Pre-and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: The Road to Recovery Starts with Movement
Post-surgical rehab isn’t just about healing wounds; it’s about restoring strength, mobility, and function so you can return to daily life with confidence. Guided by trained physical therapists, post-op rehab programs are customized to your specific surgery and goals—ensuring you don’t just recover, but recover well.
Catherine Lewan Physical Therapy Charleston clinic includes pre-and post-operative rehabilitation, with a special focus on lesser known surgeries that many PTs have not been trained in. It can be difficult to find clinicians who have experience with surgeries that are:
-not common
-located in the pelvic region (all gender identities)
-post-op top or bottom surgery
-surgery that is completely unique to you
Why Surgery Alone Isn’t Enough
While modern surgical techniques are incredibly advanced, they can’t guarantee full recovery without active patient participation. After a procedure, the body needs help to:
- Rebuild muscle strength
- Regain joint mobility
- Control swelling and inflammation
- Improve circulation
- Prevent complications like scar tissue, stiffness, or blood clots
Skipping or minimizing rehab can lead to long-term dysfunction, limited mobility, or re-injury. According to the American Physical Therapy Association, post-surgical physical therapy is key to restoring normal movement patterns and promoting safe, long-term recovery [1].
What Is Surgery Rehabilitation?
Surgical rehabilitation is a structured, progressive program that typically begins within days—or even hours—after a procedure. It’s tailored to the type of surgery, your surgeon’s guidance, and your baseline physical condition.
The phases of rehab generally include:
1. Acute Phase (0–2 weeks)
- Managing pain and swelling
- Protecting the surgical site
- Initiating gentle movement (as prescribed)
- Educating on safe mobility techniques
2. Recovery Phase (2–6 weeks)
- Improving range of motion
- Preventing joint stiffness
- Activating surrounding muscles
- Beginning light functional exercises
3. Strengthening Phase (6–12 weeks+)
- Rebuilding strength, endurance, and balance
- Addressing asymmetries or compensation patterns
- Reinforcing proper movement patterns
4. Return-to-Function Phase
- Preparing for return to sport, work, or daily activities
- Enhancing neuromuscular control and body awareness
- Long-term maintenance strategies
Throughout your care, your voice matters. We focus on inhibiting pain, restoring motion, and reclaiming strength & confidence so you can return to the activities that you love.
Common Surgeries/Procedures That Require Rehab
While virtually any procedure can benefit from rehab, here are some that are often overlooked:
- C-Section
- Post-prostatectomy
- Any procedure that caused a worsening of symptoms of unknown/unidentifiable cause
- Minimally invasive procedures (they are still invasive!)
- Hysterectomy
- Cancer treatments
- Abdominal or pelvic procedures affecting core stability
What to Expect from Physical Therapy After Surgery
Post-surgical rehab isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Your therapist will begin with a detailed evaluation of your surgical history, current limitations, pain levels, and mobility goals. Based on that, your program may include:
- Manual therapy to improve joint or soft tissue mobility
- Range-of-motion and stretching exercises
- Strength training with progressive resistance
- Balance and gait retraining
- Scar management and tissue desensitization
- Functional training (stairs, squats, lifting, or pelvic-specific functions)
- Postural correction and body mechanics education
Sessions are typically 1–3 times per week, gradually tapering as you become more independent and stronger.
Benefits of Surgery Rehab
A well-designed rehab program offers both immediate and long-term benefits:
- ✅ Faster recovery time
- ✅ Improved strength and mobility
- ✅ Reduced pain and inflammation
- ✅ Lower risk of complications like blood clots or contractures
- ✅ Improved balance, coordination, and joint function
- ✅ Greater confidence returning to daily life
Most importantly, rehab reduces the risk of reinjury or additional surgeries down the road. It’s not just about healing—it’s about rebuilding the healthiest version of you.
At-Home Support Between Sessions
Between your therapy appointments, you’ll likely receive a home exercise plan (HEP). These exercises are vital for maintaining progress and may include:
- Ice/heat applications
- Mobility exercises
- Self-massage to reduce inflammation or scar formation
- Resistance exercises using bands or light weights
- Breathing and posture work
Sticking to your home program can make a measurable difference in how quickly you recover and how long your results last.
When to Start Rehab
The term “pre-hab” refers to preparing in advance when you know that an area will be compromised in order to make surgical repairs. It is easier for the body to heal tissues that are healthy and strong prior to surgery, so this is an excellent way to optimize your recovery from a procedure. If you know that an event is coming that will weaken your body, whether from pregnancy, cancer treatments or a planned surgery, it can be very helpful to work with a PT to build up the strength of your tissues weeks or even months in advance so it is easier for your body to repair them later.
In many cases, early movement is encouraged post-procedure—often within 24–72 hours of surgery. However, every surgery is different. By working together with your PT and surgeon’s team, we can find the best path for you.
Never begin exercises without clearance from your surgeon or physical therapist. Choose a PT prior to surgery so you are prepared and have someone you like and trust scheduled to see you.
Book a virtual discovery call now!
A 2021 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that early rehab significantly reduced recovery time and improved functional outcomes after joint replacement surgery [2].
Final Thoughts
Pre-/Post-surgery rehabilitation is more than just a phase—it’s a path that ensures your procedure delivers the results you hoped for. With the right team, a focused plan, and consistent effort, you can step into your strength and enjoy improved function, mobility, and quality of life.
Sources:
[1] American Physical Therapy Association. “The Role of Physical Therapy After Surgery.” https://www.apta.org
[2] Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. “Outcomes of Post-Surgical Rehab: A Systematic Review.” 2021.