Undergoing surgery is a major event, whether it's joint replacement or any other medical procedure. While the surgical process itself is critical, what happens after the operation plays just as important a role in your long-term health. One of the most essential parts of post-surgical care is physical therapy.
At Franciscan Healthcare, we believe that a successful recovery doesn’t end in the operating room. Our experienced Rehabilitation & Wellness team is here to support you through every phase of healing, helping you regain strength, mobility, and independence through customized care.
Why Is Physical Therapy After Surgery So Important?
Physical therapy (PT) is designed to restore function, reduce pain, and improve mobility after an operation. Whether you've had orthopedic surgery, a sports injury repair, or another type of procedure, physical therapy after surgery can significantly speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Here are some of the key benefits of post-surgical physical therapy:
- Faster Healing: Guided exercises and movement help stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and promote tissue healing.
- Pain Reduction: Therapeutic techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening can minimize post-op discomfort.
- Improved Mobility: PT helps restore range of motion and flexibility that may be limited after surgery.
- Prevention of Complications: Staying active with supervised movement reduces your risk of blood clots, muscle atrophy, and joint stiffness.
- Customized Support: Every person’s recovery is different. A physical therapist creates a personalized plan tailored to your procedure, physical condition, and goals.
At Franciscan Healthcare, we’re proud to offer compassionate, evidence-based care that promotes faster and safer healing.
Common Surgeries That Benefit from Physical Therapy
Many patients don’t realize that post-operative physical therapy is highly recommended across a wide range of surgeries. Some of the most common include:
- Joint Replacements (Knee, Hip, Shoulder)
- Rotator Cuff Repairs
- Ligament Reconstructions (ACL, MCL)
- Fracture Repairs
- Abdominal Surgeries
If you’ve recently had, or are planning to have any of these procedures, it’s essential to include PT as part of your recovery plan.
What to Expect from Post-Surgical Physical Therapy at Franciscan Healthcare
We understand that surgery can feel overwhelming, and beginning physical therapy might be intimidating. But at Franciscan Healthcare, our rehabilitation specialists are with you every step of the way.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Evaluation: Your therapist will assess your current function, range of motion, pain level, and surgical details to develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Goal Setting: We work with you to establish recovery goals—whether it’s walking without assistance, returning to sports, or simply moving with less pain.
- Progressive Exercise Plan: Your sessions will include a mix of stretching, strengthening, mobility work, and manual therapy techniques.
- Education and Empowerment: We’ll teach you how to move safely, protect your surgical site, and continue progress at home between visits.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Your plan will evolve as you improve, ensuring consistent progress toward full recovery.
Our rehabilitation department is staffed by licensed professionals who collaborate closely with your surgeons and primary care providers to ensure seamless continuity of care.
Speed Up Your Recovery—Start Sooner Rather Than Later
One of the biggest misconceptions is that patients need to wait until they’re "fully healed" before beginning physical therapy. In reality, starting PT early after surgery, as recommended by your provider, can lead to faster recovery times and better long-term results.
The sooner you begin guided movement, the more likely you are to maintain strength, flexibility, and function throughout the healing process. If you’ve had surgery or are preparing for one, talk to your doctor about the benefits of early rehabilitation.
Choose Franciscan Healthcare for Your Post-Surgical Care
At Franciscan Healthcare, we’re committed to helping you heal—not just quickly, but completely. Our physical therapy team is here to support you with expert care, one-on-one attention, and a compassionate approach rooted in our Franciscan values.
Ready to take the next step in your recovery? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
