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.

Great place, great people. The staff is knowledgeable and makes you feel comfortable. It says, "It's all about the people" on the wall, and it's clear they put this into practice. Go consistently, do what they prescribe, and you'll start to feel better!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Mount Olive
Amazing experience with this location and with Setoo Jain as PT. They really get you well! They are on time, are able to communicate through email as well as phone , and very responsiveness to any questions. It’s great to have an office where the staff are responsive , the PTs have very advanced credentials and training, and they are good with keeping appointments on time. The were also flexible with the days I needed for scheduling. There is an online app where you can view most of the exercises. Take good notes and do the “homework” to get the most out of it. Convenient Apex location.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us this 5-star review! – The team at Back in Action Physical Therapy, Apex
Nice relaxed friendly atmosphere. Came for OT with Leslie, who is great, for my finger therapy. She's so patient and understanding, and was helping me out with my painful shoulder issues before I officially started getting PT for my frozen shoulder. Matt has been getting me through PT, so calm and patient, putting up with my moans and groans as he works my shoulder, just so I can actually lift it above my head! Thank you guys for what you do! There's an Ivy Rehab in my neighborhood, but I lucked out coming here, really happy I found this place.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Fort Greene
The staff is super friendly and professional. Helen made the scheduling so easy for me. Connie Darrow was my therapist. It was a great, personalized experience. Connie helped me get rid of my shoulder and back pain and taught me how to avoid injuries in my daily routine. She was always on top of my recovery progress.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback – we’re grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Princeton 
Starting at Ivey Rehab was a little nervous at first but Katherine Sandknop, DPT is an incredible Physical Therapist who worked with me for a couple months was very kind and easy to work with. I truly enjoyed coming to every session and the rest of the staff are very friendly and you feel comfortable doing your exercises because they are very easy to work with. I've been to several Physical Therapy businesses over the years and Ivey Rehab in Norfolk, Virginia is by far the best. Thank you Ivey Rehab for all your help with getting my body to strengthen and heal. Good luck to all the staff with their life goals and accomplishments! Gina Izzo
Response from the owner:It's always wonderful to hear such kind feedback , we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Norfolk – Granby
Highly highly recommend Ivy on walnut!!! They helped me heal bilateral knee pain that I’ve had for 10 years in just about 3 months. I’ve had wonderful experiences working with Connor, Christian, Tracy and Graham. Staff is all super friendly, personable, and took care of everything relating to insurance and authorizations for me. I almost miss my PT sessions!!
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
Dan and Julian are the best. They are helping me with some serious vertigo issues. They always listen to my concerns and thoughtfully address them. They explain the exercises, many times more than once! I always leave feeling hopeful. An amazing, patient and knowledgeable team.
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 – Blue Bell – South
This office is wonderful! I will forever be grateful for the Speech Therapy team here. Every therapist that has worked with my child was kind, caring and completely focused on my individual child and his goals. Home exercises are thoroughly explained which help me to carry over at home. I'm looking forward to continue to see such amazing progress! Thank you Theraply!
Response from the owner:Hi Mollie, thank you so much for the kind words! We are so happy to to hear about your positive experience, and are looking forward to continuing to work with you and your child!
My experience at Ivy rehab was excellent! I went from a wheelchair to a walker and now I am able to use a cane.John and his staff of skilled therapists were welcoming and supportive.I worked primarily with Joe who helped me improve my range of motion on my left ankle after 3 surgeries. I highly recommend this office Thank you everyone!!
Response from the owner:We're so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park
If you want to seriously get better come here. Joe and Holly, the physical therapists are phenomenal in assisting you with care for you to get better in a timely manner. They are patient. They are smart and they work with you. The equipment is always getting thoroughly cleaned. Chris and Colleen are also wonderful. Always there to answer questions. You never feel out of place when coming to this establishment. They make you want to come back. You can't go wrong in coming here.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, West Deptford
The staff at Ivy Rehab for Kids is amazing!! My daughter is seen here for OT and PT and loves coming! All of the therapists are so kind and compassionate and you can tell that they love their job! Can’t forget about the amazing front desk team that is always so helpful with scheduling and answering billing related questions! Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids – Canton
I have been going to IVY Rehab for 3 months n I never had a bad moment the people r professional n friendly I will recommend anyone to go there that need the therapy u will get great results believe me
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 – Farmville
Very caring and professional staff. They take the time and listen to your concerns and struggles and work hard to find solutions to your therapy needs. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Kokomo
Cesar and his staff are really great. I came on crutches and graduated 4 weeks later dancing! They are kind and patient and completely tuned in to your particular needs. I am a grateful patient.
Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Englewood Cliffs
The entire staff is wonderful. Ebony is the sweetest. She was always so kind and welcoming when we arrived to our appointments. Johnathan, Josh, Christian and Aaron were amazing also. Johnathan was our main therapist. He was exceptional. Johnathan explained the entire process to us and was always available to answer any questions we may have. 💯 satisfaction. Thank you!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield
The therapists are amazing and have done wonders for my pain and a balance issue that I had. Gave me great at home exercises, which have help immensely. Also helped me with some exercises for planters fasciitis! I would highly recommend Rachel or Kevin. Shannon greets you with a pleasant smile always and has answers when you have questions about billing or for appointments!! If you need physical therapy, call Ivy Rehab Fishers!!!
After just a handful of visits to Excel and working with Aaron and Jon and the staff, I am already feeling stronger and excited to commit to my recovery with their expertise and encouragement. Aaron has already gone above and beyond during sessions to truly understand my injury and source of discomfort and to give realistic progression expectations. Their interactions with me and other patients in the office has been caring, professional and knowledgeable. It is a truly well-staffed, well-run operation and I highly recommend.
Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield
I have been using Ivy Rehab in New Hyde Park for the past 5 years for different problems – hip bursitis, sciatica, and just recently for cervio-genic vertigo. Each and every time, I have had very successful sessions alleviating each and every problem. Karin did a great time evaluating and treating my vertigo, and Nicole, Jen and Vinny did a terrific job with the physical therapy treatment. I highly recommend Ivy Rehab to anyone who needs physical therapy. The staff is great!
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 – New Hyde Park
I don’t have the words for how much the first visit was and how kind and professional the staff was. Would gladly recommend this place and their staff to anyone who needs Physical Therapy. Thank you .
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Island Park
I’m not a newbie so it’s time to do a review! I have chronic back/neck issues from a car accident 30 years ago. Ivy Rehab and the outstanding PT’s help manage my condition, usually yearly when I experience flair ups, so I can be active, pain free and live my life! They listen, are flexible, skilled/proficient/professionals in their treatment and explanations, and the facilities are clean and welcoming. Always 5 stars!
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, Grand Blanc
Sam Alvarado has been much help! She assisted in a referral that I had sent to her. A co-worker of mine was seeking assistance with her son. She was compassionate towards the situation, timely and communicative. Highly recommend to anyone seeking assistance themselves or for others. Great team
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids – ABA Therapy , Taylor
Ivy Rehab
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