Réhabital
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation in Côte Saint-Luc
Orthopedic surgery — a knee or hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, ligament reconstruction, or spinal surgery — is only one step on the road to recovery. The quality of the rehabilitation that follows largely determines the final outcome: restored mobility, strength, return to activity, and prevention of complications such as adhesions or muscle wasting. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we work closely with your surgeons and follow post-operative protocols carefully while adapting the pace to your actual recovery.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Every surgery carries specific constraints and a specific healing timeline. After a knee or hip arthroplasty, the first weeks focus on swelling control, range of motion recovery and safe walking before moving to functional strengthening. After a rotator cuff repair, a strict protection phase (often 4–6 weeks of passive motion only) precedes progressive active work of the deltoid and cuff, since returning too early compromises the tendon repair. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction follows a well-documented phased protocol: inflammation control, full knee extension recovery, quadriceps strengthening, then proprioceptive and plyometric exercises before returning to sport, typically nine to twelve months later. After lumbar surgery (discectomy, fusion), the emphasis is on controlled mobility, deep core activation and cautious load progression. In every case, respecting tissue healing timelines — bone, tendon, ligament, nerve — matters as much as exercise intensity; progressing too fast can cause secondary stiffness, repair failure, or chronic inflammation.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Post-operative immobilization
Bracing, crutches or bed rest cause a rapid loss of strength and range of motion. This is necessary for healing but must be followed by structured remobilization to avoid stiffness.
Adhesion and scar tissue formation
Scar tissue can adhere to neighboring structures, limiting tendon gliding or joint motion. Early, well-dosed mobilization reduces this risk.
Reflex muscle inhibition
Pain and swelling automatically inhibit muscle activation around the operated joint (the quadriceps after knee surgery, for example), delaying strength recovery if left untreated.
Fear of movement
Apprehension about pain or fear of damaging the repair leads to overprotecting the limb, creating compensations and delaying functional recovery.
Surgery-specific protocol not respected
Each surgery has its own protection timelines based on the type of repair. A protocol that is too aggressive, or conversely too cautious, equally harms the final outcome.
Our Treatment Approach
Our initial assessment reviews the operative report, surgeon's instructions, range of motion, strength, scar quality and walking or limb-use pattern. Physiotherapy, provided by Colin Teghen Tamuton, follows a phased protocol: pain and swelling control, progressive range of motion recovery, surgery-specific targeted strengthening, then functional and athletic reconditioning if applicable. We use joint mobilization, soft-tissue techniques for scar adhesions, progressive closed- and open-chain strengthening, and proprioceptive exercises for lower limbs. Osteopathy helps restore mobility of surrounding tissues and correct postural compensations accumulated during immobilization. Massage therapy relieves compensatory tension elsewhere in the body. We communicate with the surgical team as needed to safely adjust the pace of progression.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit includes a detailed review of the surgical protocol, an assessment of range of motion and strength, and the establishment of realistic staged goals. You receive a progressive home exercise program, reassessed at each session based on your progress.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Strictly follow your surgeon’s weight-bearing instructions.
- Apply ice to control swelling during the first weeks.
- Do your prescribed exercises daily, even for short sessions.
- Gently massage the scar once fully closed, if permitted.
- Avoid movements restricted by the protocol (rotation, extreme flexion).
- Prioritize adequate sleep and nutrition to support healing.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by surgery: 6–12 weeks to regain functional walking after a knee or hip replacement, 4–6 months for satisfactory strength after a rotator cuff repair, and 9–12 months for a full return to sport after an ACL reconstruction. Structured follow-up clearly improves these timelines and reduces the risk of complications.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Begin rehabilitation as soon as your surgeon authorizes it, ideally within the first days to two weeks after surgery. See a physician promptly for redness, warmth or discharge at the surgical site, fever, or sudden severe pain that differs from usual post-operative discomfort.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our team supports patients through every phase of surgical recovery, with protocols tailored to each type of procedure and close attention to actual progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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