Getting back to everyday life after surgery

Recovery isn’t linear. Some days you’re ready; others, not so much. It’s normal to worry about overdoing it or not knowing where to start. Our one-to-one post-surgery rehab fits how you feel that day. We follow your surgeon or physio’s guidance, work safely around dressings, drains, slings or abdominal binders, and build gradually so you finish sessions feeling better, not wiped out.

Common worries we can help with

  • Not knowing what’s safe once you’re home
  • Managing pain and swelling with positions, pacing and simple movement
  • Moving safely with dressings, drains, a sling or an abdominal binder
  • Getting in and out of bed, chairs and the shower
  • First walks and building distance without “payback” later
  • Numbness, dizziness or low energy after hospital – staying steady and safe
  • Returning to hobbies, work or driving (aligned with your clinician’s advice)

Start with a free 15-minute enquiry call

Not sure where to begin before or after surgery? Let’s talk first. We’ll check if one-to-one rehab is right for you now and outline safe first steps. No pressure.

What we cover:

  • Your procedure and surgery date
  • Current pain, swelling and energy
  • Surgeon or physio precautions (weight-bearing, sternal, sling, binder)
  • Dressings, drains or movement limits
  • Your goals for the next few weeks
  • Scheduling, fees and whether now is the right time

Prefer to talk now? Call 020 8226 0034

What we work on in sessions

One-to-one rehabilitation matched to your procedure and stage. We build strength, mobility, stamina and balance, with practical pain and swelling management throughout. We follow your surgeon’s precautions and adapt around dressings, drains, slings or binders.

Strength

Rebuild usable strength lost with time off and surgery. This supports joints and bone health and makes standing up, taking stairs and carrying light loads feel safer and easier.

Heart and metabolic health

Mobility

Restore comfortable range and ease stiffness after surgery. Gentle, scar-aware movement and posture work make dressing, reaching and turning feel smoother.

Cardiovascular

Short walks or light cycling to lift stamina and circulation. We progress time and pace gradually so everyday trips and stairs need fewer stops.

Mind and mood

Balance

Targeted balance and gait work to steady your steps, especially after hip, knee or spine procedures. Fewer wobbles, more confidence indoors and out.

Aquatic

Water-based rehab reduces joint load while you rebuild movement, strength and endurance. Used only once wounds are healed and your clinician is happy.

How our pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation works

A simple plan, steady support and clear precautions. We start gently and build at your pace, at home or online.

Initial consultation & assessment

We talk through your procedure and timing, any precautions, current pain or medication. Then we do a brief movement check in everyday clothes. We’ll also look at your home set-up and agree on clear priorities for the next few weeks.

Your personalised plan

A clear plan that fits your surgery and recovery timeline, including: gentle mobility, everyday strength, pain-aware movement, and balance and stairs.

If you’re pre-op, we focus on strength, stamina, and safe movement. This helps you get ready for recovery.

One-to-one sessions

Typically 60 minutes, weekly or fortnightly. We adjust on the day for pain, swelling and energy, and we never push through red flags. Sessions are calm, predictable and designed to finish with you feeling better, not wiped out. Carers are welcome.

Simple home practice

Short, easy exercises and brief walks to keep progress going between sessions. Clear written or video prompts if you’d like them. No special kit needed, we can use everyday items at home and time activity around your pain relief.

Who we support

If you’re getting ready for surgery or finding your feet afterwards, this is for you. We work one-to-one with adults of all ages, for planned procedures or urgent operations. Sessions are paced to your pain, energy and your surgeon’s advice.

Orthopaedic surgery

Hip or knee replacements, shoulder surgery, spinal procedures, ACL reconstruction. We focus on safer steps, using any walking aids well, restoring comfortable range and rebuilding everyday strength within your precautions.

Cardiac surgery

Bypass, valve repair/replacement, pacemaker/ICD. We guide gentle walking and daily activity with sternal care in mind, build stamina safely and, with permission, coordinate with your cardiac team.

Cancer-related surgery

Prehab before treatment and steady recovery after. Scar-aware shoulder and chest mobility where needed, gradual strength and stamina, and care around drains, dressings and lymphoedema risk.

Abdominal and pelvic surgery

Hernia repair, hysterectomy, bowel resections and more. Gentle core re-activation, positions that ease pain and swelling, bracing for cough/sneeze, and smoother bed, chair and bathroom transfers.

