Pre & Post-Surgical Physical Therapy
Structured recovery tracked with objective data. From before surgery through full return.
Why Pre & Post-Surgical PT Matters
Surgery fixes the joint. Your rehab determines what you do with it. The difference between a patient who returns to running, playing with their kids, or getting back on the court — and one who “does okay” — comes down to the quality and structure of their rehabilitation. That is what we do.
Before Surgery: Build the Foundation
Your fitness level going into surgery is one of the strongest predictors of how you come out. Every deficit you walk into the operating room with is a deficit you climb out of after. Pre-surgical PT builds the strength, aerobic capacity, and functional reserve you will need.
- Quad and hip strengthening — building the muscle that protects and supports the surgical joint
- Aerobic conditioning — rowing, ski erg, biking, treadmill — so your body can handle the stress of surgery and anesthesia
- Range of motion optimization — maximizing joint mobility before surgery temporarily limits it
- Baseline testing — with Return+, we measure everything before surgery. That data becomes your starting point for post-op tracking.
- Education — what to expect, pain management strategies, early mobility, home setup
After Surgery: Data-Driven Recovery
Post-surgical rehab at Forward PT is not a generic protocol. Every patient gets a structured program tracked with objective data through our Return+ testing platform. Strength symmetry, gait speed, range of motion, balance, aerobic capacity, and patient-reported outcomes — measured at every phase, reported to you and your surgeon.
Surgeries We Rehabilitate
| Surgery | Return+ Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Total Knee Replacement | Quad/hip strength, gait speed, ROM, KOOS JR, aerobic capacity | Up to 1 year |
| Total Hip Replacement | 5-plane hip strength, gait, floor transfers, HOOS JR | Up to 1 year |
| Total Shoulder Replacement | ROM progression, isometric to dynamic strength, ASES, QuickDASH | Up to 1 year |
| ACL Reconstruction | Strength symmetry, hop testing (4 types), IKDC, ACL-RSI | Up to 18 months |
| Meniscus Surgery | Quad/ham/hip strength, hop testing, agility, KOOS | Up to 6 months |
| Rotator Cuff Repair | ROM, rotator cuff strength, scapular stability | 4-6 months |
| Labrum Repair (Shoulder) | UE Y-Balance, closed-chain stability, ASES, SANE | Up to 9 months |
| Spinal Surgery (Laminectomy, Fusion) | Core stability, functional progression, aerobic conditioning | 3-6 months |
Aerobic Training Built Into Every Program
Every patient gets a structured aerobic program built into their plan — rowing, ski erg, biking, or treadmill work alongside your condition-specific treatment. We use a talk test protocol to identify your ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) and prescribe training at the right intensity. Most patients respond best to regular work slightly above VT1, with intermittent sessions at or above VT2 as symptoms allow. This is not generic cardio — it is threshold-based aerobic training prescribed with the same precision as your strength work.
When you are in pain, your nervous system becomes more sensitive — amplifying signals that would not normally hurt. Structured aerobic training dials that sensitivity down. It is one of the most effective tools we have for reducing pain, and it works across every condition we treat.
Be Your Own Advocate
Just like you researched your surgeon, you should research your physical therapist. Your post-operative rehab is one of the most important decisions you will make in your recovery — and you have a choice in where you go. We encourage every surgical patient to ask questions, compare programs, and make an informed decision about who manages their rehab.
When you call us, we set you up. We often schedule your entire first month of visits right on the phone so your recovery plan is locked in before surgery day. We can start pre-surgical PT immediately — no referral needed under Wisconsin’s direct access law — even before your surgery date is set.
Call (608) 561-7733 or book online.
Insurance
We are in-network with Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, Humana, The Alliance, UMR, Cigna, and all Workers Compensation carriers. HSA/FSA accepted. We verify your benefits before your first visit.
Two Locations
Fitchburg — 6250 Nesbitt Rd, Suite 500, Fitchburg, WI 53719
Edgerton — 102 W Fulton St, Edgerton, WI 53534
Serving Fitchburg, Madison, Verona, Oregon, Middleton, Edgerton, Milton, Janesville, Stoughton, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I do physical therapy before surgery?
Yes. Pre-operative strength and aerobic fitness are among the strongest predictors of post-surgical outcomes. Patients who are stronger going in recover faster, have fewer complications, and return to their activities sooner. We can start pre-surgical PT today — no referral needed.
When should I start PT after surgery?
Most patients begin within 1-2 weeks post-op. We coordinate with your surgeon and often schedule your first visit before your surgery date so your plan is ready the moment you are.
What is Return+ testing?
Return+ is our proprietary testing platform that tracks strength, function, and patient-reported outcomes across your entire recovery. It runs structured programs for total knee, total hip, total shoulder, ACL, meniscus, and more — backed by nearly 100 peer-reviewed articles. Reports are designed to be read by you, your surgeon, and your insurance company.
Will I see the same physical therapist every visit?
Yes. Every session is 1-on-1 with the same Doctor of Physical Therapy. No aides, no rotating clinicians. Your PT knows your surgery, your numbers, and your goals.
Can I return to running or sports after joint replacement?
Yes. The peer-reviewed evidence shows that high physical activity after total knee and hip replacement does not increase revision risk — and may actually be protective. Our Return+ programs are designed to test and progress you toward the specific activities you want back. Read the full evidence.
Sample Exercises
Body-region-specific exercises from our library. Browse the full library →
Shoulder Flexion to Extension with Weighted Dowel
Front Step Up-Low Box
Psoas Hip Flexion in Supine with Band
Chinese Plank
Double Heel Raise with Single Leg Eccentric Control On Weight Plate
Cervical Retraction with Scap Squeeze