Post-Surgery Physiotherapy Vancouver | Prehab & Rehab

Specialized Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy after surgery helps you recover movement, strength, and confidence while protecting the repair. Our physiotherapists are experienced with post-surgical protocols and guide you safely through each phase of recovery.

Surgery fixes the structural problem, but rehabilitation rebuilds the strength and function you need to return to work, activity, and sport. Guided rehab helps limit stiffness, muscle loss, and compensating movement patterns that can hold your recovery back.

Our post-surgery physiotherapy program in Vancouver is protocol-driven yet individually tailored. We follow evidence-based timelines while adjusting intensity and progression based on your tissue healing, pain levels, and functional goals.

Pre-surgical physiotherapy (prehabilitation)

When possible, beginning physiotherapy before surgery significantly improves outcomes. Prehabilitation builds strength, improves range of motion, reduces anxiety, and educates you on what to expect post-operatively.

Surgeries We Help You Recover From

Every surgery has its own healing timeline and precautions. We follow your surgeon's protocol and tailor each phase to how your body is responding.

Knee surgery

ACL reconstruction
Meniscus repair or trim
Total and partial knee replacement

Restoring full knee straightening, quad strength, and confident walking, then running and sport. Runners can finish with our Running Lab.

Hip surgery

Total hip replacement
Hip arthroscopy and labral repair

Following your hip precautions while rebuilding strength, balance, and a normal walking pattern. Managing arthritis before surgery? See our GLA:D program.

Shoulder surgery

Rotator cuff repair
Shoulder stabilization and labral repair
Shoulder replacement

Protecting the repair early on, then gradually restoring reach, rotation, and lifting strength.

Foot and ankle surgery

Achilles tendon repair
Ankle fracture fixation
Ankle ligament reconstruction

Progressing from boot or cast to full weight bearing, balance, and a return to walking, running, and sport.

Spine surgery

Discectomy
Laminectomy
Spinal fusion

Safe movement habits, core and hip strength, and gradual return to sitting, lifting, and work.

Fractures and other surgery

Wrist, arm, and leg fracture fixation
Other orthopaedic procedures

Restoring range of motion and strength once the bone has healed enough to load. Manual therapy helps with stiffness and scar tissue.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation Treatment Modalities

Your post-operative program will include

Manual therapy

Gentle joint mobilizations, soft tissue work, and scar tissue massage to restore mobility and reduce restrictions

Therapeutic exercise

Progressive exercises that rebuild strength, endurance, and power while respecting tissue healing timelines

Neuromuscular re-education

Balance work and movement pattern correction to restore motor control

Gait training

Restoring normal walking mechanics and weaning from assistive devices when appropriate

Modalities

Ice, compression, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to manage pain and inflammation when indicated

Education

Understanding surgical precautions, recognizing warning signs, managing pain, and progressing your home program.

Your Recovery Timeline After Surgery

Every surgery and every person heals differently, and your surgeon's protocol always comes first. This is the general path most of our post-surgery patients follow.

First days to 2 weeks Protect and settle Managing pain and swelling, protecting the repair, gentle movement within your precautions, and getting around safely with crutches, a sling, or a walker if needed.
Roughly weeks 2 to 6 Restore movement Regaining range of motion, waking up the muscles around the joint, and weaning off walking aids or braces as your surgeon allows.
Roughly weeks 6 to 12 Build strength Progressive strengthening, balance, and endurance work, plus getting back to everyday tasks like stairs, longer walks, and driving when cleared.
3 months and beyond Return to activity Sport, work, and higher level activity, tested step by step. Some surgeries take longer. For example, return to pivoting sports after ACL reconstruction usually takes at least 9 months.

Early on, most people come in 2 to 3 times a week, tapering as you progress and your home program takes over.

Preparing for Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Before surgery (if possible)

Schedule a prehabilitation physio appointment
Learn about post-operative expectations and exercises
Optimize your strength and range of motion

After surgery

Contact our clinic to schedule your first appointment (timing based on surgeon's recommendation)
Bring all surgical reports, operative notes, and post-operative instructions
Bring any prescribed braces, splints, or assistive devices
List all medications including pain management

After surgery

Loose clothing that allows range of movement.

