Post Surgical Rehabilitation Edmonton

Let’s Get You Started!
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation in Edmonton
Recover Stronger. Move Freely. Live Fully.

You’ve Had Surgery. Now What?

If you’ve recently undergone surgery, you might be wondering what comes next. Maybe you’re stiff. Maybe you’re in pain. Maybe your mobility isn’t what it used to be, and the idea of doing everyday things—like walking, getting dressed, or going back to work—feels a little overwhelming.

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we understand that surgery is only the first step. Real recovery happens after. That’s where Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Physiotherapy in Edmonton comes in.

Is Physiotherapy Really Necessary After Surgery?

You might think rest alone will do the trick. However, without guided movement and proper rehabilitation, healing can slow down. Scar tissue builds up. Joints get stiff. Muscles weaken. The risks of pain and long-term limitations increase.

Post-surgical physiotherapy helps ensure that your recovery is smooth, safe, and complete. It’s not about pushing your limits it’s about restoring function, building strength, and helping you regain confidence in your body.

What Surgeries Do We Commonly Help With?

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we provide care for a wide range of post-surgical conditions from complex orthopedic surgeries to minor procedures that still impact your ability to move, work, or feel comfortable. Every recovery is different, and we tailor our care to match your surgery, your healing stage, and your personal goals.

Here’s how we support recovery across different types of surgeries:

Joint Replacements (Knee, Hip, Shoulder)

These surgeries often involve major changes to joint structure. Recovery focuses on regaining range of motion, reducing swelling, and rebuilding muscle strength for walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. We also help with mobility training and gait correction if you’ve been using a walker or cane.

ACL Reconstruction and Meniscus Repair

Common in athletic injuries, these knee surgeries require a structured program that progresses from protection to loading. We focus on joint stability, balance, and return-to-activity training that reflects your lifestyle—whether that means sports or daily function.

Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Procedures

Shoulder surgery can leave you with stiffness, weakness, and difficulty with basic movements like reaching or dressing. We work on controlled mobility, posture correction, and gradually building strength so you regain full shoulder function without compensation.

Spinal Surgeries (Discectomy, Fusion, Laminectomy)

These procedures often require cautious movement early on. We guide you through a safe reintroduction to daily tasks, focusing on posture, core control, and movement efficiency to protect the spine while rebuilding strength.

Fracture Rehab (Arms, Legs, Ribs, Collarbone)

After a cast or surgical fixation is removed, joints can feel stiff and muscles weak. We focus on restoring flexibility and strength and reducing compensatory movements that may have developed during immobilization.

Foot, Ankle, or Wrist Surgeries

Smaller joints can still cause big limitations. After these surgeries, we help reduce swelling, improve fine motor control or gait, and retrain coordination for walking, gripping, or weight-bearing activities.

Abdominal or Chest Surgeries

These include procedures like hernia repair, mastectomy, or thoracic surgery. Recovery involves postural training, breathing techniques, core engagement, and support to resume daily movement without strain or guarding.

Minor Soft Tissue Surgeries or Arthroscopies

Even small incisions can affect how you move. We ensure that you regain full joint motion, prevent stiffness, and avoid muscle weakness that may develop if the area is underused after surgery.

Multiple Surgeries or Complex Recovery Cases

If you’ve had more than one surgery or have complications like delayed healing or limited progress, we provide customized support with a focus on restoring whole-body function, not just the surgical site.

No matter the procedure, our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to your life with less pain and more confidence. At West Henday Physical Therapy, we’re with you for every step of your post-surgical recovery.

What Techniques Do We Use During Post-Surgical Rehabilitation?

Joint Mobilization

Gentle, controlled movements applied by your physiotherapist to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Often used after joint replacements or repairs to restore normal movement without causing strain.

Soft Tissue Release

Hands-on techniques target tight or inflamed muscles around the surgical area. This helps reduce tension, improve circulation, and support healing in surrounding tissues.

Scar Tissue Management

Specific manual therapy is used to keep healing tissues mobile and flexible. This prevents adhesions and allows for better motion in areas affected by surgical incisions.

Isometric Strengthening

Safe, controlled muscle activation is performed without joint movement. Ideal in the early stages of rehab when full-range exercises aren’t yet possible.

Progressive Resistance Training

Customized strengthening using bands, light weights, or body weight. Exercises are gradually increased based on your tolerance, helping you rebuild muscle safely over time.

Balance and Stability Training

Used to restore control and prevent re-injury, especially after lower limb surgeries or if you’re returning to physically demanding activities.

Postural Correction and Movement Re-Education

Focused training to improve the way you move during everyday tasks—helping reduce strain and prevent bad habits from forming during recovery.

Neuromuscular Re-education

This technique reconnects your brain and body through guided movements, improving how you control the surgical area. It’s especially helpful after joint reconstructions or surgeries that affect mobility or sensation.

Gait Training

Structured walking retraining for those recovering from leg, hip, or back surgery. Focuses on correcting limp, stride imbalance, or reliance on walking aids—gradually improving independence and safety.

Functional Movement Training

Simulates real-life activities such as getting out of bed, climbing stairs, carrying objects, or reaching overhead. This bridges the gap between rehab exercises and daily activities or job tasks.

Taping or Supportive Bracing

When needed, we apply supportive taping or fit bracing to assist joint stability, reduce pain during movement, or prevent compensatory patterns during therapy.

Education and At-Home Support

We provide ongoing education throughout your rehab, including home exercise instructions, recovery pacing strategies, and long-term self-care tools to help maintain your progress.

Why Choose West Henday Physical Therapy for Your Post-Surgical Recovery?

  • We provide one-on-one care in a private, respectful setting
  • Every treatment plan is built around your surgery and your goals
  • Our clinic is easy to access in west Edmonton, with flexible appointments
  • We focus on practical movement and real-life outcomes
  • You’ll always know what’s next—we guide you through every step

When it comes to post-surgical rehabilitation physiotherapy in Edmonton, we’re here to help you recover the right way—with care that feels personalized and progress that you can feel.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation in Edmonton, post surgical recovery

Ready to Start Moving Again?

Whether you’ve just had surgery or you’re a few weeks into healing and not seeing the progress you expected, we’re here to help. Let’s build a recovery plan that works for you—one that’s safe, steady, and effective.

Post-surgical rehabilitation physiotherapy in Edmonton starts with a single step. Let’s take it together.

Book your first session with West Henday Physical Therapy today.