PRE / POST OP CARE
– SERVICES –
Pre-operative rehabilitation, often called prehab, focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and overall conditioning before surgery. Entering surgery in better physical condition can help improve recovery, reduce complications, and make it easier to return to daily activities.
Post-operative rehabilitation begins when your surgeon determines it is safe to start therapy. Treatment focuses on controlling pain and swelling, restoring range of motion, rebuilding strength, improving movement, and helping you safely return to work, sports, and everyday life.
Most successful orthopedic and neurological surgeries result from patients being aware of the rehab process. Frequently, this requires physical therapy prior to surgery and almost always following the surgeries. Studies show improved functional outcomes with patients who are compliant with both preoperative and postoperative physical therapy.
Common orthopedic surgeries include:
- Total joint surgeries of the knee
- Hip and shoulder
- Rotator cuff repairs
- Ligament and tendon repairs
Common neurological surgeries include:
- Spinal decompression
- Spinal fusion
- Nerve transposition
- Nerve decompression (ulnar, radial, carpal tunnel).
Preparing for surgery and recovering afterward are both essential parts of achieving the best possible outcome. Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation combines personalized physical therapy before and after surgery to improve strength, mobility, and function while helping patients recover safely and efficiently.
At Alton Physical Therapy, every rehabilitation program is customized to your procedure, surgeon’s recommendations, and personal recovery goals.
Learn more from our staff contributed articles.
Locations of Service:
Surgeries We Commonly Rehabilitate
Our physical therapists provide rehabilitation following a wide variety of orthopedic procedures, including:
- Total knee replacement
- Total hip replacement
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder replacement
- Labral repair
- Achilles tendon repair
- Ankle ligament reconstruction
- Fracture repair
- Spinal surgery
- Lumbar fusion
- Cervical spine surgery
- Carpal tunnel release
- Trigger finger release
- Hand and wrist surgery
- Elbow surgery
- Foot surgery
Benefits of Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Many patients wonder whether they need occupational therapy, physical therapy, or both. While both professions focus on improving movement and function, they emphasize different aspects of recovery.
Pre-Op & Post-Op Care Frequently Asked Questions
Prehabilitation, or prehab, is physical therapy performed before surgery to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall conditioning. It can help prepare your body for surgery and support a smoother recovery.
The timing depends on your specific procedure and your surgeon’s recommendations. Some patients begin therapy within days of surgery, while others may wait longer depending on healing requirements.
Recovery timelines vary based on the type of surgery, your overall health, and your rehabilitation goals. Your therapist will discuss your expected plan of care after your evaluation.
Yes. Physical therapy helps reduce pain by restoring movement, improving strength, reducing stiffness, and helping control swelling throughout the recovery process.
Absolutely. Home exercises are an important part of recovery and help reinforce your progress between therapy visits.
Many Illinois patients can begin physical therapy through Direct Access, although some insurance plans or post-surgical protocols may require a referral. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your options.