Prehab: Physical Therapy Before Surgery

Returning to life after surgery can sometimes be a painful, lengthy process. By planning ahead, a physical therapist can help make that process of recovery much easier and help ease the pain.

Dancers exercising in a dance studio. Generative AI
Dancers exercising in a dance studio. Generative AI

FAQs

Is prehab therapy covered by insurance?

In many cases, yes. Most insurance plans—including Medicare—cover pre-operative physical therapy when deemed medically necessary. Our team will help verify your benefits and work with your surgeon’s referral.

What is prehabilitation and how is it different from rehab?

Prehabilitation (prehab) is physical therapy performed before surgery to improve strength, mobility, and readiness for recovery. Rehab begins after surgery to help restore function. Think of prehab as training your body to bounce back faster post-op.

When should I start prehab before surgery?

Most patients begin prehab 4–6 weeks before their surgery date. This allows enough time to build strength and address any concerns, while also forming a trusted relationship with your therapy team.

John Finneran is someone checks off EVERY box when ny aging body walks through the door of Ivyrehab… i consider myself fortunate to have him in my life
Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park
I did six weeks of PT here before my surgery and have nothing but good things to say about my experience. Jenna and Jeff are great. They were able to explain not just what we were working on but why, and were helpful in keeping me informed about what to expect following surgery as well. The entire staff was friendly and accommodating and overall it was a very comfortable place to receive physical therapy.
I love coming to Ivy rehab in Bala Hills. I have been coming here for years. The staff here is professional and DIcent. I especially enjoy coming to land and aqua therapy. I love that they have a variety of ways to do therapy. Amy at the front desk is super awesome funny and a pleasure to see as your introduction to this place of business. Amy and Alex senior PT staff have much knowledge and experience in the field and present great therapeutic interventions that have helped with the improvement of my health and wellness regiment I highly recommend you get your PT needs taken care of here at Ivy Rehab.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback, we're grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Bala Cynwyd – North 
I drove my best friend to all of her appts at Ivy after she had a knee replacement. She didn't have anything negative to say about this place. The entire staff is super friendly and know what they're doing. As a matter of fact, when her rehab was completed, she missed the staff so much she is having her other knee replaced (like, right now as I'm typing this review). So heads up staff, she's coming back! Keep up the good work girls & dude!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Chesapeake – South Norfolk
Chris is very knowledgeable! He actually cares, listens and works hard to resolve your injury. I highly recommend him! And Amber is a sweetheart and super accommodating to work with!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Caledonia
From the office staff, the trainers and John everyone is professional and caring. The place is kept immaculate and I can’t be more grateful, no works, while they treat me for my siatica issues. Thank you Ivy
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback, we're grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park 
I had an outstanding experience with Connie Darrow and all of the staff at Ivy Rehab Princeton. I had a totally personalized routine and as my therapist learned about more of my future goals (biking, skiing, etc.) she adapted my program to help prepare me for them. Front office staff were also excellent, very flexible with scheduling, and great communicators when there were issues with local traffic or illnesses. I will definitely be going back if I need more PT in the future!
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, Princeton
We graduated from speech today! Mrs Tara was our speech girlie and we couldn’t have been more blessed with her. Thanks ABC and thank you Tara for being so great!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – West Chester Township
The exercise programs applied are perfectly in line with what is required for healing. I especially recommend Roosha, with her expertise, professionalism and care.
Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Somerset
I have been completely impressed by Tim's expertise and knowledge. My symptoms began decreasing within in 2 visits. Great hand specialist, great practice!
This is such a great place to receive physical therapy! I've used other places before, but this time I was mainly looking for a place that was close to work for me. Being that Ivy was less than 1/2 mile away, I chose them. I am glad I did, as the people at this location are fantastic! My need for physical therapy stemmed from injuries due to a deer/vehicle accident – Ivy worked with my auto insurance and never asked me to pay up front & get reimbursed or for a back up payment method on file. When you step inside, you are greeted by Brooklyn, who always welcomes everyone by name with a smiling face & great attitude. The facility looks very professional and up to date. All three therapists, Emily, Kyle & Hayley are all fantastic and put their own personal touch & wisdom into their treatment. They also strive to engage patients in many ways… a question of the week, March-Madness brackets & mind bender puzzles over the machines to occupy your mind instead of focusing on the work-out. If you need physical therapy, I highly recommend checking out the Comstock Park Ivy Rehab facility! You will be impressed with the kindness & professionalism of the staff and the service you receive.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Comstock Park
i literally tell everyone i love coming to physical therapy. i came here after my first hip labrum repair surgery and i came back after getting the same surgery on my other hip. i see Megan she’s super knowledgeable and fun to work with. everyone who works here is so nice and i love the community feel of the space. coming here whenever i need the care !
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy, Brooklyn
I honestly can not say enough POSITIVE things about this place! We have only been going for a short time- but in this short time I’ve seen INCREDIBLE progress! My son needs a lot of sensory play, and they have TONS of tools for him to use! My daughter has also recently started going, and I’m very, very pleased. I recommend this place to everyone! We are so grateful that we found ABC therapy!
Response from the owner:Thank you Lauren!
This is my second time at Ivy and I am so glad I went back to them. I see Matt who is kind as well as excellent — he created a plan and we got started. Others help you and they were all great — and Elise, at the front desk, is very warm and friendly — highly recommend!
Response from the owner:We're so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park
Everyone here is incredible!!! I love the layout and they always make you feel like the priority. Specifically, Caroline has not only done wonders for my back but she also makes it fun. She never fails to make me laugh and tells me the best stories. I absolutely love their weekly question and the friendship among the workers.
Response from the owner:Your kind review made our day, thank you so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Cary
My son has been going here for speech and OT for 1.5 years. He also has ASD and ADHD, and they are so patient, encouraging, and fun. He loves coming here, and he's made a lot of progress. They're also great at communicating with parents before and after sessions.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Norfolk
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.
I was in a car accident and was injured, Aaron, Jonathon, Josh, Ebonie, And Emily were a pleasure to work with. Insurances, scheduling and working with PT's in the appointments themselves were great. I was treated for a couple months, and I feel better than ever. They are truly a great rehabilitation facility and are amazing people.
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield
Wonderful speech therapy experience! Mr. Mike has helped our son so much. While we’re LOVING the actual speech component, the disconnect between front desk staff/billing/Ivy Rehab is fairly confusing and makes the billing component difficult. That being said, Nikki Huntsberger is a rockstar and really knows what she’s doing. Thankful for her assistance with the UHCCF grant & her willingness to explain billing when nobody else knows what’s going on 🙃 Overall a great experience and we’re so so thankful for the services we’re receiving!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, West Chester Township!
I’m currently receiving PT after fracturing a bone in my foot and having surgery. The staff here are all so kind and helpful. My healing process has a been quite a journey, and the staff here are really helping to make it easier for me. Highly recommend 🙂
Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Barnegat
The park sports team / environment is great!! I worked with Megan for a while on my lower back and learned so much about my body and made improvements on my back pain. She’s awesome!!
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Williamsburg
Ivy Rehab
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