Mobility often looks a little different right after surgery, and it’s important to have the right tools on hand to keep you moving safely. Depending on your procedure and your current level of function, you may benefit from using a gait aid such as a:
Crutches – Great for younger or more mobile clients who need to stay off one leg for a short time
Knee Scooter – A good choice after a foot or ankle injury. This mobility device that allows you to rest your injured leg on a padded platform while using your other leg to push yourself around.
Walker – Often used after lower body surgeries like hip or knee replacements for more stable early mobility
Cane – A helpful step-down from a walker or crutches as you regain strength and balance
In addition to walking aids, consider some home safety equipment, especially in high-risk areas like the bathroom. Raised toilet seats and grab bars can reduce strain and prevent slips or falls. A shower chair may also be useful if standing for long periods is difficult. Other tools like reachers, sock aids, or long-handled shoehorns can help with daily tasks like dressing while reducing the need to bend or twist.
You don’t need to purchase all of this equipment—most items can be borrowed through the Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program. It’s a convenient, cost-effective way to access what you need for a few weeks or months.
👉 Click here to access the Red Cross Equipment Loan Form. Ask your physiotherapist or surgical team for a referral to get started.
Nutrition Matters: Plan Ahead for Meals
At Royal City Physio, we talk a lot about recovery being an active process—and that includes fueling your body with the right nutrition. Healing takes energy, and nutritious meals support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and keep your energy levels up.
Before your surgery, we recommend doing some light meal prep. Soups, stews, and casseroles freeze well and are easy to reheat when you’re low on energy. If meal prepping isn’t realistic, there are excellent local services that can help:
Better Meals – Affordable, home-style meals delivered across the Lower Mainland
Made Foods – Fresh, chef-prepared meals, including options for various dietary needs
Meals on Wheels – A great option for seniors or those with mobility limitations
Meal subscription services – Brands like Fresh Prep, HelloFresh, and Chef’s Plate offer weekly deliveries with pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, letting you skip the grocery store—just keep in mind that some light cooking is still required.
Having ready-to-go meals removes the stress of cooking and lets you focus on rest and rehab.
Ice Packs vs. Cryocuffs: What’s Best for Post-Surgical Recovery?
Cold therapy is often part of your post-op plan, especially for procedures involving the shoulder or knee. Icing helps reduce swelling, manage pain, and support early healing.
Ice packs are simple and accessible. You’ll want a few on rotation so you always have a cold one ready. They’re great for short bursts of relief and easy to use throughout the day.
Cryocuffs, on the other hand, take things up a notch. These devices combine ice and compression, using a joint-specific cuff (usually for the knee or shoulder) that’s connected to a cooler of ice water. The water circulates through the cuff, delivering consistent cold therapy and gentle pressure—especially helpful in the early post-op period.
If you’ve had a total knee replacement, ACL surgery, or shoulder repair, ask your surgeon or physiotherapist whether a cryocuff would be helpful. These devices can be rented or purchased through medical supply companies, and some extended health plans may cover the cost.
Don't Go Through It Alone: Plan for Support
The first few days after surgery can be tough. Even simple tasks like making coffee or getting dressed can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re in pain or tired. Having someone available to help out with the basics can make a big difference in your comfort and confidence.
If family or friends can help, try to schedule some check-ins or support during that first week. If that’s not available—or if you’d prefer professional care—there are several services in the Lower Mainland that offer reliable post-surgical support:
Nurse Next Door – Offers in-home care ranging from basic support to nursing-level care
Just Like Family Home Care - (Burnaby) provides personalized support after surgery or hospitalization to help you recover safely and comfortably at home.
Vancouver Coastal Health & Fraser Health – Offer public home support services for those who qualify; your healthcare team can help refer you
At Royal City Physio, we’re happy to help connect you with reputable support services in your area if you’re not sure where to start.
We’re Here to Help
Every recovery looks a little different—but planning ahead sets you up for a smoother experience. Having the right equipment, meals, cold therapy, and support in place before surgery helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on healing.
If you’re preparing for surgery and want to speak with one of our physiotherapists about your recovery plan, we’d love to help. Our team has extensive experience with post-operative rehab and can help guide your preparation and your return to movement, one step at a time.
👉 Book an appointment with our team here.