Physical Therapy —
Getting the Most from Rehab
Surgery is the beginning, not the end. How you approach physical therapy determines your outcome as much as the procedure itself.
Why Physical Therapy is Non-Negotiable
The success of most orthopedic procedures — particularly ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and joint replacement — depends as much on post-operative rehabilitation as on the surgery itself. Physical therapy restores range of motion, rebuilds strength, retrains neuromuscular control, and teaches your body how to move safely again.
Patients who are consistent with physical therapy recover faster, achieve better functional outcomes, and have significantly lower rates of re-injury or complication. Skipping sessions or stopping early are among the most common reasons for suboptimal results.
Best Practices for PT Success
Even before surgery, pre-operative physical therapy ("prehab") that strengthens the surrounding muscles has been shown to improve post-operative outcomes. If time allows, ask Dr. Vasileff about prehab.
Not all physical therapists have the same experience with post-surgical rehabilitation. Ask specifically for someone with experience in ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, or joint replacement — whichever applies to your procedure.
Dr. Vasileff provides a written rehabilitation protocol specific to your procedure and timeline. Share this with your physical therapist at your first session and review it together. It sets clear expectations for both of you.
PT sessions are typically 2–3 times per week. The exercises you perform at home on the other days are equally important. Consistency between sessions — not just during them — determines how quickly you progress.
Some discomfort during rehab is normal and expected. Sharp pain, significant swelling after exercises, or pain that doesn't settle within 24 hours are signs to report. Don't push through warning signs — call Dr. Vasileff's office.
The final phases of rehab — neuromuscular training, sport-specific movements, functional testing — are when most patients start to feel good and are tempted to stop. These phases are critical for preventing re-injury and must be completed in full.
Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist
- Have you worked with patients who have had the same procedure I've had?
- How does my surgeon's protocol guide what we do here?
- What are the milestones I need to hit before we progress to the next phase?
- What should I be doing at home between sessions?
- What symptoms or signs mean I should call my surgeon?
Surgery is the start.
The right rehab plan — and the commitment to follow it — determines your outcome.