Prehab: Physical Therapy Before Surgery

Returning to life after surgery can sometimes be a painful, lengthy process. By planning ahead, a physical therapist can help make that process of recovery much easier and help ease the pain.

Dancers exercising in a dance studio. Generative AI
Dancers exercising in a dance studio. Generative AI

FAQs

Is prehab therapy covered by insurance?

In many cases, yes. Most insurance plans—including Medicare—cover pre-operative physical therapy when deemed medically necessary. Our team will help verify your benefits and work with your surgeon’s referral.

What is prehabilitation and how is it different from rehab?

Prehabilitation (prehab) is physical therapy performed before surgery to improve strength, mobility, and readiness for recovery. Rehab begins after surgery to help restore function. Think of prehab as training your body to bounce back faster post-op.

When should I start prehab before surgery?

Most patients begin prehab 4–6 weeks before their surgery date. This allows enough time to build strength and address any concerns, while also forming a trusted relationship with your therapy team.

They are always both professional and personal. That makes for a healing atmosphere from the outset and through the time . This seems to apply across the board with all the staff. It is remarkable.
When I was referred to IvyTherapy I was physically broken. I was constantly in pain and had limited use of my right shoulder, right hip, and left shoulder. Aaron went to work on me providing individualized, patient centered care. Aaron takes the time to understand each patient and what they hope to accomplish from the physical therapy. Aaron works with patients to accomplish their goat. Aaron is very knowledgeable and understands the underlying causes of pains and limited mobility. Before I started physical therapy with Aaron I was sleeping in my recliner because it hurts less than sleeping in my bed. I have one more physical therapy session left and I’m sleeping in my bed and has been pain free. I have maximum use of my right shoulder, right hip, and left shoulder and no pain. I would strongly recommend Ivy Therapy and Aaron for all you physical therapy needs.
Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St
Great rehab that is very close and convenient. Caroline is awesome, she gave me simple exercises every week to correct my scoliosis. I have seen lots of improvement in my back in one year of rehab.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Cary
Christian and the team at Ivy Rehab are the best. Christian's expertise, creativity and thoughtfulness can't be overstated, and the team truly cares about your wellbeing. As someone who has been to PT countless times, this has hands down been the best experience yet.
Response from the owner:It's great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Philadelphia – Center City
I've had appointments with everyone at this location and they all have great energy and attitudes. They all have their own approach to things while achieving your goal results. Heck even the other patients I've ran into are in good spirits when they arrive and leave. It's a professionally fun time everytime I go! The whole staff is very appreciated!
Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Comstock Park
Physical therapy at Ivy Rehab is intense but fun. The therapists all seem to enjoy working there and interacting with the “patients.” The time flies in this cheerful, upbeat environment, and the improvement in my fractured wrist was noticeable during my first session. I’m looking forward to continued improvement while having fun doing it.
Response from the owner:We're so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – King of Prussia
Amazing staff, super clean and pretty space. Therapists that are very professional and knowledgeable, and super helpful and kind front desk. Have been here for two separate injuries and would always recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Fort Greene
Thus far, i've only had one visit. My therapist interviewed me, recorded my history and examined me. An initial assessment was made and I was provided with an app that was loaded with videos of my at home exercises. This really helped ensure me my exercises were done correctly and makes me feel confident . The app also enables me to track my progress and provide the outcome with my therapist.
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Philadelphia – Center City
My experience has been unbelievably wonderful. These people are very professional and caring and are doing an excellent job of bringing me back from a very bad injury. I would highly recommend them!
Response from the owner:"Our Mission is Your Recovery!" Kathleen, thanks for taking the time to leave a review and placing your trust in Main Line Hand Therapy to help you meet your goals.
I came to Excel needing assistance after elbow surgery. From the very beginning Joe explained in full detail what program he developed for me and how we were going to achieve my goals. Week one was minimal improvement, week two brought additional improvement but nothing earth shattering. Then came week three. Wow! The amount of strength and range of motion I developed in two short weeks was impressive. To progress that quickly in such a short period of time made me feel like a new person. The momentum carried into weeks three and four and now I am almost at 100%. Thanks to Joe and Holly for developing a great program and keeping positive thoughts. They get you where you need to be.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – West Deptford – 1007 Mantua Pke
Great place – they are taking good care of my 93 year old Mom – Ivy Rehab is staffed with courteous professional and supportive professionals the place is clean organized and manage the appointments excellent. Highly recommend this rehab facility.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – New Hyde Park
The staff is extremely efficient with managing clients & keeping your routine flowing. Very friendly & helpful navigating my journey to getting back to my normal.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Monroe MI
Tanner is the best!!!! Ivy has such a fun and welcoming environment and makes PT something I look forward to. The whole staff is great and professional. After a few weeks of PT I feel much better!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Moorestown
Kevin and the staff at Ivy Rehab are the best. I’ve gone there for almost a year and I would not be walking without Kevin. Kevin’s patients matter to him and he does everything he can to get them better. I can’t thank them enough. Thank you!
Love my time at Ivy Rehab in North Arlington they are all very professional and warm greeting me with a smile always I feel great when I leave the facility
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – North Arlington
I received physical therapy at Ivy Rehab Comstock Park twice (rhomboid and ACL reconstructionrehab), and both instances were very successful. The team at this location is skillful, attentive, and fun to engage with. I enjoyed coming to PT not only for the exercise, but also for the people! Highly recommend this team for your PT care.
Response from the owner:It’s always wonderful to hear such kind feedback – we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Comstock Park 
From day 1 I've liked the atmosphere here at IVRehab in Farmville VA. The therapist and the receptionists makes you feel 🙏 so welcomed. Thank you Holly and Dyland, I don't think I would have found a place with people who makes you feel that " I'm glad I chose this beautiful place with an outstanding atmosphere." I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Thank you Dyland and Holly.
Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us – thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Farmville
We’ve only started going here 2 weeks ago, and it has been great so far!! The front desk staff is very nice, and welcoming. The therapists are great with the kids; they’re very patient!! I have learned so much already, and have gotten so many resources to take advantage of! Definitely recommend!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, West Chester Township
Everyones nice – however the Waiting room could use "sound dampening panels"! The room echos & and multiple therapists come out at the end of the sessions & it gets very loud.
Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Cincinnati – Western Hills
The best experience! Megan and the team are incredible. I was in rough shape after an accident and they helped me get to a speedy recovery. Perfect balance of being thorough yet easy/fun to work with. I also appreciated the tailoring of exercises to specific activities I was struggling with.
Response from the owner:It's great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Williamsburg
Look no further, IvyRehab will get you back feeling good in no time. I worked with Terry for a torn labrum in my shoulder and a torn ACL, and I can’t recommend him enough. He was incredible, very attentive, super knowledgeable, and really personable. More than anything he got me back feeling healthy and playing sports in no time! The whole office has an amazing vibe. All the therapists and front desk staff really operate as a team and feel like a family. It’s a fun environment where you can tell they truly care about helping you get better and about you as a person. 10/10 would recommend this place to anyone in the area🙌🏽
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Philadelphia – Center City