Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Physical therapy after surgery is extremely important for ensuring a full recovery. In addition to many other benefits, post-surgical rehabilitation can also help you regain full range of motion in the affected area.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Physical Therapy / Post-Surgical Treatment

Treatment after surgery

Physical therapy after surgery is extremely important for ensuring a full recovery. In addition to many other benefits, post-surgical rehabilitation can also help you regain full range of motion in the affected area. Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy specializes in post-surgical physical therapy for total joint replacements and partial tears of muscles and ligaments. In addition, surgeries related to hips, knees, arms, hands, shoulders, and feet/ankles often require physical therapy for optimal recovery.

Post-surgical physical therapy doesn’t just help ensure proper recovery, it also helps patients get moving again after surgery. Many times, surgery can make you feel debilitated and leads to long stretches at home where you live a mostly sedentary lifestyle. Physical therapy after surgery helps to get you out of the house, back into the world and being social again.

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knee exercises

Benefits of Post-Surgery Therapy

Engaging in post-surgical rehabilitation provides essential benefits for patients recovering from a surgical procedure. It’s not just about regaining strength—it’s about reducing pain, improving mobility, and restoring function in the affected joints and tissues. Whether you’ve had an orthopedic surgery or a more complex operation, physical therapy both before and after surgery can aid in the recovery process needed for optimal healing.

  • Reduce pain and inflammation without relying solely on medication
  • Strengthen weakened muscles and improve joint stability
  • Enhance mobility and increase independence in daily activities
  • Minimize the risk of complications such as scar tissue buildup
  • Promote faster healing by restoring blood flow and tissue flexibility
  • Support safe and steady reintegration into work, hobbies, or sports
  • Improve health outcomes with supervised movement and manual therapy

Provide emotional support and motivation during the recovery process

Goals of Post-Surgery Therapy

The ultimate goal of post-surgical physical therapy is to help patients recover safely, regain their independence, and return to doing the things they love. Each treatment plan is designed by a licensed physical therapist to address your unique needs and surgical history.

Key goals of post-surgery therapy include:

  • Restore full range of motion and natural joint function
  • Strengthen surrounding tissue and reduce weakness
  • Prevent future injury or strain during the rehabilitation process
  • Safely guide the patient through stretching, exercises, and progressive mobility work
  • Reduce reliance on pain medications by incorporating holistic, effective techniques
  • Address post-operative challenges such as stiffness, swelling, and delayed healing
  • Educate patients on how to move, lift, or return to activity without reinjury
  • Ensure full support through every stage of post-surgical rehab

Whether you’re recovering from a rotator cuff repair, knee reconstruction, or spinal fusion, Ivy Rehab’s expert team is here to provide individualized care and help you heal with confidence. From the first visit to the final milestone, our mission is to enhance your quality of life and get you back to doing what you love—safely and strongly.

Therapies We Offer:

Just a few of our customized post-surgical physical therapy treatments include:

  • UCL repairs (Tommy John Surgery)
  • Elbow reconstructive surgeries
  • Cervical and lumbar laminectomy and fusion
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery
  • Knee-reconstruction surgeries
  • Meniscus repairs
  • Carpal tunnel release
  • Stress fractures
  • Ankle ligament repairs
  • Ankle fractures
  • Ankle fusion
  • Labrum repairs
  • Wrist fractures
  • Forearm fractures
  • Hand tendon repairs
  • Rotator cuff repair and other shoulder related surgeries

FAQs

How soon can I start physical therapy after surgery?

The timing of physical therapy after surgery depends on the type of surgery and your doctor’s recommendations. In many cases, physical therapy can begin within a few days to weeks after surgery to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Your physical therapist will work with you to ensure that you’re progressing safely and at a pace suited to your recovery.

Is post-surgical therapy necessary even if I feel okay after surgery?

Even if you feel okay after surgery, post-surgical therapy is essential to ensure a full recovery. Surgery can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, and joint instability, which therapy can address. It also helps reduce the risk of complications like scar tissue buildup and ensures that you regain full mobility and strength. Physical therapy supports a smooth transition back to work, hobbies, and physical activities while minimizing the risk of reinjury.

What should I expect during post-surgical physical therapy sessions?

