Recovering from Surgery? Rehab Comes to You

You’re home from surgery now. The hardest part is behind you. But now comes the real work: rebuilding strength, managing pain, and getting back to your life. The last thing you need is the stress of getting to a clinic, driving in traffic, or sitting in a waiting room when you should be resting and healing.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to. In-home physical therapy, covered by Medicare, brings expert rehab directly to your home. Your therapist comes to you — on your schedule, in your comfortable space, with the same person every visit.

This page walks you through what post-surgical rehab looks like at home, why it works better, and how to get started.

Why In-Home Post-Surgical Rehab Works Better

The Post-Surgery Reality

Right after surgery, your body is fragile. You’re in pain. You’re anxious. Movement is scary. The thought of driving somewhere, navigating a clinic, and exercising among strangers feels impossible — and honestly, it’s unnecessary.

Why Home Rehab Is the Better Option

No Transportation Barriers
You’re recovering. Your body is weak. The idea of getting in and out of a car, sitting in traffic, or managing stairs in an unfamiliar building adds stress and risk. In-home therapy eliminates this entirely.

Therapy in Your Real Environment
Your therapist sees your actual stairs, your bed, your bathroom, your kitchen — the places where you need to move safely. They don’t teach you exercises in a clinic gym and hope they transfer to home. They teach you in the place where life actually happens.

Consistent Therapist = Safer Recovery
You’re vulnerable after surgery. Your body is healing. You need someone who knows you, remembers where you’re at, and can push you appropriately. With in-home care, you see the same therapist every time. They learn your pain patterns, your fears, your goals. That consistency is crucial.

Lower Fall Risk
Early post-op is when falls happen — when you’re weak, off-balance, and unsure of your body. In-home therapy means your therapist is right there, in your space, assessing your home for dangers and helping you move safely.

Family Can Be Involved
Your spouse, adult child, or caregiver can attend sessions. They learn how to support your recovery, how to help you move safely, and how to encourage you when you’re discouraged. That support accelerates healing.

Less Stress, Better Outcomes
Familiar environment. One trusted therapist. Family support. No clinic anxiety. Research shows that post-op patients in comfortable, consistent care recover faster and with better outcomes.

What Types of Surgeries Do We Support?

We specialize in post-surgical rehab for:

Joint Replacement Surgery

• Knee Replacement (Total or Partial)
  • Most common post-op PT need
  • Focus: Range of motion, strength, walking independence
  • Timeline: 4–12 weeks
• Hip Replacement (Total or Partial)
  • Early mobility critical
  • Focus: Hip precautions, strength, pain management
  • Timeline: 6–12 weeks
• Shoulder/Rotator Cuff Repair
  • Gradual progression essential
  • Focus: Range of motion, strength, functional use
  • Timeline: 8–16 weeks

Spine & Back Surgery

• Lumbar Fusion or Discectomy
  • Pain management and gradual reconditioning
  • Focus: Core strengthening, posture, functional movement
  • Timeline: 6–12 weeks
• Cervical Spine Surgery
  • Careful progression to prevent re-injury
  • Focus: Neck mobility, shoulder stability, pain control
  • Timeline: 6–12 weeks

Cardiac Surgery Support

• Open-Heart Surgery, Bypass, Valve Repair
  • Gentle, medically-supervised progression
  • Focus: Cardiovascular reconditioning, sternum precautions, energy management
  • Timeline: 6–12 weeks

Other Post-Surgical Conditions

• Abdominal surgery (hernia repair, cancer surgery)
• Fracture repair and healing (wrist, ankle, pelvis)
• Hospital discharge weakness (after extended hospitalization)
• General post-op reconditioning

Our therapists are trained to work with:

• Multiple surgeries or comorbidities (arthritis, diabetes, heart conditions)
• Medication side effects affecting balance or pain
• Pre-existing conditions that complicate recovery
• Age-related healing and mobility changes

What to Expect: Your Post-Surgical Rehab Journey

Timeline: From Surgery to Independence

Days 1-2: You’re Home (Hospital Discharge)

You’ve just arrived home from surgery. You’re in pain. Movement feels scary. You’re wondering: When do I start therapy? How will I get to appointments? Will I ever move normally again?

