When To Schedule Your Post-Op Physical Therapy

So you or someone you know is having surgery, and you know you will need physical therapy after your surgery, but when should you schedule that first visit?

Depending on what surgery you are scheduled for when you start physical therapy after your surgery will vary, but ideally, we were hoping you could reach out and schedule that first visit as soon as you plan your surgery.  We don’t want any delay in getting you into the clinic, early post-op PT is often associated with less pain, smoother recovery, and quicker return to everything you are looking to get back to.  However, as schedules get tighter and therapists are booked out for a little while if you wait until after your surgery to contact your physical therapist, sometimes there can be a delay in getting you scheduled for that initial visit. 

Why do we like to see you so soon after surgery?

There are many benefits to getting into PT early post-op, we can start to teach you pain control strategies and get you moving on some easy home exercises that will help speed your recovery, but also we can help watch for some of the side effects of a surgical procedure that can occur, like blood clots and infection.  While these are very rare, they do occur in some cases and early detection is key to quick resolution.  

What if my doctor didn’t tell me to schedule physical therapy yet?

We get this question a lot when we talk to patients about scheduling their post-op PT early.  Don’t worry, your doctor wants you to get into PT, they often just don’t know how far out we are scheduling.  Don’t be afraid to ask them before your surgery when they like you to start PT and then schedule based on that recommendation.  We want to avoid situations where you have a procedure and then when you are discharged the surgeon tells you to start PT in 1-3 days and see them in a week.  Your doctor wants you to have a great outcome and they know getting into PT is key for that, sometimes they just don’t know how our scheduling works.  

Other Questions? Just Ask!

If you have other questions or concerns specific to your unique situation, feel free to call our office and one of our physical therapists will gladly discuss it with you.  Likewise don’t be afraid to talk about what your post-operative road will look like with your surgeon.