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Surgery Recovery
Empathy Physical Therapy provides physical therapy before and after surgery in your home, across Sandy Springs, East Cobb, Marietta and nearby. We help you prepare, then guide your recovery one-on-one in the place you’re healing.
The hardest part shouldn't be getting there
In the first weeks after surgery, getting to a clinic can be exhausting, painful or impossible without a driver. At home, your energy goes into recovery instead.
Before surgery: prehab
Prehab builds strength, mobility and confidence ahead of your procedure. For a knee or hip replacement, that might mean strengthening the muscles around the joint and practicing with a walker. For a shoulder surgery, it might mean learning how to dress and sleep with a sling.
We’ll also look at your home with recovery in mind: stairs, bed height, the bathroom and where you’ll spend most of your time. Small changes made before surgery can make the first weeks much easier.
Surgeries we help people recover from
Corey works with people recovering from lumbar, cervical and thoracic fusions, discectomies, laminectomies and other spine procedures, including multi-level and repeat surgeries. Treatment always follows your surgeon’s guidelines and restrictions.
Knee replacement
Regaining bend and straightening, strength and a steady walk, with attention to stairs and getting up from chairs.
Hip replacement
Following your surgeon’s precautions while rebuilding hip strength, balance and walking.
Rotator cuff repair and shoulder surgery
A careful, staged return of motion and strength that protects the repair.
Spine surgery
Recovering from a different procedure? Call and ask.
What recovery typically involves
1
Protect and settle
Managing pain and swelling, moving safely and staying within your surgeon's restrictions.
2
Restore motion
Gradually regaining range of motion with hands-on treatment and guided exercise.
3
Rebuild strength
Progressive exercises to support the joint and get you moving with confidence.
4
Return to your life
Working toward the specific activities you care about.
Every recovery is different. The timeline depends on your procedure, your surgeon’s plan, your health before surgery and how your body responds. Joint replacement recovery often continues to improve for months, even after formal therapy ends.
Why recovering at home helps
No car rides or parking lots while you’re healing.
We practice the exact stairs, bed and bathroom you use every day.
Caregivers can learn how to help safely.
Visits are one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, never rushed.
Working with your surgeon
We follow your surgeon’s guidelines, keep them informed and flag anything that needs their attention. For joint pain that hasn’t needed surgery, see joint pain and arthritis →
Common questions about surgery recovery
When should I schedule prehab?
Ideally a few weeks before your surgery date, but even one or two visits can help you prepare. Call once you have a date.
Can I switch to in-home therapy if I've already started at a clinic?
Yes. We’ll review where you are in your recovery and pick up from there.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on your surgery and your goals. After your evaluation, you’ll get a clear recommendation.