What we do:

• Your surgeon or discharge planner refers you to Care To You Health
• We contact you within 24 hours
• We answer your immediate questions
• We schedule your initial evaluation for the next available time (often within 48 hours)

Your role: Rest, follow post-op precautions, and wait for your first therapy visit.

Week 1: Initial Evaluation & Personalized Rehab Plan

Your therapist arrives at your home.

They will:

• Review your surgical report and post-op precautions
• Assess your current movement, pain, swelling, and strength
• Evaluate your home for safety (stairs, bathroom, bedroom layout)
• Listen to your goals (“I want to walk without a cane,” “I want to climb stairs,” “I want to play with my grandkids again”)
• Create a customized rehab plan specific to your surgery and home

Pain & Swelling Management
Your therapist teaches you:

• Proper icing and elevation techniques
• Gentle movement to reduce stiffness
• Pain management strategies that don’t rely on increased medication
• What pain is normal vs. concerning

Initial Exercises
You’ll start with gentle movements:

• Gentle range-of-motion work (often within post-op precautions)
• Assisted or supported movement
• Breathing and relaxation
• Learning safe movement patterns

Nothing is forced. Everything is tailored to what your body is ready for.

Family Education
If your spouse or adult child is present, your therapist teaches them:

• How to help you move safely
• Exercises they can encourage you to do
• When to call the doctor vs. when it’s normal post-op discomfort
• How to support your psychological recovery (post-op anxiety is real)

Weeks 2-4: Active Therapy Begins

Sessions: 2-3x per week (or adjusted based on your pace)

Your therapist now:

• Progressively increases the challenge
• Guides you through gentle strengthening
• Addresses pain and swelling with movement strategies
• Teaches you exercises to do at home (10-15 minutes, 2-3x daily)
• Monitors for complications (excessive swelling, infection signs, concerning pain)

What you’re experiencing:

• Less pain (gradually, not all at once)
• More movement possible
• Slightly more strength
• Growing confidence

Real example — Week 3 Post-Knee Surgery:

• Week 1: Barely could bend knee 30 degrees, intense pain with movement
• Week 3: Bending knee 60-70 degrees, pain manageable, starting to walk without crutches around the home

Real example — Week 2 Post-Hip Surgery:

• First session: Can’t lift leg off bed, terrified of falling
• Week 2: Walking with a walker, can climb 3 stairs with a rail, pain decreasing

Progress feels slow, but it’s real.

Weeks 5-8: Strength Building & Returning to Function

Sessions: 1-2x per week (as progress accelerates)

Your therapist now:

• Increases strength and balance work
• Removes assistive devices as appropriate (cane, walker)
• Teaches stair negotiation
• Guides return to ADLs (activities of daily living): cooking, bathing, dressing
• Builds endurance for longer activities

What you’re experiencing:

• Noticeably less pain
• Real strength returning
• Walking without devices or with minimal support
• Confidence rebuilding
• Starting to do activities you love again (gardening, walking, cooking)

Real example — Week 6 Post-Knee Surgery:

• Walking without a cane
• Climbing stairs independently
• Pain is mostly gone except with specific activities
• Thinking about returning to golf (soon)

Real example — Week 6 Post-Shoulder Surgery:

• Arm mobility significantly improved
• Can reach cabinet shelves
• Can get dressed independently
• Pain is minimal except when pushing limits

After 8-12 Weeks: Return to Independence

Sessions: Transition to maintenance or graduation

Your therapist helps you:

• Identify when you’re ready to graduate (you can do daily activities independently, pain is minimal, and confidence is high)
• Create a home program you can maintain independently
• Discuss what to do if issues arise (you know how to reach us)
• Celebrate the progress you’ve made

OR

You transition to maintenance care:

• 1x per week or 2x per month
• Focus shifts from recovery to long-term prevention
• You maintain strength and mobility
• Your therapist ensures you don’t regress

