Surgery Rehab Physical Therapy | New Braunfels TX

Preparing for surgery—or recovering afterward—can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Whether you’re scheduled for a knee, hip, shoulder, or spine procedure, physical therapy plays a critical role in optimizing outcomes and restoring function safely.

At Webb Physical Therapy Specialists, we provide comprehensive pre-operative (prehab) and post-operative physical therapy in New Braunfels, TX. Our evidence-based approach helps patients enter surgery stronger and recover with confidence through structured, progressive rehabilitation tailored to each procedure and individual goal.

Muscles and joints heal best with appropriate, guided movement. Without professional guidance, many patients either do too much too soon or limit movement out of fear—both of which can delay recovery.

Our therapists design individualized programs that follow surgical protocols while addressing strength, mobility, balance, and movement quality. This approach reduces complications, improves efficiency of recovery, and supports a safe return to daily activity, work, or sport.

Prehab begins weeks—sometimes months—before surgery and focuses on preparing the body for the physical demands of the procedure.

Goals of pre-surgical therapy include:

• Reducing joint and muscle stiffness
• Improving strength and coordination
• Enhancing balance and gait mechanics
• Addressing movement limitations that may slow recovery

Prehab often leads to smoother post-operative recovery by improving tissue tolerance and physical readiness.

Pre-Surgical Services May Include:

• Comprehensive movement and strength assessment
• Joint mobilization to improve motion and tissue quality
• Targeted strengthening to support vulnerable joints
• Education on post-operative expectations and equipment
• Assistance navigating therapy and recovery logistics

Following surgery, early rehabilitation focuses on protecting healing tissues while restoring safe movement.

Early post-op therapy emphasizes:

• Pain, swelling, and inflammation management
• Gentle joint mobility and muscle activation
• Safe movement and weight-bearing strategies
• Basic self-care and functional independence

Early-Stage Interventions May Include:

• Manual techniques and modalities to reduce swelling
• Gait training with assistive devices when appropriate
• Introduction of safe home exercises
• Education on movement precautions and daily activities

This phase helps prevent stiffness, weakness, and compensatory movement patterns.

As healing progresses, therapy advances toward restoring full function and confidence.

Goals of advanced rehabilitation include:

• Regaining full or functional range of motion
• Restoring strength, endurance, and motor control
• Improving balance and coordination
• Preparing for return to work, recreation, or sport

Advanced-Phase Treatment May Include:

• Manual therapy for scar tissue and soft-tissue mobility
• Progressive strengthening and functional exercise
• Movement retraining for daily and occupational tasks
• Sport- or activity-specific drills when appropriate

This phase ensures recovery continues beyond pain relief and focuses on long-term success.

Patients who participate in structured rehabilitation often experience:

• Improved surgical outcomes
• Faster return of strength and mobility
• Reduced pain and swelling
• Lower risk of stiffness and complications
• Greater confidence during recovery
• Reduced risk of reinjury

What is prehab and why is it important?
Prehab prepares the body for surgery by improving strength, flexibility, and movement quality, often leading to better post-surgical outcomes.

When should I start pre-operative physical therapy?
Prehab typically begins 4–8 weeks before surgery, or earlier for major joint replacements when possible.

Do you follow my surgeon’s protocol?
Yes. We coordinate care with your surgical guidelines while tailoring treatment to your individual progress and goals.

What types of surgeries do you treat?
We commonly provide rehab for knee, hip, shoulder, and spine surgeries, including joint replacements and arthroscopic procedures.