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Physiotherapy After Surgery (In-Home & Online)

Protocol-based post-operative rehab for hip, knee, shoulder & spine in Greater Vancouver

For patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, following post-operative physiotherapy protocols is critical to achieving the best possible outcomes.

After Surgery Physiotherapy

What to Expect

For patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, following post-operative physiotherapy protocols is critical to achieving the best possible outcomes. For common procedures—such as hip or knee replacements—there are established guidelines your physiotherapist will follow and adapt to your specific circumstances. We coordinate with your surgical team and tailor your program to your goals, home environment, and clinical milestones.

Healing after surgery requires both strength and fuel. That’s why we pair post-surgical physiotherapy with in-home kinesiology and registered dietitian care to support safer, faster recovery.

Generally, post-operative physiotherapy progresses through three phases:

  • Early recovery phase – pain and swelling management, circulatory exercises, gentle range of motion within your surgeon’s protocol, safe transfers, and gait training.

  • Strength & range-of-motion phase – progressive ROM, muscle activation and strengthening, balance work, scar mobility, and pacing strategies.

  • Functional restoration phase – task-specific training (stairs, transfers, daily activities), return-to-work/sport planning, load management, and prevention strategies.

Physiotherapy in the Early Recovery Phase

This phase begins as soon as you are discharged from surgery and carries on until your tissues have healed, the swelling from surgery has dissipated and the pain associated with the surgery has mostly resolved. During this period of time your Physiotherapist will be focused on the following;

  • Pain relief
  • Reducing swelling
  • Gentle manual therapy to restore joint range of motion
  • Assistance with early walking
  • Prescribing gait aids like walkers or canes and instructing on their use
  • Simple exercises to begin to regain muscle function without disrupting healing

Physiotherapy in the Strength and Range of Motion Phase

Once you have reached the appropriate milestones for your specific surgery and the post-op pain and swelling have reduced your physiotherapy program will become focused on normalizing the range of motion, mechanics and strength of your body. During this time, your post-op physiotherapy program will likely include;

  • More difficult strength exercises
  • The introduction of some balance and proprioception tasks
  • More aggressive manual therapy to restore full joint range of motion
  • Soft tissue treatment to ensure you regain full mobility

Physiotherapy in the Functional Restoration Phase

When your surgical site is ready and your strength has returned sufficiently to do more complex exercises safely you will move into the functional restoration phase of your post-op physiotherapy program. Each person uses their body differently and has a lifestyle that has different physical demands. It is important that each patients Physiotherapy program is designed to meet their physical goals. While one patient may be looking to return to an elite level of sport, another may simply need to be able to get down on the floor to play with their grandchildren. Therefore, the program must progress toward the goals of the patient. During this period of time you may be doing some of the following;

  • A progression of exercises designed to meet a complex functional goal
  • More difficult and complex balance and proprioception exercises
  • Manual therapy to restore full joint range of motion (if not already achieved)

Important Consideration

There are restrictions and timelines specific to your surgery that must be respected to heal properly. For example, patients who have undergone an ACL reconstruction are usually not allowed to run until 12 weeks after surgery (assuming that they have reached the expected clinical milestones during this time) and people who have undergone a hip replacement are told to avoid bending the hip past 90 degrees for several months and are usually told they need to give up some higher risk activities such as skiing and running. These restrictions can be obtained from your surgical team or your Physiotherapist and should be respected to ensure the best possible results.

When should I start physiotherapy post-surgery?

Often as soon as it is safe for your procedure. Many people begin gentle rehab within days to two weeks. We follow your written post-op instructions and start with light movement, swelling control, and safe mobility. Most patients are discharged with a short list of exercises. Working through these with a physiotherapist helps ensure correct technique, proper pacing, and respect for precautions so you do not aggravate the surgical site. We monitor pain and swelling, adjust range and repetitions, and progress when it is appropriate.

Do you provide after-surgery physiotherapy in-home as well as online (tele-rehab)?

Yes. We offer in-home visits across Burnaby and Greater Vancouver and secure online sessions. Both options include guided exercises, mobility coaching, and clear steps you can follow between visits. A family member or caregiver is welcome to join.

What should I expect at my first post-surgery physiotherapy session?

A calm, step-by-step start: we discuss your goals, check basic movement (getting in/out of bed, standing up, short walks), and screen range of motion and balance. You’ll leave with a simple home exercise plan, safety tips, and an outline for how we’ll progress.

How do you respect surgical precautions (e.g., weight-bearing limits, movement restrictions)?

We follow the restrictions provided for your procedure (e.g., partial weight-bearing, no twisting, range limits) and teach safe ways to move, transfers, stairs, and daily tasks, within those limits. Exercises are adapted and progressed gradually; if a movement isn’t allowed, we provide alternatives.

What can I do between sessions to recover safely without overdoing it?

  • Follow your home exercise plan exactly as prescribed.
  • Use pacing: short, frequent bouts instead of long sessions.
  • Aim for comfortable effort and avoid sharp pain.
  • Watch your body’s feedback: if soreness or swelling spikes and lasts into the next day, scale back next time.
  • Keep up with short walks and gentle range-of-motion only if they’re allowed for your surgery.

Contact us and book your appointment now.

You can now get treated in the comfort of your home!