What you’re experiencing:

• Feeling like yourself again
• Doing activities without thinking about the surgery
• Pain resolved or minimal
• Strength nearly or fully back
• Hope and confidence restored

Clinic vs. In-Home Post-Op Rehab: The Real Difference

Factor	In-Home Therapy	Outpatient Clinic	Why It Matters
Getting There	Therapist comes to you ✅	You drive/get driven ❌	Early post-op, you’re weak and painful. Driving = risk, stress, exhaustion.
Therapist Consistency	Same therapist every visit ✅	Rotating staff ❌	Post-op, you need someone who knows your pain patterns and can push you safely.
Fall Risk	Minimal (therapist in your space) ✅	Higher (navigating clinic) ❌	Early post-op, falls happen. Home is safer.
Family Support	Encouraged and easy ✅	Limited (requires coordination) ❌	Family support accelerates recovery and reduces anxiety.
Home Environment	Therapy done where you live ✅	Clinic exercises you hope transfer home ❌	Your stairs, your bed, your bathroom — therapy needs to address your real life.
Stress/Anxiety	Low (familiar space) ✅	Higher (unfamiliar setting) ❌	Post-op anxiety is real. Home is comforting. Comfort helps healing.
Missed Appointments	Rare ✅	Frequent ❌	Transportation barriers cause missed clinic appointments. Missing sessions delays recovery.
Total Time per Session	45-55 minutes ✅	45-55 min + 30-60 min travel ❌	With in-home, no travel burden means you can attend more consistently.

Result: In-home post-op therapy often leads to faster recovery, fewer complications, and better outcomes compared to clinic-based care.

Medicare Coverage: It’s Covered

Post-surgical in-home physical therapy is covered by Medicare Part B — the same as clinic-based therapy, but without the travel burden.

Your Costs:

• Annual deductible: $257 (2025, paid once per year)
• Coinsurance: 20% per session after deductible
• Typical session cost: $160 → You pay ~$32 (20%)

For 20 Sessions (typical post-op timeline):

• Your deductible: $257
• Remaining 20% coinsurance: ~$589
• Total out-of-pocket: ~$846

We Handle Everything:

• Insurance verification before your first visit
• Direct billing to Medicare
• Clear explanation of your costs upfront
• No surprise bills

Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Surgical Rehab at Home

“When Should Therapy Start After Surgery?”

Ideally: Within 48-72 hours of discharge.

Why? Early therapy:

• Prevents stiffness and pain escalation
• Starts the healing process properly
• Prevents complications from immobility
• Accelerates recovery timeline

Your surgeon will likely recommend timing. We coordinate with discharge planners and can often start within 48 hours of your referral.

“Will Medicare Cover My In-Home Post-Surgical PT?”

Yes. Medicare covers in-home PT for post-surgical recovery if it’s medically necessary (which it is after surgery).

We handle:

• Verification upfront (before you even start)
• Direct billing to Medicare
• Clear explanation of your costs

“How Often Will I See a Therapist?”

Typical post-op schedule:

• Weeks 1-4: 2-3x per week (intensive early recovery)
• Weeks 5-8: 1-2x per week (progressive strengthening)
• After 8 weeks: 1x per week or 2x per month (maintenance or graduation)

Your preference matters: If you can only do 1x/week, we build a plan around that. More frequent is ideal, but consistency is more important than frequency.

“What If I Can’t Move Much Yet?”

That’s exactly why we come to you.

Your therapist is trained in early post-op care. If you can barely move, we:

• Gently guide movement within safe limits
• Teach pain management and swelling control
• Work within your post-op precautions
• Progress gradually as your body allows

You don’t have to be “ready” for therapy. Your therapist meets you exactly where you are.

“Do You Coordinate with My Doctor or Discharge Planner?”

Absolutely. We:

• Request your surgical report from your surgeon
• Follow all post-op precautions and restrictions
• Report progress to your doctor regularly
• Communicate immediately if we see concerning signs
• Work as part of your healthcare team, not separately

Your surgeon and primary care doctor always know what’s happening.

