The First Two Weeks After Surgery Matter Most

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We’re There to Help You Every Step of the Way

Physical Therapy: Safety, Mobility and Recovery Progress

Your physical therapist will:

  • Monitor your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels) to detect early signs of distress or complications

  • Check surgical incisions and dressings, and perform basic dressing changes to support healing and reduce infection risk

  • Initiate your surgeon’s specific post-op rehab protocol with personalized, goal-oriented exercises

  • Teach you how to walk and transfer safely with your walker, crutches, or cane, respecting all weight-bearing restrictions

  • Set up a dedicated exercise space in your home to continue progress independently

  • Ensure your ice machine, compression devices, or CPM equipment is set up and used correctly

  • Reinforce your pain management plan, including setting up medication reminders if needed

  • Review all discharge instructions, mobility restrictions, and red flag signs and symptoms (e.g., DVT, infection, medication reactions)

Occupational Therapy: Regaining Independence in Daily Living

Your Occupational Therapist will Assist With:

  • Bathing, toileting, grooming, and dressing—with or without assistive devices

  • Adapting daily routines to respect post-surgical precautions (hip, spine, shoulder, etc.)

  • Practicing safe techniques for toilet and shower transfers, and energy conservation

  • Using long-handled reachers, sock aids, and other tools to increase independence

  • Helping caregivers understand how to assist safely and support your progress

  • Identifying modifications or equipment needs to improve home safety and accessibility

Why These Visits Are So Important

The first two weeks post-surgery are when most complications happen and when patients feel most unsure. Our therapists help prevent:

  • Hospital readmissions due to infection, uncontrolled pain, or falls

  • Delayed recovery from missing or misinterpreting post-op instructions

  • Frustration or injury from improper movement, poor technique, or equipment failure

What you’ll walk away with:

  • A safe, supported plan for mobility and self-care

  • Hands-on help with essential tasks like bathing and dressing

  • Knowledge of how to spot warning signs of complications early

  • Independence using your assistive device and equipment

  • A smooth hand-off to ongoing therapy or outpatient rehab if needed

With Skilled Monitoring and Guided Rehab at home, your body can focus on healing while you gain the confidence to move forward.