If you’re facing surgery soon, it’s natural to focus on the procedure itself—but often, the real work begins once you’re home. Whether it’s a knee replacement, shoulder repair, or any other surgery, having a recovery plan in place can make a big difference in how smoothly things go. From moving around safely to staying nourished and supported, here’s what to consider before your surgery day.
Home Equipment: What You Might Need and Where to Find It
After surgery, everyday tasks like walking to the bathroom or getting out of bed can feel challenging. That’s why having the right equipment at home can really help. What you need depends on your surgery, your mobility, and your home setup, but here are some common tools that support recovery:
Mobility aids:
Walker: Great for lower-body surgeries when you need extra stability.
Crutches: Useful if you’re more mobile but need to keep weight off one leg.
Cane: Helpful as you regain balance and confidence.
Bathroom safety gear:
Raised toilet seat: Makes sitting and standing easier without bending too much.
Grab bars: Extra support in the shower or near the toilet to prevent falls.
Shower chair: Perfect if standing in the shower feels tiring or unsafe.
Other helpful items:
Reacher/grabber: Pick things up without bending or twisting.
Sock aid or long-handled shoehorn: Makes dressing easier when you’re stiff or sore.
The best news? You don’t usually need to buy these yourself. Many items can be borrowed through the Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program—a fantastic option for short-term needs after surgery. Ask your physiotherapist or surgical team for a referral, and they’ll help you get started.
👉 Fill out the Red Cross Equipment Loan form for BC and Yukon here
Meal Prep: Nourish Your Body for Healing
Surgery puts a big demand on your body. Healing tissues, reducing inflammation, and regaining strength all take energy — and that means good nutrition is key. But cooking when you’re sore or tired? Not always realistic.
If you can, prepare and freeze meals ahead of time—things like soups, casseroles, or stews freeze well and are easy to reheat on low-energy days. If cooking isn’t your thing, there are also local meal delivery options that offer healthy, ready-to-eat meals to keep you fueled without the fuss.
Here are some Alberni Valley options to explore:
Wholesome Meals on Wheels (Port Alberni): Delivers hot, nutritious meals Tuesday–Saturday (with extra for Sun/Mon), ideal for seniors or those recovering from surgery; call 250‑730‑0390 to arrange—local, volunteer-run, and non-profit.
Valley Home Meals: Frozen home-style meals with dietary options (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) delivered to Port Alberni on Thurs & Fri afternoons; order online or call 250‑339‑2625.
Culinary Comforts (Port Alberni): Locally-made comfort food available for pick-up or delivery via DoorDash; open Sat–Mon, 11 am–10 pm—order through their website or social media.
Fresh Coast Market (Port Alberni): Grab-and-go meals like casseroles, soups, and salads, ready to heat and eat; visit in-store at 4905 Cherry Creek Rd—check Facebook for daily specials.
Managing Pain and Swelling: Ice Packs or Cryocuffs?
Controlling pain and swelling is a big part of the first days after surgery. Ice therapy is one of the best tools you have, and there are two main options:
Ice packs: Easy to use, reusable, and great for quick relief. Just remember to remove after 15–20 minutes and refreeze.
Cryocuffs: These combine cold and compression by circulating ice water through a cuff around your joint. They offer consistent cold and gentle pressure, which can be especially helpful after surgeries like knee replacements, ACL repairs or rotator cuff surgery.
Cryocuffs are often available to rent from surgical clinics or medical supply stores, and some extended health plans may cover them. Not sure which is right for you? Your physiotherapist or surgeon can help guide you.
Support is Key: Don’t Go Through Recovery Alone
Even if you're normally independent, having help after surgery can make a world of difference. Tasks like getting out of bed, cooking, and attending appointments can feel overwhelming in those first few days.
If you have family or friends nearby, ask someone to stay with you or check in regularly during your initial recovery. If that's not an option, Port Alberni has local support services that can help:
Comfort Keepers – Provides personal support with daily activities during recovery.
Just Like Family Home Care - provides personalized support after surgery or hospitalization to help you recover safely and comfortably at home. This service is available in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Tofino and surrounding areas.
Island Health Home Support – Government-funded home care may be available if you qualify. Ask your discharge nurse or family doctor how to apply.
Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, equipment, and planning, you can set yourself up for a smoother recovery. Stock your freezer, arrange some help, and lean on your physiotherapy team to guide you every step of the way. At Port Alberni Physiotherapy, we’re here to support you on your journey back to health—because your recovery matters to us.