“What If Something Goes Wrong?”

Complications are rare, but we’re prepared.

If you experience:

• Excessive swelling or warmth
• Fever
• Sudden increased pain
• Signs of infection
• Unusual symptoms

Your therapist:

• Recognizes warning signs immediately
• Contacts your doctor or surgeon right away
• Adjusts therapy appropriately
• Never ignores concerning symptoms

Your safety is our priority.

“Can My Family Member Attend Sessions?”

Yes, encouraged. Family members can:

• Attend the session
• Learn how to support you
• Understand your exercises and progress
• Help with therapy between sessions
• Become part of your recovery team

Family involvement improves outcomes significantly.

“How Soon Until I Can Do My Normal Activities?”

Depends on your surgery:

• Joint replacement: 6-12 weeks for most daily activities; return to golf/hiking 3-4 months
• Spine surgery: 6-12 weeks for basic function; return to lifting/strenuous activity 3-6 months
• Shoulder surgery: 8-16 weeks, depending on the extent; return to overhead activities varies
• Cardiac surgery: 6-12 weeks for conditioning; return to normal depends on your baseline

Your therapist will give you realistic timelines after evaluating your specific situation.

“Will My Insurance Cover More than One Type of Therapy?”

Yes. You can receive PT, OT, and/or speech therapy simultaneously if medically necessary.

Example: After major surgery, you might benefit from:

• PT: Strength, balance, walking
• OT: Return to cooking, dressing, and daily independence
• Speech: Swallowing (if applicable) or managing post-operative fatigue

All are coordinated by your care team.

What Patients Say

“I was terrified after my hip surgery. The thought of driving to clinic seemed impossible. When I found out Care To You would come to my home, I cried with relief. My therapist was amazing — he taught me how to move safely, managed my pain, and helped me walk without a cane within 6 weeks. I’ve never felt safer or more supported.”

— Janice, 74, Laguna Niguel

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“Post-op was scary. My therapist came right to my home and made me feel like I was in control. Within 4 weeks, I was doing things I thought would take months. The consistency of having the same therapist made all the difference.”

— Robert, 68, Dana Point

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“I had my daughter attend some sessions. She learned how to help me move safely and encouraged me between visits. Having family involved in my recovery was huge. I recovered faster because I had her support.”

— Linda, 71, San Clemente

Your Recovery Starts at Home

Post-surgical recovery doesn’t require a clinic. It requires consistency, comfort, expertise, and safety.

All of those happen best at home, with a licensed therapist who knows you and cares about your specific recovery journey.

Ready to Start Your Post-Surgical Recovery?

Step 1: Talk to a Post-Surgery Therapist

Call us with questions about your specific surgery, timeline, and what to expect. No commitment — just clarity.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Step 2: Schedule Your In-Home Evaluation

If you’re ready, we’ll send a therapist to your home within 48 hours (if possible).

Your evaluation includes:

• Assessment of your post-op status
• Home safety evaluation
• Personalized rehab plan
• Clear timeline and expectations

Book Your In-Home Evaluation

Step 3: Start Your Recovery

Begin therapy with the same therapist, at home, on your schedule.

Let’s Get Started

Your Surgeon Referred You. You Called. Now What?

We take it from here. You focus on healing. We handle:

✅ Insurance verification
✅ Scheduling your therapy
✅ Creating your personalized plan
✅ Coordinating with your doctor
✅ Supporting your family
✅ Celebrating your progress

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Additional Resources

• [Blog: What to Expect During Your First In-Home PT Visit]
• [Blog: Medicare Coverage of In-Home PT Explained]
• [Blog: How to Prepare Your Home for Post-Surgical Recovery]
• [Patient Testimonials]
• [Meet Your Therapist Team]

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Care To You Health

100% Mobile. Medicare-Designated. Orange County-Based.

Your surgeon fixed your body. We’ll help you use it again.

📞 (949) 353-5509