Post‑Op Rehabilitation in Ottawa
Guided Recovery After Surgery
At New Life Physio and Health Clinic, we offer personalized post‑operative rehabilitation to help you recover safely and reach your full functional potential after surgery. Whether you’ve had a joint replacement, sports‑injury repair, or ligament reconstruction, our team provides the guidance, support, and evidence‑based care you need to meet your rehabilitation goals.
We specialize in rehab after surgeries such as total hip replacement, total shoulder replacement, rotator cuff repair, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) repair, and total knee replacement. Our programs are designed to support healing, reduce stiffness, restore strength, and help you return to daily activities, work, or sports as smoothly as possible.
Conditions Treated & Benefits of Post‑Op Rehabilitation
Post‑op rehabilitation is ideal for patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries, sports‑related procedures, and joint or ligament reconstructions. Our programs focus on pain management, mobility, range of motion, strength, and balance, all tailored to your surgical protocol and stage of recovery.
Patients benefit from a structured, step‑by‑step plan that progresses safely over time. This can reduce the risk of complications, improve long‑term outcomes, and give you confidence in your recovery. At New Life Physio, we combine hands‑on techniques, targeted exercises, and education to help you move forward with clarity and support.
Post-operative rehabilitation is one of our areas of expertise!
We are proud to be leading a collaborative project involving PhD students from universities across Ontario to review, update, and rewrite post-operative rehabilitation protocols based on the latest evidence.
Our goal is to help both Physiotherapists and patients stay up to date with the most reliable, evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines to optimize recovery after surgery.
Feel free to explore the project and learn more about your specific surgical procedure and rehabilitation journey at: RehabOttawa.ca. For guided protocol videos and additional educational resources, visit our New Life Physio YouTube channel.
Related Services
Post‑op rehabilitation is often combined with Physiotherapy for overall strength and mobility, Laser Therapy or Shockwave Therapy to manage pain and soft‑tissue healing, and Massage Therapy to reduce muscle tension. Depending on your surgery and symptoms, Chiropractic or Geriatric Rehabilitation may also be recommended to support long‑term function and independence.
Ready to take the next step? Book your post‑op rehabilitation appointment today at New Life Physio and Health Clinic and begin your journey toward a strong, successful recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is post-operative rehabilitation?
Post-operative rehabilitation is a personalized physiotherapy program designed to help you recover safely after surgery and regain movement, strength, mobility, and function. Your program is based on your type of surgery, stage of recovery, symptoms, surgeon’s instructions, and individual goals.
What types of surgeries can you provide rehabilitation for?
We provide post-operative physiotherapy for a wide range of orthopedic surgeries, including:
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair and knee arthroscopy
- Total knee replacement (TKR)
- Total hip replacement (THR)
- Shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repair
- Achilles tendon repair
- Ankle and foot surgery
- Fracture and orthopedic surgery
- Other joint, tendon, and soft-tissue surgeries
Your rehabilitation program is tailored to your specific surgery, recovery stage, surgeon’s protocol, and individual goals.
When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?
The appropriate time to begin physiotherapy depends on the type of surgery, your healing progress, and your surgeon’s recommendations. Some patients begin physiotherapy shortly after surgery, while others may need to wait longer. We follow your surgeon’s instructions and adjust your rehabilitation according to your stage of recovery.
What happens during my first post-operative physiotherapy appointment?
Your physiotherapist will review your surgical history, current symptoms, medical information, and any instructions or restrictions provided by your surgeon. An assessment may include your pain, swelling, range of motion, strength, mobility, walking pattern, and functional movements. Depending on your surgery and stage of recovery, treatment may begin during your first appointment.
What treatments are used during post-operative rehabilitation?
Treatment may include pain and swelling management, range-of-motion exercises, stretching, strengthening, balance training, gait and mobility training, manual therapy, functional exercises, and education. Your physiotherapist will select and progress treatments based on your surgery, recovery, and goals.
Will my physiotherapist follow my surgeon's rehabilitation protocol?
Yes. If your surgeon has provided a rehabilitation protocol or specific precautions, your physiotherapist will follow them. Your exercises and progression will be adjusted based on the surgical procedure, tissue healing, restrictions, symptoms, and functional progress.
Our approach is also informed by current research and clinical guidelines. We are excited to introduce you to Ottawa Rehab Protocols, an academic rehabilitation project developed by our team to help bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. The project reviews current scientific research and clinical guidelines to develop evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
The resource includes protocols for procedures such as ACL reconstruction, total knee replacement (TKR), total hip replacement (THR), Achilles tendon repair, meniscus surgery, and other orthopedic procedures.
These protocols are intended to support clinical decision-making and do not replace your surgeon’s instructions or an individualized physiotherapy assessment and treatment plan.
How long will I need post-operative physiotherapy?
The length of rehabilitation varies depending on the type of surgery, healing process, pre-surgical condition, goals, and progress. Your physiotherapist will regularly reassess your condition and adjust your treatment plan as you recover.
Can physiotherapy help me return to work, sports, or normal activities after surgery?
Yes. Post-operative physiotherapy can help you gradually return to your daily activities, work, exercise, and sports. Your rehabilitation will progress according to your recovery, functional abilities, and any restrictions or recommendations from your surgeon.
Do I need a doctor's or surgeon's referral for post-operative physiotherapy?
A referral is not required to book a physiotherapy appointment. However, it is important to provide your physiotherapist with any post-operative instructions, restrictions, or rehabilitation protocols from your surgeon.
Is post-operative physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your extended health insurance plan and physiotherapy benefits. We recommend checking your policy to confirm the amount covered per visit and your annual or maximum physiotherapy benefit.
Do you offer direct billing for post-operative physiotherapy?
Yes. We offer direct billing to many insurance providers. Coverage and direct-billing eligibility vary by plan. Patients are responsible for confirming their insurance coverage, including the amount covered per visit and their annual or maximum benefit.
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