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Physical therapy patient lays on her back on a treatment table to do rehabilitation after surgery.

PRE & POST-OPERATIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY | BIRMINGHAM & TUSCALOOSA, AL

Get Back to What You Love After Surgery

Through a tailored assessment and treatment plan, we help prepare you for your procedure and maximize your recovery after.

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Your journey is unique. Your care should be too.

Recovery doesn't end in the operating room

At EW, we guide you through what comes next so you heal right, not just fast. With a personalized plan, you'll get:

  • Every session counts — no wasted time, no guesswork, just focused forward progress
  • Safe strength rebuilding — regaining muscle and control without undoing what surgery fixed
  • Your success is our success — we treat your recovery like it's our own goal to reach

Don't see your procedure? We work with patients recovering from most orthopedic surgeries. Give us a call to discuss your specific needs.

Common Surgical Procedures

Hip
  • Hip replacement
  • Hip labral repair
  • Hip arthroscopy
  • Hip impingement surgery
  • Hip resurfacing
  • Hip osteotomy
  • Post-op fracture care
Knee
  • Total knee replacement
  • Partial knee replacement
  • ACL reconstruction
  • Meniscus repair
  • Patellar tendon repair
  • MCL/LCL repair
  • Tibial osteotomy
Shoulder
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Shoulder replacement
  • Labral repair
  • Bicep tendon repair
  • Shoulder arthroscopy
  • Shoulder stabilization
Spine
  • Lumbar fusion
  • Cervical fusion
  • Laminectomy
  • Discectomy
  • Micro-discectomy
  • Spinal decompression
  • Post-op fracture care
Ankle & Foot
  • Ankle fusion
  • Achilles tendon repair
  • Bunionectomy
  • Ankle ligament reconstruction
  • Plantar fascia release
  • Post-op fracture care
Elbow & Wrist
  • Tennis elbow surgery
  • Carpal tunnel release
  • Ulnar nerve transposition
  • Wrist arthroscopy
  • TFCC repair
  • Post-op fracture care
How It Works

Steps to Recovery

 
1
Measure
Baseline & Assessment
Whether you come in before or after surgery, we start by evaluating where you are: mobility, strength, movement patterns, and readiness. This assessment becomes your personalized roadmap for recovery.
 
2
Restore
Recovery & Movement
Post-operative recovery focuses on managing pain and swelling, restoring range of motion and strength, and rebuilding foundational movement patterns. Your goals are to regain independence at home and in daily life.
 
3
Build
Strength & Resilience
Progressive strength training prepares your body for real-world demands. You'll build the physical capacity needed to return to work, sport, and everything you do.
4
Refine
Movement & Confidence
Final stages focus on movement quality, coordination, and the confidence to push yourself. You'll be cleared knowing you're ready, not just hoping you are.
Kids 2
The EW Approach: Measure. Restore. Build. Refine.TM

From Injury to Recovery:
Your Path Back

Physical therapist supervising a post-operative patient performing hip flexion exercises on a TRUE Stretch functional training cage for post-op rehabilitation at a physical therapy clinic.
1

Whether you come in before or after surgery, we start by evaluating where you are in mobility, strength, movement patterns, and readiness. This assessment becomes your personalized roadmap for recovery.

The Goal:

Measure your baseline to establish clarity and map a targeted path back to full activity.

2

Post-operative recovery focuses on managing pain and swelling, restoring range of motion and strength, and rebuilding foundational movement patterns to support safe participation in activities.

The Goal:

Restore basic function, mobility, and strength so you can move independently at home and in your daily routine.

3

This phase builds the physical capacity, confidence, and movement quality needed for your work, sport, and daily activities through progressive loading and real-world challenges.

The Goal:

Build the strength and resilience to return confidently to everything that matters in your life.

4

Final stages focus on movement quality, coordination, and performance testing to verify you're ready for full activity. Then, build a plan to maintain your progress and prevent re-injury.

The Goal:

Refine your movement and build the confidence to return fully cleared with a roadmap to stay strong long-term.

Pre & Post-Op Physical Therapy

Prepare your body for surgery and get back to moving with strength and confidence. Your therapist will assess your needs and develop a personalized plan centered on your goals, so you can perform at your best.

Regain your independence and get your life back.

