If you’re facing surgery, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions. Surgery can bring feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and even fear, but with the right preparation, you can face the journey ahead feeling confident and informed. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to expect before surgery and offer tips on how to prepare physically, emotionally, and mentally. You’ll also learn how holistic therapies can support your pre-op readiness and help set the stage for a smoother recovery.
Understand What to Expect
The first step in preparing for surgery is knowing what’s coming. Understanding the procedure, the potential outcomes, and the recovery timeline can significantly reduce anxiety. It’s always helpful to have a detailed conversation with your surgeon and medical team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—this is your body and your health.
Here are a few things to clarify:
- The type of surgery and its purpose
- The expected duration of the operation
- Risks and benefits associated with the procedure
- Alternative options, what are the other options that you have if surgery doesn’t feel right for you at the moment?
- The recovery process, including how long you’ll need to rest and any limitations in movement, and when you can start with manual lymphatic drainage after surgery?
The other thing to note, and it’s always worth exploring, is what are the alternatives to having surgery, the thing with surgeons is that they love to operate, that is their happy place, so please explore the alternative options
Once you have this information, you can start mentally preparing yourself and planning for what lies ahead.
Manage Pre-Surgery Anxiety
Feeling anxious before surgery is common, but managing that anxiety is key to helping your body stay in the best possible condition. Here are a few strategies to help keep those nerves in check:
- Breathing exercises: Deep breathing can help calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and improve focus. Try spending a few minutes each day practising slow, deep breaths—inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four.
- Visualisation: Visualising a positive outcome can help shift your mindset. Imagine yourself waking up after surgery, healing well, and getting stronger each day.
- Talk to someone: Whether it’s a therapist, friend, or loved one, talking about your fears and concerns can help you release some of the emotional tension. You don’t have to carry the burden of anxiety alone.
Prepare Physically for Surgery
Your physical health plays a big part in how you recover after surgery, so it’s important to prepare your body as best as you can.
- Eat nourishing food: Focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Your body will need the energy to heal, so prioritise whole foods like lean meats, fish, leafy greens, and fruits. Avoid processed foods and alcohol, as they can slow down recovery. A healthy body that you has a nutritious diet that includes plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals generally heals much better
- Stay active: Staying active and building strength before surgery is really important, particularly in joint replacement surgery. When you go into a procedure strong, it can take less work to recover afterwards. Staying active also improves circulation which is crucial for healing.
- Stop smoking: If you’re a smoker, consider stopping or at least cutting down before surgery. Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications during recovery.
Other things to consider:
- Nail polish and extensions should be removed due to the equipment in theatre which is used to check your oxygen levels and it doesn’t give an accurate reading if you have nail polish or extensions.
- Fake tan should be removed from the operation site in order to avoid any risks of infection should the tan get into the wound, and also the medical team need to be able to check how well you look before, during and after your procedure.
Mental and Emotional Preparation
Preparing emotionally and mentally for surgery is just as important as physical preparation. Here are some ways to nurture your mental health:
- Set realistic expectations: Know that recovery will take time, and try not to rush the process. Be patient with your body and mind as they heal.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, like meditation or journaling, can help you stay grounded. They provide space to process any fears or worries, allowing you to approach surgery with a calmer mindset.
- Create a support network: Surround yourself with people who will support you through the process. Let them know how they can help, whether it’s providing emotional support, helping with meals, or just being there to listen.
Plan for Your Recovery
Thinking ahead to your recovery will help you feel more in control of the process. Consider these steps:
- Prepare your home: Set up a comfortable recovery space. Make sure you have easy access to necessities like food, water, and medications. You might also want to stock up on items like soft pillows, entertainment (books, TV shows), and clothing that’s easy to put on.
- Arrange for help: If possible, line up support from friends, family, or a professional carer for the first few days or weeks. Having someone assist you with daily tasks can make a huge difference in your comfort and peace of mind.
- Post-op therapies and early stage rehabilitation: Consider manual lymphatic drainage can reduce swelling and support healing after surgery, while craniosacral therapy can help you feel more grounded and emotionally balanced.
How Holistic Therapies Can Support
Holistic therapies can be incredibly beneficial in preparing your body and mind for surgery. Here are some options to consider:
- Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique can help reduce stress and tension in the body, promoting a sense of calm before surgery. It’s also great after surgery to help your body recover and release the stress and tension from your surgery.
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage helps with the body’s natural process of reabsorbing fluid and reducing swelling to promote healing (see my blog here for more information).
- Scar therapy can help with how your scar looks and feels are surgery (see my blog here for more information).
- Brain-based rehabilitation is great to help you restore your optimum functional movement after surgery particularly if you are struggling with your confidence in moving or unable to find your previous form or performance level.
By taking a holistic approach to your preparation, you can feel more confident and informed, making your surgical journey smoother and less stressful.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for surgery is about more than just getting your body ready—it’s about nurturing your emotional and mental wellbeing too. By taking the time to plan, reduce anxiety, and support yourself holistically, you’ll be in a stronger position to face surgery with confidence and grace. Remember, you don’t have to go through it alone—there’s a whole network of support available to you, including therapies that can make a world of difference.
A bit about me & my background
Claire is a Functional Health Specialist at Restoring Balance; a Sports Scientist, and a Health Coach who is also a multi-disciplined therapist specialising in person-centred care for those going on a surgical journey.
Claire’s work is very different to many therapists – working with you as a whole person using a unique approach. Claire can help you with:
- Pre-surgery planning and preparation
- Understanding the changes your body has been through
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Post-operative scar care
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Improving your pelvic floor function
- Increasing mobility, balance, stability, co-ordination
- Calming your stress & anxiety
- Improving your digestive health
- Improving your emotional health
- Helping you reconnect with yourself
- Relieving pain
I work both online and in person from my home-based clinic on Hayling Island, Hampshire.
