Recovering from orthopedic surgery can feel overwhelming: You may experience stiffness, weakness, or not know how to move safely. But don’t let these initial challenges lead to potential healing setbacks or even a lifetime of chronic pain or limited mobility. Postsurgical orthopedic rehabilitation can help you overcome these challenges and recover your life sooner. Learn how from Chris McCormack, BS, PTA, FRSC, FRCMS, CES, FMS, a senior physical therapist assistant at Orlin & Cohen’s Lynbrook office.

Why Postsurgical Rehab Matters

The Role of Physical Therapy in Healing

A personalized physical therapy (PT) plan is key to healing properly after surgery. It:

• Restores mobility and strength: Gentle movement helps loosen stiff muscles and joints while safely rebuilding strength at your own pace.
• Reduces pain and swelling: Techniques such as manual therapy, ice/heat, compression, and controlled movement promote healing and provide relief.
• Prevents stiffness and circulation issues: By keeping your body in motion, you minimize scar tissue buildup and improve blood flow, thereby reducing complications.
• Improves balance and coordination: Therapy retrains your body to move naturally again, preventing compensations that can slow your recovery.
• Builds confidence and reduces fear: Many people worry about pain or reinjury after surgery. PT helps you understand what’s safe, what to avoid, and how to progress without fear.

How Rehab Prevents Long-term Complications

These initial benefits stay with you, even after your post-op orthopedic rehab ends, and prevent long-term complications by helping:

• Inhibit blood clots
• Avoid stiffness and excessive scar tissue
• Prevent atrophy and improve function
• Improve balance and coordination to reduce the risk of falls.

But remember, you are an essential part of your recovery, so how much (or how little) you benefit from your PT plan has a lot to do with how much you put into it. (In other words, give it your all.)

Common Orthopedic Surgeries That Require PT

Joint Replacement (Knee and Hip)

Joint replacement surgery can change your life when performed by a top specialist, such as those at Orlin & Cohen. In fact, knee and hip replacements are two of the most effective surgeries in all of medicine, with the overwhelming majority of patients enjoying a full recovery.

Shoulder Surgery

While many sources of shoulder pain respond to medications or physical therapy alone, others require surgery. One of the most common is rotator cuff repair. Orlin & Cohen’s fellowship-trained specialists’ all-arthroscopic approach means patients have better outcomes, faster.

ACL and Ligament Repairs

A tear to one of your knee ligaments—particularly your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—can make walking painful and difficult (if not impossible). To repair severe tears, our team uses an arthroscopic, minimally invasive approach, when possible, to help get you moving pain-free again sooner.

Spine and Back Surgery

From spinal implants and minimally invasive fusion surgery to artificial disc replacement surgery, our top spine and back surgeons can relieve the pain of degenerative and herniated discs so you can regain your life.

Benefits of Physical Therapy After Surgery

Most people begin orthopedic rehab a few days after surgery to prevent stiffness and muscle loss.

However, the right timing depends on the type of procedure and the tissues involved. Some surgeries—like tendon and ligament repairs—require longer protection before active movement begins because early stress could interfere with healing. Other procedures, like total joint replacements, benefit from early movement to prevent stiffness and promote circulation.

Working with your physical therapist, your Orlin & Cohen orthopedic subspecialist will help you determine the right time to:

• Start gentle movement exercises (passive vs. active range of motion)
• Introduce light resistance and strength training without stressing healing tissues
• Work toward regaining independence in daily activities, sports, or work.

Even small movements early on can make a big difference, helping you heal faster and feel stronger sooner.

What to Expect During Postsurgical Physical Therapy

While each person’s road to recovery is unique, you can expect your PT plan to generally follow three phases:

Phase I: Protect the surgical site, manage pain and swelling, and prevent stiffness.

For many people, this phase isn’t just about the physical side of healing; it’s about overcoming the fear of movement. It’s normal to worry about pain or making things worse, but avoiding movement completely can slow recovery. A skilled therapist helps break this cycle, guiding you toward safe, controlled progress by:

• Adjusting daily activities to avoid strain (safe ways to sit, stand, and sleep)
• Introducing gentle, passive movement as permitted by your doctor
• Using pain relief techniques such as manual therapy, ice/heat, and compression
• Building confidence in safe movement to prevent fear-based avoidance

Phase II: Rebuild strength and regain mobility in a safe, sustainable way.

By this stage, you’ll start to notice real progress—less stiffness, more confidence, and the ability to do more each day. Your therapy will focus on:

• Learning when to push through mild discomfort versus modifying movement
• Gradually strengthening muscles to improve joint stability and function
• Incorporating neuromuscular exercises for balance and coordination
• Becoming more independent in your rehab exercises and daily activities

 Phase III: Restore full function for your daily routine, work, or sports.

This final phase is all about regaining control over your body and feeling like yourself again by:

• Customizing rehab exercises to align with your personal goals—whether it’s getting back on the field or simply playing with your kids
• Improving movement efficiency to prevent future injuries and maintain long-term health
• Strength and endurance training to ensure lasting recovery and resilience
• Developing a plan for ongoing progress so you don’t lose momentum

Ready to Recover Stronger? Let’s Get You Moving Again

Healing after surgery isn’t just about regaining movement; it’s about reclaiming your life. Working with your surgeon, the Orlin & Cohen physical therapy team is ready to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love sooner. Schedule an appointment now.