For ICBC clients

Ensure you have treatment approval from your adjuster before scheduling.

Surgeon's prescription or referral
Post-operative protocol from surgical team
Insurance information
WorkSafeBC or ICBC claim numbers if applicable

ICBC and WorkSafeBC Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

Surgery after a car crash

ICBC's Enhanced Care coverage pre-approves up to 25 physiotherapy treatments within the first 12 weeks after a crash, with no referral or ICBC approval needed. Bring your claim number and Personal Health Number.

Surgery often happens after that 12 week window closes. If so, our team works with your ICBC recovery specialist to get your post-surgical rehab approved, so let us know your surgery date when you book.

Surgery after a workplace injury

If your surgery is part of an accepted WorkSafeBC claim, talk to your case manager about post-surgical physiotherapy and get approval before your first session.

We coordinate directly with your case manager and build your rehab around a safe return to your job. For physically demanding roles, our active rehabilitation program can rebuild the strength your work requires.

testimonials

Results that speak for themselves

Post-Surgery Physiotherapy Vancouver: Patient Success Stories

VanCity Physio's vast knowledge brought me great results. When I began working with them I was on crutches, and today I am so much stronger and can function so much better. I feel that I have jumped leaps and bounds, and I am very excited to utilize my new knowledge.

My therapist put a great deal of time and effort into my rehabilitation, and gave me the tools I needed to move onward and forward.

— Deborah H.

Ranko has taught me many things about my recovery and has encouraged me every step of the way.

His smile and attitude helps to keep me involved and optimistic. I can ask for honesty with him and get it … qualities that reflect more than one healing process.

— Wendy M

My Physiotherapist always displayed a lot of patience, encouraged me and was always right beside me as to make sure that I wouldn't fall or hurt myself.

The techniques and exercises I learned helped me to improve very quickly… as a result, 1 month post hip replacement surgery I was able to get up and down the many stairs I have in my home with a cane without any problems!

— Mao W.

Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Surgery Physiotherapy in Vancouver

When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?

It depends on your surgery and your surgeon's instructions. Many people start within the first few days to two weeks, while some procedures need a longer protection period first. Bring your post-op instructions to your first visit and we'll follow your surgeon's protocol from there.

Do I need a referral for post-surgery physiotherapy?

No, you can book directly. We do ask you to bring your operative report and post-op protocol so we can follow your surgeon's plan. Some insurance plans require a doctor's referral for reimbursement, so check with your provider.

How long does physiotherapy after surgery take?

Most people need anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the surgery. Many joint replacement patients are back to most daily activities within about 3 months, while returning to pivoting sports after ACL reconstruction usually takes at least 9 months.

What is prehab, and is it worth doing?

Prehab is physiotherapy before surgery. It builds strength and movement around the joint and teaches you your early post-op exercises, so you start recovery from a stronger position. Book as soon as your surgery date is set; even a few weeks can help.

How often will I need physio after surgery?

Early on, most patients come in 2 to 3 times a week. Visits taper as you get stronger and your home exercise program takes over. Your physiotherapist will adjust the schedule to your surgery and progress.

Is post-surgery physiotherapy covered by insurance?

Most extended health plans cover post-operative physiotherapy, and we offer direct billing. If your surgery relates to a car crash or a workplace injury, ICBC or WorkSafeBC may also cover your rehab. Let us know when you book and we'll help sort out approval.

Is it normal to have pain during post-surgery rehab?

Some discomfort and stiffness are normal, especially after exercise, and should settle within a few hours. Contact your surgeon or seek medical care if you notice increasing redness or heat around the incision, fever, wound drainage, new calf pain or swelling, or a sudden loss of movement.

Where can I get post-surgery physiotherapy in Vancouver?

At both VanCity Physio clinics: our Downtown clinic at Unit 508, 1160 Burrard Street, and our Fairview clinic at Unit 201, 1416 West 8th Avenue.

Post-Surgery
Physiotherapy Vancouver