Post-Operative Rehab
A real rehab plan is half the surgery.
Post-surgical rehabilitation in Burlington
Whether you've had a knee replacement, an ACL reconstruction, or rotator cuff surgery, the result depends on the rehab as much as the procedure. We build the plan around your protocol and your timeline.
What we treat
Surgeries we rehabilitate.
We coordinate with your surgeon, follow protocol-specific timelines, and progress you based on objective milestones — not just how many weeks have passed.
ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair or trim, total knee replacement, partial replacement. Each has a distinct rehab arc.
Total hip replacement, hip arthroscopy with labral repair, FAI surgery. Strict early protocols followed by progressive loading.
Rotator cuff repair, SLAP repair, shoulder replacement. Early protected motion, then strength rebuild.
Discectomy, fusion, laminectomy. Early movement and education, then progressive loading and return to activity.
Carpal tunnel release, wrist fractures, tennis/golfer's elbow surgery, hand procedures. Often coordinated with hand therapy.
Achilles tendon repair, ankle ligament reconstruction, bunion correction. Loading progression matters enormously here.
Our approach
The phases that get you back.
Good post-op rehab moves through clear phases. Skipping ahead causes setbacks; staying too long in one phase wastes time. We progress on milestones, not the calendar alone.
Early phase: respect the surgeon's protocol, manage swelling, restore range of motion safely. The foundation everything else builds on.
Once tissue healing allows, progressive loading to rebuild the muscles around the joint. Carefully matched to where you are in healing.
Specific patterns relevant to your life and goals — stairs, lifting, sport. We bridge from clinic to real-world demands.
Objective testing where appropriate (especially for ACL and other return-to-sport situations). Discharge with a maintenance plan.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about post-op rehab
When should I start rehab after surgery?+
Depends on the surgery, but most should start within days to a couple weeks. Some surgeries (like ACL or rotator cuff) benefit from 'prehab' before surgery and rehab starting immediately after. Your surgeon will confirm timing — we coordinate from there.
Do you work with my surgeon?+
Yes. We follow surgeon-specific protocols and communicate as needed. If you don't have a clear protocol, we use the current evidence-based standards for your procedure and confirm with your surgeon if there are questions.
How long does post-op rehab take?+
Varies widely — a knee scope may take 6-12 weeks, an ACL reconstruction is 9-12 months for full return to sport, a knee replacement is typically 3-6 months. We give you a realistic timeline at the first visit.
Will it be covered by insurance?+
Yes — extended health benefits typically cover post-op physiotherapy. WSIB and motor vehicle accident claims are also covered if the surgery is related to those. We direct bill all major Canadian insurers.
Related services
You might also be interested in
Post-op rehab is run through physio. Each procedure has a specialized arc within the broader physio program.
Often a useful early-stage tool for lower-body surgery — earlier weight-bearing without overloading healing tissue.
For athletes, return-to-sport testing in the late stages confirms you're ready to return safely.
Clinically reviewed by Stephanie Aubin, MPT
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