Why rehab matters as much as the surgery itself
Every type of orthopedic surgery has its own recovery pattern, its own set of early precautions, and its own realistic timeline — and getting that specific to your procedure matters more than following a generic “post-surgery exercise” routine. Below is a closer look at how we approach recovery for each of the procedures we see most often.
Surgeries we support recovery from
Hip & Knee Replacement
Early rehab focuses on regaining range of motion and managing swelling, followed by a longer phase of strength-building. Most patients continue to see improvement for up to a year after surgery, so early progress is a starting point, not the finish line.
ACL Reconstruction
One of the more structured recoveries we manage, typically following a staged protocol over several months — from protecting the graft early on, through to a supervised return to sport later in rehab.
Hip Arthroscopy
Recovery is often quicker than joint replacement, but still requires careful early loading guidelines specific to what was repaired during the procedure.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery
Rehab centers on rebuilding balance and proprioception, not just strength — this is often what determines whether the ankle stays stable long-term.
Shoulder Replacement
Early motion is carefully guided to protect the repair, with strength work introduced gradually as healing allows — the sequencing here matters more than in most other joint recoveries.
Spinal Surgery
Rehab approach varies significantly depending on the specific procedure, and we coordinate closely with your surgeon's protocol rather than applying a standard timeline.
What to expect at your visit
Your first post-op visit focuses on assessing where you're at against your surgeon's expected timeline, checking your movement and swelling, and reviewing any exercises you've already been given. From there, we build a realistic week-byweek plan specific to your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends entirely on the procedure — some patients start within days, others need a few weeks of rest first. We'll coordinate with your surgeon's specific guidance.
In most cases, yes, though this varies by procedure and by how consistent you are with your rehab program. We'll give you a realistic expectation specific to your surgery, not a generic promise.
Source: Mayo Clinic notes that structured rehabilitation is a core part of recovering function after joint replacement surgery.
See also: Post-Operative Rehabilitation for our general approach to surgical recovery.
Take the next step.
Our Scott Road clinic welcomes patients from Guildford, Newton, Scott Road, and North Delta for personalized occupational therapy focused on their individual functional goals. Book online or call 778-590-4243.