During post-surgical physical therapy, you can expect a personalized treatment plan focused on restoring range of motion, strengthening muscles, and improving mobility. Your therapist may guide you through stretches, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and progressive mobility work. The goal is to help you regain independence in daily activities, reduce pain, and prevent future injury while providing support and motivation throughout the recovery process.

Recover Faster

Research has shown that attending as little as one pre-operative physical therapy session can help reduce the amount of post-operative care and lead to faster and more efficient recoveries.

Learn more about “pre-hab” and our total joint replacement program.

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Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

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Excel Physical Therapy4.9
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I would recommend this location to anybody for their physical therapy needs. I injured myself training for marathon and it was not getting better on my own. Within a month of starting here I was back running and I was able to run my marathon and get a personal best!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St
My experience at Excel Physical Therapy in Englewood Cliffs was a very positive one. Cesar, Natalie and the rest of the team are friendly and attentive to their patients needs. Cesar was knowledgeable about the exercises which were best suited for me. Upon discharge I was confident to continue the exercises at home based on his instructions. Thank you team.
Response from the owner:We're so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Englewood Cliffs
I cannot recommend this place enough . They have went above and beyond to help out 2 of my children The time and the care that they put into the care they provide truly shines through. They have help my son find his voice and gave him the confidence to walk tall the staff has always been kind and warm to me and my family took time to address any concern even some personal things never just canceled without any notice even gave us a different slot or different provider if needed I can not recommend them enought Thank you Ms. Shelby Ms. Megan Ms. Lauren Ms. Lori Ms. Bree Ms. Caitlin And the whole staff thank you for all care you have giving my kids
Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Cincinnati – Western Hills
A wonderful rehab facility. It’s clean, bright, has up-to-date equipment that’s well maintained, and terrific staff. My physical therapist, Anvi Patel, was incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and gently pushed me to gain full mobility in my left arm after a fracture of my humerus.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Philadelphia – Center City
I recently had the pleasure of working with Anish & he is knowledgeable, professional, accommodating and he understood my needs. I highly recommend Anish. His expertise & commitment to help his patients achieve their goals is exceptional.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Fishers
The service all around from the staff to our daughters different therapists is absolutely amazing & the best service we could ever ask for! We never have any issues, everyone is extremely friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable. These girls are like family to us we’ve been taking our daughter here for almost 2 years and because of ABC our daughter has had so many improvements and is only getting better each and every session! I wouldn’t take my baby girl anywhere else!! This place is like home to us! Thank you To all of ABC staff and therapists (Michelle, Kayla & Barbara) for all your wonderful work and dedication to giving our Emery the best life she can possibly have. We can never thank you enough! 🥰🥰
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with the care of Emery! We are so pleased to hear the kind words and progress she is making!
Jason was amazing! He helped my daughter recover from a fractured knee very quickly, she enjoyed her time so much that she didn't want to stop therapy even when she was better. I also loved how honest Jason was with us and let us know when he felt we could stop, even when my daughter wanted to continue just because she enjoyed it!
Response from the owner:Hi Fara – thank you so much for this fantastic review of Jason! We are so glad that he was able to help your daughter recover and make it fun for her in the process. Best wishes to you both!
I could not be more impressed or feel more comfortable in my decision to work through my physical therapy with Melanie. She is very professional and caring. I have every confidence I made the right choice and encourage anyone who may need the same type of service to use this great team of people!
Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at PTSIR – Orland Park
Hands down the best Physical Therapy that I have had. After my knee replacement I have made tremendous progress. Brian demands full effort on my part but the results have been so worth it. The whole staff is knowledgeable, friendly and caring.
Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Indian Trail
I can’t recommend Ivy Rehab Excel Physical Therapy enough! My experience with Debbie was nothing short of transformative. After undergoing three femur fracture surgeries, I was apprehensive about my recovery, but Debbie’s expertise and dedication made all the difference. She not only guided me through the rehabilitation process with a tailored plan, but she also identified issues that my surgeon had overlooked, ensuring a comprehensive recovery. Debbie’s encouraging approach and deep knowledge of physical therapy empowered me to regain strength and mobility faster than I ever expected. The entire staff at Ivy Rehab is welcoming and supportive, creating a positive environment that made each visit enjoyable. If you’re looking for exceptional care and personalized attention, look no further than Ivy Rehab.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Englewood Cliffs
