Research has shown that preoperative rehab improves the chances of a successful outcome after surgery. The goal of preoperative rehabilitation is to maximize strength and range of motion prior to surgery. Clients are also educated in other important aspects of care, such as ambulation with assistive devices, safe transfers and bed mobility, scar management and the importance of breathing exercises post-op.  Research has shown that this pre-operative care is especially important prior to thoracic, abdominal or cardiac surgeries since it can reduce the risk of post-operative pneumonia or respiratory infection.  
Post-operatively, clients are safely progressed in their physical therapy program within best practice guidelines to assist with faster improvement in function and mobility.