Pre/Post Surgical Patients

Optimizing pre- and post-operative physical therapy is crucial for enhancing surgical outcomes, reducing complications, and accelerating return to function. Surgeons rely on coordinated rehab protocols to preserve joint range, maximize muscular strength, and minimize hospital stays—ultimately improving patient satisfaction and lowering downstream costs. Integrating prehabilitation (“prehab”) before surgery and structured post-surgical rehab ensures patients enter surgery with better fitness and leave with fewer setbacks (Health) (PMC).

Procedures We Commonly Treat

  • Total hip, knee, and shoulder replacements
  • ACL/PCL reconstruction and meniscectomy
  • Rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression
  • Spinal surgeries (lumbar laminectomy, fusion, discectomy, neck fusion)
  • Arthroscopic joint repairs

How a Licensed Physical Therapist Can Help

  • Prehabilitation Programs
    Tailored exercise regimens (strength, flexibility, balance) initiated weeks before surgery to boost cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle endurance, and joint mobility (JAMA Network).
  • Comprehensive Biomechanical Evaluation
    Hands-on assessment of alignment, muscle imbalances, and movement patterns to customize both pre- and post-operative plans.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Guidance
    • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound to visualize tissue integrity and monitor healing of tendons, ligaments, and musculature.
    • NCV/EMG Testing by board-certified specialists to detect nerve dysfunction, assess chronicity, and guide nerve-sparing rehabilitation strategies.
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
    Incorporates gentle manual therapy, pain-relieving modalities, progressive range-of-motion exercises, and graduated strengthening to restore function safely.
  • Ongoing Progress Tracking
    Objective re-assessments with ultrasound and EMG, along with functional performance measures, ensure interventions adapt to each patient’s healing trajectory.
  • Surgeon Collaboration & Patient Education
    Regular communication with your surgical team and in-depth patient coaching on home-exercise compliance, activity modifications, and precaution protocols.

Advantages Over Traditional Approaches

  • Reduced Complication Rates & Shorter Hospital Stays
    Prehab decreases postoperative complications by up to 50% and trims length of stay, lowering risks of nosocomial infections (Health).
  • Enhanced Functional Outcomes
    Patients demonstrate faster recovery of joint motion and strength, translating into earlier discharge to home rather than extended rehab facilities (SAGE Journals).
  • Precision & Personalization
    Ultrasound and EMG–guided protocols allow for targeted rehabilitation, optimizing tissue healing while protecting vulnerable structures.
  • Empowerment & Compliance
    Structured education and home programs foster patient engagement, improving adherence and long-term surgical success.

References

  1. Recovering From Surgery Is Hard. ‘Prehabilitation’ Could Make it Easier, Health.com. Published February 2025. (Health)
  2. McCourt O et al. Therapeutic Exercise Before and After Major Surgery: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med. 2014;3(2):740–754. (PMC)
  3. Oldmeadow LB et al. Post-Operative Physiotherapy for Hip Fracture: A Randomized Trial of In-Patient vs. Nurse-Assisted Ambulation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85(3):428–433. (PMC)

Hulzebos EHJ et al. Preoperative Intensive Inspiratory Muscle Training to Prevent Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in High-Risk Patients Undergoing CABG. JAMA. 2006;296(15):1851–1857. (physio-pedia.com)