My daughter is doing physical therapy for her knee.The employees are friendly and helpful.The place is always neat and clean.We also love her physical therapist, Sheryl she is great with my 11 year old.
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Synergy Rehab and Wellness – Staunton
I highly recommend Excel Physical Therapy in Westfield! After I fell skiing and injured my knee, the team took such wonderful care of me—with genuine attention, compassion, and expertise. Choosing a PT practice can be overwhelming, and I’m so grateful I found Excel. The entire staff is fantastic, including John, Josh, Christian, Sara, Ebony, and especially my primary therapist, Aaron. Aaron brings a kind, thoughtful approach to treating the whole patient. He supported me through pre-hab, talked through my options as I considered surgery, and helped me prepare both physically and mentally. I ultimately chose to move forward with ACL repair and a partial meniscectomy, and the pre-hab made a huge difference in my post-surgery recovery. I returned to Excel after surgery, and now—just three months later—I’m blown away by how well I’m doing. I owe so much of that progress to this team. If you’re unsure where to go or hesitant about starting PT, look no further than Excel. Aaron and John are exceptional therapists who provide hands-on care and a customized program that evolves as you do. Josh, Christian, and Sara are always there to guide you through your exercises, and Ebony keeps everything running smoothly—from scheduling appointments to helping navigate insurance—and is simply a joy to see at every visit. On top of the incredible care, the environment is upbeat, welcoming, and always has a great playlist. Excel Physical Therapy is truly the best—thank you all for helping me get back on my feet!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St
Working on the knees to get stronger before a replacement this December. Lauren has been my physical therapist and she has given me complete confidence and the knowledge I need to make a complete recovery after surgery. Was never a fan or a believer in physical therapy until this past month. I strongly recommend an urge you do it and come see Lauren if you decide to try PT she is great. Manny and Giancarlo are also great and will help you any way that they can
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback, we're grateful! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Cresskill 
I went to this clinic for knee pain stemming from running and biking and used New York's 30-day rule to get started quickly. They diagnosed me with PFPS and IT band issues and created a home therapy plan with a wide range of exercises. Scheduling was super convenient, and the staff was very responsive. After two months, I am on my way to being pain-free! Megan and Amelia were especially helpful—they listened to my concerns, provided valuable stretching and foam rolling tips, and helped me understand the muscle imbalances contributing to my pain. The environment was very comfortable, and their gym was spacious, so I never had to wait for equipment. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone in the area!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn – Williamsburg
When I checked in, Neely worked with me to gather all my information needed, and she was beyond kind and great at her job. Kirk was very much on his game closely listening to me and measuring angles and determining what needs to be done to get my knee back in order.
Response from the owner:Your kind review made our day, thank you so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Grand Blanc
The staff members were professional, friendly and knowledgeable. My PT Susan was very personable, knowledgeable, patient and showed concern for me. I believe, I'm in good hands with her.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Willingboro
Chris is a great PT. Very experienced and takes the time to listen to what you need. Wouldn't hesitate to refer anyone that needs PT to Chris and his team!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Caledonia
I can't say enough good things about the amazing team I work with at Ivy Rehab (Skyla, Brian, and the incredible aids: Brian, Mikayla, and Avery)! After dealing with chronic back and neck pain for over five years and seeing more than 10 specialists, including three different physical therapists, I can confidently say this team has been a total game-changer. They’re not only incredibly skilled but also genuinely care about their patients. Their positive energy, kindness, and professionalism make every session a delightful and uplifting experience. I actually look forward to my appointments because they make the entire process so enjoyable. In just three months, I've made more progress here than I did at any other facility. They are true miracle workers, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their expertise and support!
Response from the owner:It's great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Hoboken
I’ve tried my fair share of rehab facilities over the years and Ivy Rehab has stood out for all of the right reasons. The atmosphere is clean and professional, the staff is attentive and kind and the team knows how and where to challenge your recovery to best fit your vision of success. I’ve felt cared for as a patient and person at Ivy Rehab and certainly recommend it to others who are looking to have a sense of physical “normalcy” again.
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Fort Greene
Victoria did an amazing job working on my shoulder and I believe I avoided surgery because of her therapy. The staff was always friendly and professional. Great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Briarcliff Manor
Everyone there is wonderful, helpful, very professional and it makes it very easy to want to come back to continue your therapy for no matter what it is for. My wrist therapist Tim has been nothing but awesome and works with you on what your tolerance and pain level is. I'm glad I found them on the internet and made that commitment to go to them.