Pre & Post Surgery
Surgery is just one part of your healing journey. Our pre- and post-operative rehab programs are designed to prepare you for necessary surgery and guide you through recovery with personalized care that reduces pain, restores strength, and helps you return to daily activity — with less frustration and better outcomes.
Anatomy and Function
Surgery may involve bones, joints, muscles, or connective tissues — all of which affect how your body moves. Preparing for surgery by increasing strength to avoid post-op weakness and reduce pain is proven to contribute to faster and less painful recovery. Post-operative healing requires coordination between all of your body's systems to rebuild strength, reduce inflammation, and restore function. Whether you're recovering from a joint replacement, tendon repair, or spinal procedure, supporting tissue healing and re-educating movement is essential for long-term success.
Common Conditions We Treat
We work with patients recovering from orthopedic, neurological, and general surgeries.
Common Surgical Conditions:
• Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
• ACL or meniscus repair
• Rotator cuff repair
• Labral repair
• Spinal fusion or laminectomy
• Carpal tunnel or trigger finger release
• Hernia or abdominal surgery recovery
• Recovery from many other surgeries
How Physical Therapy Helps
Before surgery, physical therapy helps to prepare your body for a planned surgery by building strength to limit post-operative weakness, improve circulation, and limit your down-time. We will prepare you with education about what to expect and provide you with simple plans to help you feel better as quickly as possible after surgery.After surgery, physical therapy helps reduce swelling, manage pain, and safely rebuild strength and function. We guide you through each phase of recovery — from regaining mobility to returning to daily activities — with a plan that respects both your procedure and your goals. Every session is one-on-one and adapted to your healing timeline.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
• Ease pain and stiffness after surgery
• Restore mobility, strength, and endurance
• Reduce scar tissue and joint restriction
• Support a smoother and faster recovery
• Return to daily life with better results
Additional FAQs
When should I start Physical Therapy after surgery?
It depends on the procedure, but usually within a few days to two weeks. Remember: pre-surgical care helps with recovery, too.
Will therapy be painful after surgery?
Some discomfort is normal, but we’ll never push you beyond what’s safe. Our focus is on healing and progress.
What if my surgeon says I don't need physical therapy?
Many surgeons measure the success of their operations based upon imaging or typical insurance coverage, not function. Our team of DPT's (Doctor of Physical Therapy) are trained to assess your function and movement and help you feel the way you want. You do not need a referral to see a physical therapist, we will safely assess your condition and will advise if physical therapy is not right for you or obtain clearance from your surgeon if appropriate. We will always coordinate care with your whole medical team, surgeon included. Good Life Physical Therapy is committed to your full and fast recovery so you feel like yourself as quickly as possible.
I had surgery years ago but still feel limited, can I still benefit from Physical Therapy?
Absolutely. Many surgical rehab programs are shorter than some people really need. Even years after the fact we can help you regain mobility, strength, and control.
I am considering surgery and not sure if it's the right choice. Can you help?
With decades of experience working with surgical recovery, we will spend time reviewing your surgical options, acting as a non-biased sounding board to talk with you about the recovery and function that is typical after a surgery you might be considering. We will guide you through physical therapy techniques that might help you avoid surgery altogether and can advise on other options that might provide you the relief you seek without surgical intervention.
