Post-Surgical Rehab
Post-surgical physical therapy helps you regain motion, strength and daily function after an operation, following your surgeon’s protocol. Heights Physical Therapy provides physical therapy after surgery for people in Gunnison, Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, and in many cases you can choose where you do it.
What recovery looks like week to week
Every surgeon’s protocol is different, so your timeline is set with your surgeon. In general, physical therapy after surgery moves in stages.
The first days and weeks
We focus on swelling management, gentle range of motion and safe walking, stairs and getting in and out of the car.
The middle weeks
We restore range of motion and add protocol-based progressive exercise, with manual therapy as your surgeon allows.
The later weeks
We rebuild strength, balance and endurance, and train for the work, hobby or sport you want back.
Back to the mountains
Hiking, skiing and riding come back in steps. Our performance training can take over once rehab is done.
Prehab before surgery: getting stronger first
If your surgery is scheduled, physical therapy before it can help. Stronger muscles, better motion and a clear idea of what to expect can make the first weeks after surgery easier. Prehab also lets us meet you, learn your goals and plan ahead.
Surgeries people ask about
- Knee replacement rehab
- Hip replacement rehab
- ACL surgery rehab
- Rotator cuff repair rehab
- Spinal fusion rehab and other spine surgery
- Rehab after shoulder surgery
- Meniscus repair
- Foot and ankle surgery
- Carpal tunnel release
Rehab looks different after each operation
Motion limits, weight-bearing rules and timelines depend on the operation and on your surgeon. Call us to ask whether we are the right fit for yours.
Following your surgeon’s protocol
Your surgeon sets the rules. Bring your surgeon’s instructions and we will follow them.
- Bring your surgeon’s instructions, including motion and weight-bearing limits, and we will follow them
- If your restrictions change, tell us and we will adjust your plan
- Range of motion restoration, swelling management and gait training in each stage
- A home exercise program you can do between visits
- Gear and education so you know what is normal and what to call about
Pages for the joint you are having done
If you have trouble before surgery, or non-surgical options to consider, these pages cover them.
Shoulder and back
See shoulder pain and back pain.
Arthritis and sports
See arthritis and sports injury rehab.
Questions about starting rehab after surgery
Can I choose where I do physical therapy?
Many people can choose, but it depends on your plan. Call us and we will tell you what applies to your plan, or see our insurance page.
Do I need a referral?
Call us and we will tell you what applies to your insurance, and whether you need anything from your doctor, before your first visit.
I live outside the valley. Can I still work with you?
For some visits, telehealth may work. Call us and we will tell you what makes sense for your surgery.
Planning for surgery or just home from it
Whether your operation is next month or last week, call and tell us what was done and who your surgeon is. We see patients from Gunnison, Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley. Call or request an appointment and we will find a time that works.
We see patients in Gunnison, Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, Colorado.