BenchMark Physical Therapy
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Pre/Post Surgical

Create a roadmap for a successful recovery with both pre-and post-surgical rehabilitation and physical therapy.

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What is pre and post-surgery physical therapy

Following orthopedic surgery on the hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, hand, neck, foot, ankle, or spine, physical therapy is typically required and facilitates a speedy recovery. It’s also often prescribed after cancer or pelvic floor surgeries. Post surgery physical therapy can start anywhere from a few hours to a few days after surgery, and in some cases, there may be a period of immobilization following surgery.

Also, while you may be familiar with post-surgical rehabilitation programs, there are benefits to a structured pre-surgical or “pre-habilitation” program. This is a program designed by your physical therapist to help you before surgery so that you can have a great outcome after surgery.

Is pre/post-surgery physical therapy the proper treatment?

Before surgery, the treatment goals of pre-surgery physical therapy are to mentally prepare for surgery, reduce pain and inflammation, restore range of motion, improve muscular control, normalize movement patterns, improve overall well-being and fitness, and gain a good understanding of the exercises that will begin right after surgery.

physical therapist working with female patient

After surgery, our physical therapists are trained to optimize your post surgery recovery and prevent re-injury. Post surgery physical therapy focuses on reducing swelling, regaining range of motion, regaining lost strength, increasing endurance, and returning to daily activities.

women laying down during exam with physical therapist

Benefits of pre-surgery physical therapy

The benefits of receiving physical therapy treatment before surgery include:

  • Mentally prepare for surgery
  • Reduce pain and inflammation
  • Restore range of motion
  • Improve muscular control
  • Normalize movement patterns
  • Improve overall well-being and fitness
  • Gain an understanding of the exercises that will begin right after surgery

Benefits of post-surgery physical therapy

After surgery, our physical therapists are trained to optimize your post surgery recovery and prevent re-injury. The benefits of receiving physical therapy treatment after surgery include:

  • Reduce swelling
  • Regain range of motion
  • Regain lost strength
  • Increase endurance
  • Improve ability to return to daily activities

Pre/Post Surgical resources

Physical Therapy Before Surgery
Pre/Post Surgery

Benefits of Physical Therapy Before Surgery

Physical therapy is a healthcare specialty that helps patients with medical conditions or injuries that affect their ability to move and function. Through exercise, manual...

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What to expect

Your first physical therapy appointment is about creating a personalized treatment plan based on your health history, diagnosis, and goals. Here’s what you can expect at your first physical therapy appointment:

Your first appointment will last about an hour. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

If applicable, bring your physician referral or prescription, insurance card, paperwork, ID, and co-payment.

At your appointment, we’ll do an initial evaluation and discuss your care plan.

Prepare for your visit

*Services are not available at every location. Visit our Locations page for more details.

Physical therapy insurance & payment options

We work with most major insurance providers. Although coverage will vary from plan to plan, many physical therapy, occupational therapy and speciality therapy programs are covered under insurance. Learn more about our insurance coverage and self-pay options for physical therapy.

Insurance Coverage