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Physical therapy after surgery Why rehab starts early, what each stage looks like, and how long recovery takes
Physical therapy after surgery usually starts sooner than people expect. After a knee or hip replacement, standing and walking often begin in the hospital within a day, and outpatient therapy commonly starts within the first week or two; after ACL, ankle, shoulder or spine surgery, timing follows your surgeon’s protocol. Early, guided movement helps limit stiffness, swelling, muscle loss and the risk of blood clots. Rehab then moves in stages from protecting the repair and regaining motion to strength, balance and return to work or sport, often over several weeks to months.
Surgery repairs or replaces the damaged structure, but it does not rebuild the strength, motion and confidence you need to use it. That is the job of rehab. At Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance, our physical therapists run pre- and post-surgical rehab at our Brooklyn and Staten Island offices, following your surgeon’s protocol. The videos show what that looks like after leg, knee and ankle surgery.
When physical therapy after surgery starts
- Knee or hip replacement: standing and walking with help often start within a day; outpatient therapy commonly begins within one to two weeks; see knee replacement recovery timeline and hip replacement recovery
- ACL reconstruction: motion and thigh-muscle activation start in the first days; see ACL tear recovery
- Fracture repair: depends on how stable the repair is and when weight-bearing is allowed; see fracture recovery
- Shoulder surgery: often a period in a sling with gentle, protected motion first; see shoulder dislocation recovery
- Spine surgery: walking early, formal exercise when your surgeon clears it; see recovery after spine surgery
Your surgeon sets the limits, such as how much weight you can put on the leg and which motions to avoid. Bring the protocol to your first visit.
Why early movement matters
Long rest after surgery lets joints stiffen, scar tissue tighten and muscles weaken quickly, and lying still raises the risk of blood clots. Gentle, guided movement keeps the joint moving, helps swelling settle and starts waking up the muscles around the repair. The aim is the right amount at the right time, not pushing through sharp pain; see pain after surgery for what is normal.
The stages of physical therapy after surgery
- Protect and move: swelling and pain control, gentle range of motion, walking with an aid if needed
- Restore motion and basic strength: bending and straightening, activating the key muscles, normal walking
- Build strength and balance: progressive exercise, balance and stairs; tools such as the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill can reduce load on a healing leg
- Return to work, sport and daily life: agility, endurance and task practice, with a home exercise program to keep going
How long it takes depends on the surgery and on you; many people come for several weeks to a few months. See how many physical therapy sessions and how to recover after knee surgery.
When to call your surgeon or doctor
Call promptly for fever, redness, warmth or drainage at the incision, pain that keeps getting worse, or new numbness or weakness. Go to an emergency room for calf pain and swelling, chest pain or shortness of breath. If pain lingers once healing is complete, our pain physicians, Ashley Marcus, MD in Brooklyn, Jake Stephen, DO on Staten Island and Yuri Gordin, MD in Manhattan can examine you and look for the cause.
More videos: rehab after surgery
More clips from our YouTube channel @precisioncaremedical showing physical therapy after surgery, from first steps to full speed.
Related care at Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance
Physical therapy after surgery near you
Looking for a physical therapist near me after surgery? Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance offers post-surgical physical therapy at our Brooklyn office on Shell Rd, close to Midwood, Bensonhurst and Gravesend, where Zoya Reznik, DPT, OCS is one of our physical therapists, and at our Staten Island office on Richmond Rd, serving Great Kills, Dongan Hills and Todt Hill.
Our physicians examine lingering pain after surgery at all three offices, including the Precision Care Spine & Pain Center in Midtown Manhattan, a direct ride from Spanish Harlem and Washington Heights. Request an appointment or call the office closest to you, and bring your surgeon’s protocol.
150 E 55th St, Suite 401, New York, NY 10022
(212) 840-0135
Questions patients ask
How soon after surgery should I start physical therapy?
It depends on the surgery. After a joint replacement, walking often starts within a day and outpatient therapy within one to two weeks; other surgeries follow your surgeon’s protocol.
Why do they make you move so soon after surgery?
Early, guided movement helps prevent stiffness, muscle loss and blood clots and helps swelling settle, while protecting the repair.
How long does physical therapy after surgery take?
Often several weeks to a few months, depending on the surgery, your health and your goals. Progress is re-measured along the way.
Is it normal to have pain during physical therapy after surgery?
Some soreness is expected. Sharp pain, pain that keeps getting worse or new swelling should be reported to your therapist and surgeon.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy after surgery?
Requirements depend on your insurance plan. Bring your surgeon’s protocol, and call the office to check what your plan needs.
Where can I find physical therapy after surgery near me?
Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance offers post-surgical physical therapy at two offices:
- Brooklyn2781 Shell Rd, Suite 101, Brooklyn, NY 11223(718) 648-1234 · Get directions
- Staten Island1630 Richmond Rd, Suite 101, Staten Island, NY 10304(718) 339-7100 · Get directions
Physical therapy is offered in Brooklyn and Staten Island only; our physicians examine lingering post-surgical pain at all three offices.
Educational only, not medical advice. These videos and this article explain common problems and treatments in general terms. They are not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for you. Results vary from person to person. See a qualified clinician about your own symptoms, and call 911 or go to an emergency room for an emergency.
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