Neurological
procedures

Post-stroke interventions, spinal decompression or brain surgery recovery. Calm, step-by-step work on balance, coordination, safe transfers and confident walking.

Not sure where you fit? Tell us your procedure and goals. We’ll shape the plan around you and, with your permission, coordinate with your surgeon or physio.

“I really appreciate the work you have done for me through the pre- and post-operative periods and after injury. You are both great physios, and I find the sessions really helpful to maintain flexibility and fitness, with guidance and encouragement for sessions.

Margaret

“The Longevity team have been by my side through some major life transitions. They gave me warm support, motivating me and directing me on the next steps, and comforting me when needed. They have been a great support, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Jane

Why choose Longevity Health & Fitness

Specialists in pre and post-surgery rehabilitation

Qualified clinical exercise professionals with specific experience across hip/knee/spine, breast/chest, abdominal and cardiac procedures. We follow your surgeon’s instructions (weight-bearing, sternal/hip precautions, lifting limits, brace/sling/binder) and use evidence-based plans that fit your timeline.

Personal and precaution-aware

Sessions match your procedure and how you feel that day. We work safely around dressings, drains, slings, binders or braces, and build steadiness and confidence into every session so everyday movement feels secure.

Home-based and flexible

Most people prefer rehab at home for comfort and consistency. We can also meet in a local park, suitable gym space or online. No special kit needed, we bring what’s required and use everyday items where helpful.

Trusted and joined-up

With your permission, we coordinate with your surgeon, physio or GP so your plan stays aligned with NHS or private pathways. Updates are clear and concise.

What progress can look like

Margaret initially came to us seeking assistance before an upcoming complete knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing that pre-operative fitness is crucial for a smoother recovery, her primary goal was to establish a targeted program to significantly strengthen her lower limbs for both the operation and the rehabilitation period to follow.

Margaret

When Jane started with us, she was juggling a lot. She was on GLP-1 medication for weight loss and was also recovering from a cardiac ablation. Our initial goal was to help her build strength, support her recovery, and aid in healthy weight loss. We successfully helped her lose 10 pounds and significantly built her strength in the early stages.

Jane

Following hip surgery, where her rehabilitation had not progressed as expected, Sarah had attempted to manage her recovery independently but had not followed a structured rehabilitation programme. As a result, she continued to experience pain, stiffness, and very limited mobility. At the time we began working together, she could only walk short distances.

Sarah

Pre- and post-surgery FAQs

As soon as your surgeon or physio says it’s safe. Early sessions are gentle: positions for comfort, swelling control, short walks and simple mobility within your precautions.

Yes. Prehab can build a little strength and stamina, teach safe ways to move, and set up your home so recovery feels easier.

Yes. We work around them, follow your team’s instructions and progress gradually.

We keep pain management woven into every session: positions that ease pressure, pacing, swelling control and breathing. We aim for “better after,” not “wiped out.”

Short blocks with rests, timing activity around pain relief, icing/elevation where appropriate, and simple routines for mornings and evenings. No high-strain moves while tissues are healing.

We respect them. That includes hip precautions, sternal care, weight-bearing limits and soft-tissue rules. If anything is unclear, we confirm with your clinician first.

Yes. We teach safe use, adjust height and plan steady progress off aids when it’s appropriate.

Mostly at home across London and Surrey, or online. We can also meet in a suitable gym or local park when it makes sense.

Typically 60 minutes, weekly or fortnightly. We’ll set a rhythm that fits your surgery timeline and energy.

No fixed commitment. Many people start with 6–12 weeks to build momentum, then review.

No. We bring what’s needed and use everyday items at home. If extra kit would help later, we’ll suggest simple, low-cost options.

That depends on your procedure and surgeon’s guidance. We’ll help you prepare but final clearance comes from your clinician.

Fever, wound issues (increasing redness, discharge), chest pain, unusual breathlessness, calf pain/swelling, dizziness or new numbness/weakness. If any appear, we pause and follow clinical advice first.

Happily. With your permission we share updates so your plan stays aligned with your medical care.

Yes. We keep sessions short and focused, build in rests and spread effort across the week so you finish feeling better, not worse.

Home visits in London & Surrey (online everywhere)

Home visits across London, Surrey and nearby areas, with flexible online appointments wherever you are. Not sure if you’re in range? Contact us or call 020 8226 0034 and we’ll confirm.

Home visits in London & Surrey (online everywhere)

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