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Real Recoveries

What Clients Are Saying

"I've been coming to EW since April, 2022, after a complete knee replacement. EW is a great place for rehab because they stay with you as you are working out or walking. Other places I've been just turn you loose to work by yourself after a couple of weeks. Not here!"
Leigh Anne Outlaw
"Chris was my PT after 2 hip surgeries. He did an awesome job of holding me accountable and getting me back on my feet. He's very knowledgeable and effective. I highly recommend EW and Chris to anyone recovering from a difficult surgery."
Jerry Prater
"Chris and the rest of the EW team are amazing. They keep me moving and active. Whether you're recovering from an injury or surgery or just trying to keep your body at its peak, they will develop a unique plan to make sure you achieve your goals."
Luke Trammell
"I have had several problems over the past few years that required physical therapy ranging from shoulder surgery, knee replacement, back issues and others. I was not getting good results until I had the good fortune to be referred to EW Motion Therapy. They are outstanding!"
Robin Burrell
"I truly cannot say enough good things about EW Motion therapy. I was treated for post surgical care from an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (lumbar spine). I was taken such good care of, and will never forget the thorough care I received for those 5 months. I am forever grateful!"
Lindsey Henig
"The people at EW Motion Therapy are wonderful. I'm very thankful to have found them for my physical therapy needs following a recent surgery."
Sarah Waller
"Always great care! I highly recommend EW Motion Therapy, whether you are an aching athlete, contemplating or recovering from surgery, or for just when an experienced eye is needed to evaluate a condition."
Don Moore
"I cannot recommend Franklin Staples enough! If you're looking for a physical therapist, I wholeheartedly recommend Franklin. He played a valuable and lasting role in my knee journey, and I'm so grateful for his expertise and compassion."
Peyton Mcilwain
"I am a proud graduate from EW Therapy Homewood, it's been a long haul for me this time around with two shoulder surgeries (3) total. The therapists took such good care of me Chris, Amanda and Caroline. Every exercise and technique they used helped me get a little strong in different areas of my shoulder. Thank you my EW Family!!!"
Vivian Smith-Pruitt
"In February 2023 I had rotator cuff surgery. I chose EW Motion for my physical therapy. My therapist, Elise was outstanding in assisting with my recovery. She was always encouraging, professional and thorough in helping me work through the pain. Thank you so much Elise! 5 STARS"
Reginald Miller

Our Insurance Partners

EW Motion Therapy works with a wide variety of insurance partners to ensure you get the best care, no matter your coverage. 
  • BCBS insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    Blue Cross
    (All plans)
  • Medicare insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    All Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans
  • United Healthcare insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    United Healthcare
    (Includes all sub-plans)
  • Viva Health insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    Viva Health / Viva Medicare
  • Aetna insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    Aetna/ Aetna Medicare
  • Humana insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    Humana
  • Tricare insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    Tricare
    (All plans)
  • Cigna insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    Cigna
    (All plans)
  • ChampVA insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    Champ VA
  • All Worker's Compensation Plans insurance logo — insurance partner at EW Motion Therapy.
    All Workers Compensation

Start The Conversation

Tell us a bit about yourself, and we'll reach out by phone within 1 business day to match you with the right person on our team, so you can get on the path to feeling better fast.

Pre & Post-Operative Physical Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start physical therapy after surgery? It depends on your procedure. Some surgeries require PT within the first few days post-op (like knee or shoulder replacements), while others wait 2 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon provides specific guidance, and we coordinate directly with them to start at the right time for your recovery.
Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?

Alabama is a direct access state, so you can come see us without a physician referral. That said, some insurance plans still require one for coverage purposes, and the rules vary by plan. Give your nearest EW location a call, and we'll help you sort it out before your first visit.
What should I bring to my first appointment? Bring your insurance card, photo ID, imaging reports or surgical notes from your surgeon, and a list of current medications. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the surgical area. If you use assistive devices (crutches, walker, brace), bring those too.
Will my insurance cover pre- and post-operative physical therapy? Most insurance plans cover post-operative PT when prescribed by a physician. Pre-operative PT (prehab) coverage varies by plan. We'll verify your benefits before you start and walk you through what's covered and any out-of-pocket costs.
How long will my recovery take?

Recovery timelines vary based on the procedure, your age, baseline fitness, and adherence to your PT program. Most major orthopedic surgeries require 3 to 6 months of progressive therapy. We'll give you a realistic timeline at your initial evaluation and update it based on how your body responds.
What's my long-term outlook after surgery and PT? Your prognosis depends on the procedure, surgery quality, adherence to rehab, and factors like age and activity level. Most patients who complete a full PT program return to their desired activities. Your surgeon provides procedure-specific outcome data, and we'll give you a realistic roadmap based on your initial evaluation.
Why choose EW Motion Therapy for surgical recovery?

You're recovering from surgery. You want a therapist who knows your body, stays in contact with your surgeon, and builds a plan around your goals. You want a clinic that measures readiness before clearance, not just weeks on a calendar. If that sounds right, we'd be glad to discuss whether we're the right fit for your recovery.
Can I continue physical therapy after my insurance stops covering it? Yes. Many clients choose to continue with cash-pay sessions or transition to Clinical Pilates or personal training to maintain their progress. Your physical therapist will talk through options that make sense for your situation.