Post-Op Therapy & Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation should be selected by your surgeon and physical therapist. General exercise pages are not a substitute for your postoperative protocol. Confirm when therapy starts and which movements are allowed.

Recovery may include protection of healing tissues, permitted motion, strengthening, and a gradual return to function. The order and timing depend on the operation. Do not begin resistance exercises or stretches simply because an online schedule suggests them.

Make sure your therapist has the surgical instructions. Ask for a demonstration and written home exercises, including frequency and restrictions. Report pain during exercise rather than pushing through it.

Your care team considers healing, motion, strength, and the demands of your activity when advising return. A calendar date alone does not mean you are ready. Ask before resuming lifting, driving, or sports.

Stop and contact the team for a sudden setback, worsening pain, new numbness, or wound concerns. For chest pain or sudden difficulty breathing, call 911.