Burnaby Physiotherapy
POST OP PHYSIOTHERAPY
POST OP Therapy
Post-Operative Physiotherapy in Burnaby – EastWest Physiotherapy
Surgery is a major milestone. But recovery is the journey that truly gets you back to living, moving, and enjoying life again. Post-operative physiotherapy helps guide your body through that recovery process safely and effectively. At EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby, we work with you step-by-step to rebuild strength, restore movement, and support healing so you can return to everyday activities you love.
Post-op rehabilitation is just as important as the surgery itself. Treatment that is started early has been shown repeatedly to improve pain and functional outcomes while reducing long-term complications. Your body has already done the hard work of getting through surgery. At EastWest Physiotherapy, we help you rebuild it.
Why Do I Need Post-Op Physiotherapy?
After surgery, muscles can weaken quickly and joints can become stiff if they’re left inactive for too long. Addressing soft tissue swelling and inflammation is also a huge factor. A structured rehab plan ensures that tissues heal properly, strength returns at the right pace, and movement comes back efficiently, without stressing surgical repairs.
Your Burnaby Physiotherapist will guide you through each stage of recovery with:
- Safe mobilization when movement is restricted
- Exercises tailored to your surgical protocol from surgeon
- Pain and swelling management techniques
- Strength, stability, and movement retraining
- Safe progressions to activity
- Gradual return to daily activities and sport
The end goal of post-operative Physiotherapy is to promote healing, prevent complications, and restore full function as efficiently and safely as possible.
Common Surgeries Requiring Post-Operative Rehab
Post-op physiotherapy is used after a wide range of procedures including:
- Joint replacement (hip/knee/shoulder)
- ACL/MCL/PCL reconstruction
- Meniscus and ligament repair
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder stabilization
- Arthroscopy procedures
- Spinal surgeries
- Fracture repairs
- Foot/ankle surgery
- Soft tissue reconstruction
Your surgeon may provide a guideline, which our Physiotherapists will follow closely to ensure healing stages are respected and progressions are made appropriately.
Stages of Post-Operative Physiotherapy
Post-op rehabilitation generally progresses through three key phases:
Pain & Swelling Reduction (Early Healing Phase)
The first priority after surgery is reducing inflammation, protecting healing tissues, and maintaining as much mobility as safely allowed.
Treatment at this stage may include:
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises
- Swelling control strategies (POLICE strategy)
- Taping or bracing if appropriate
- Modalities such as electrotherapy, ultrasound, or acupuncture
- Mobility support (crutches, gait aids, bracing education)
The goal is to reduce discomfort and begin early functional movement.
Range of Motion & Strength Restoration
Once pain and swelling decrease, we begin gradually restoring movement and rebuilding strength around the surgical area.
Your program may include:
- Progressive stretching and mobility work
- Manual therapy to reduce stiffness
- Strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle
- Neuromuscular control and stability training
This phase helps regain joint movement, support posture, and re-establish healthy biomechanics.
Return to Daily Activity or Sport (Functional Phase)
As healing progresses, exercises become more dynamic and functional. The final stage prepares you for the demands of your job, daily lifestyle, and/or sport, safely and confidently.
This phase may include:
- Balance and coordination work
- Endurance and power training
- Sport-specific and movement pattern retraining
- Return-to-work and return-to-sport progression
Depending on the surgery, full return can range from several weeks to 6–12+ months.
Why Do I Need Post-Op Physiotherapy?
After surgery, muscles can weaken quickly and joints can become stiff if they’re left inactive for too long. Addressing soft tissue swelling and inflammation is also a huge factor. A structured rehab plan ensures that tissues heal properly, strength returns at the right pace, and movement comes back efficiently, without stressing surgical repairs.
Your Burnaby Physiotherapist will guide you through each stage of recovery with:
- Safe mobilization when movement is restricted
- Exercises tailored to your surgical protocol from surgeon
- Pain and swelling management techniques
- Strength, stability, and movement retraining
- Safe progressions to activity
- Gradual return to daily activities and sport
The end goal of post-operative Physiotherapy is to promote healing, prevent complications, and restore full function as efficiently and safely as possible.
Why Choose EastWest Physiotherapy for Post-Op Rehab?
- One-to-one private sessions - no rushing, no doubling patients
- Private Treatment Rooms for comfort and confidentiality (no curtained rooms)
- Clear education so you know what to expect at every stage
- Structured exercise progressions customized to your surgery
- Hands-on treatment to restore mobility faster
- Blend of Eastern & Western techniques when appropriate
- Experience with surgical protocols and surgeon communication
- Convenient Burnaby location near Brentwood and Highway 1
- English, Cantonese, and Mandarin available
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after surgery should I start physiotherapy?
Your surgeon determines the timeline, but early rehabilitation often leads to better outcomes. Many protocols begin within days to weeks.
Will therapy be painful?
Some discomfort during movement is normal early on, but treatment is always paced safely around your healing and pain tolerance.
How long will recovery take?
Depends on the surgery and your activity goals. Simple procedures may take weeks, while complex joint surgeries may take several months.
Can I return to sport?
Yes, once strength, mobility, and motor control are restored. We guide you gradually back into sport-specific loading and performance. Depending on the surgery, you may need to be cleared by your surgeon for return to sport.
Begin Your Post-Op Physiotherapy in Burnaby
You’ve already done the hard part. Now let’s help you recover fully and get back to what you love to do.
Book your post-operative physiotherapy session at EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby and move forward with strength, confidence, and support.