Recovery & Rehabilitation

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Structured surgeon-led recovery — back to the life you love.

Post-operative physical therapy follows the precise protocols set by your surgeon. Our doctors of physical therapy build individualized programs around the surgical procedure, your tissue-healing timeline, and your personal goals — restoring strength, mobility, and function while protecting the surgical repair.

What We Treat

Conditions addressed by Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Knee Replacement Recovery
Hip Replacement Recovery
ACL Reconstruction Rehab
Rotator Cuff Repair Rehab
Spine Surgery Recovery
Fracture Recovery
Shoulder Replacement Recovery
Meniscus & Labral Repair Rehab

Treatment Approach

What we do in Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Range-of-Motion Restoration

Early phase mobility work to restore safe joint motion within surgeon-set limits.

Progressive Strengthening

Phased loading from isometric through full functional strength based on tissue healing.

Gait & Movement Retraining

Re-learning normal walking patterns and movement mechanics after lower-extremity surgery.

Manual Therapy

Hands-on joint mobilization and soft tissue work to address post-surgical stiffness and scar tissue.

Functional Return Programs

Sport, work, or recreation-specific progressions in the final weeks of rehab.

What to Expect

Your visit, step by step

01

Initial Evaluation

Review of surgical reports, surgeon protocols, and a full functional assessment to set baseline.

02

Phased Rehab

2–4 visits per week initially; visits taper as you progress through ROM, strength, and functional phases.

03

Return to Activity

Final phase focuses on getting you back to work, sport, or daily activities at or above pre-surgery baseline.

Typical Timeline

Total knee/hip replacement: 6–12 weeks of formal PT. ACL reconstruction: 6–9 months. Rotator cuff repair: 4–6 months. Each timeline aligns with your surgeon's protocol and your individual progress.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation FAQs

When should I start PT after surgery?

Typically within 1–7 days of surgery, depending on the procedure. Joint replacements often start day 1 in the hospital; ACL reconstruction and rotator cuff repair start within the first week. Your surgeon sets the start date.

How many sessions will I need?

Joint replacement and major spine surgery: 16–30 sessions over 3–4 months. ACL: 30–60 sessions over 6–9 months. Smaller procedures: 6–12 sessions. We re-assess every 4 weeks and adjust.

Will it hurt?

Some discomfort during early ROM work is normal and expected. We work within your tolerance and your surgeon's restrictions. Sharp or worsening pain always pauses the exercise — our job is to push the recovery forward without compromising the repair.

Do you coordinate with my surgeon?

Yes — we follow surgeon-specific protocols precisely and communicate progress notes back to the surgical team. This is especially important for spine surgery, ACL, and rotator cuff cases where deviating from protocol risks the repair.

What if my insurance only covers a limited number of visits?

We design the program to fit your benefits. Many patients use covered visits during the critical early phases and then transition to a structured home program with check-in visits later in recovery.

Can I see the same therapist every visit?

Yes — that's our model. You're paired with one doctor of physical therapy and stay with them throughout your recovery for continuity of care.

Ready to Start Post-Operative Rehabilitation?

Schedule an evaluation today — same-week new patient slots typically available at both Plano offices.