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Post-surgery rehabilitation in Etobicoke
Physiotherapy after knee and hip replacement, ligament and shoulder surgery and fracture repair, following your surgeon's guidelines from the first visit to full recovery.
Surgeries we provide rehab for
Good rehabilitation helps you get the most out of your surgery. These are the operations we see most often.
Knee replacement
Rehab after total or partial knee replacement to regain bending, straightening, strength and walking.
Hip replacement
Rehab after hip replacement, following your surgeon's movement precautions, to get you walking and back to daily activity.
ACL and ligament surgery
Step-by-step rehab after ACL reconstruction and other ligament repairs, through to return to sport or work.
Meniscus and arthroscopic surgery
Restoring movement and strength after knee arthroscopy and meniscus repair or trimming.
Shoulder surgery
Rehab after rotator cuff repair, stabilization surgery and shoulder replacement. Shoulder pain.
Fracture repair
Rehab after surgery for broken wrists, ankles, hips and other fractures, once your surgeon allows movement.
Your first visit: a thorough assessment
We start by understanding your surgery, where you are in your recovery, and what you want to get back to doing. Your physiotherapist will:
- Review your surgeon's notes, protocol, restrictions and any instructions you were given
- Check the incision area, swelling, range of motion and strength
- Assess walking, balance and your use of walking aids
- Ask about your home, work and the activities you want to get back to
You leave with a clear plan, exercises to start at home, and an estimate of how many visits to expect.
How we treat you after surgery
Rehab is built around your surgery and your stage of healing. It usually combines:
- Your surgeon's guidelines. Treatment follows your surgeon's protocol on timing, weight-bearing and movement limits, and we keep to it.
- Range of motion. Gradual exercises to restore bending, straightening and reach without overloading the repair.
- Progressive strengthening. Rebuilding muscle strength as healing allows, from early gentle exercises to functional strength.
- Walking and balance. Gait and balance training, and progressing safely from walker or crutches to a cane or no aid.
- Manual therapy. Soft tissue and scar work, and joint mobilization once your surgeon allows it.
- Swelling and pain. Advice on swelling control, positioning and activity, with TENS used alongside exercise when it helps.
- Return to work and sport. A plan for getting back to work, driving, sport and the activities that matter to you.
When to seek urgent care: contact your surgeon or go to the emergency department if the incision becomes increasingly red, warm or starts draining, if you develop a fever, or if your calf becomes painful, swollen or warm. Call 911 for sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
Post-surgery rehab: common questions
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. In Ontario you can see a physiotherapist directly. Some insurance plans require a referral or prescription for reimbursement, so check your plan. Bring any instructions or protocol from your surgeon.
When should I start physio after surgery?
As soon as your surgeon advises. For many joint replacements and ligament surgeries this is within the first few weeks. We follow your surgeon's timing and restrictions.
Can I start physio before surgery?
Yes. Strengthening before a joint replacement or ligament surgery helps you prepare, and we continue with your rehab afterwards.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on the surgery, your healing and your goals. We give you an estimate after your first assessment and update it as you progress.
Do you direct bill?
Yes. We direct bill most extended health plans, WSIB and auto insurers, and help you complete and submit claim forms.
Book your rehab assessment
100 Humber College Blvd, Suite 210, near Etobicoke General Hospital. Serving Etobicoke, Rexdale, West Humber and nearby areas.