Why Pre and Post Op Physical Therapy?

Set yourself up for success with both pre and post-operative physical therapy.

If you’re facing surgery, you might have a mix of emotions – anticipation, a bit of worry, and a strong desire to get back to your normal life as quickly as possible. Physical therapy can make a big difference in that journey, both before and after your surgery. Studies show that pre-operative exercises and strengthening programs can be effective in reducing complications and length of hospital stay in post-operative situations.  

At Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy, we can help you prepare your body for the challenges of surgery and guide you through the best possible recovery. Our experienced PTs will arm you with strength, knowledge, and preparation to help you before and after your procedure.

Help prepare yourself for a successful surgical outcome with pre and post-operative physical therapy.

Why Both Pre and Post-surgery Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in achieving your surgical and recovery goals, both before and after your procedure. Pre-surgery PT focuses on improving your strength, range of motion, and overall fitness to prepare your body for the surgical process. Afterward, physical therapy guides your rehabilitation process by:

  • Reducing pain
  • Restoring motion
  • Eliminating swelling
  • Rebuilding strength
  • Helping you regain functional independence 

Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy

Pre-surgical Physical Therapy, sometimes referred to as “Prehab,” aims to optimize your physical condition before surgery for a smooth recovery and successful outcome.

  • Improved Strength and Range of Motion: Strengthen the muscles and maximize your range of motion in and around the surgical area. 
  • Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Manage existing discomfort and reduce or eliminate inflammation to support successful post-operative healing.
  • Education and Preparation: Learn what to expect from the post-operative experience, like physical therapy exercises, how to use assistive devices, and adjustments you can make beforehand to safely navigate your home environment. 

Patients who undergo pre-surgical education and physical therapy programs often experience lower levels of anxiety compared to those who don’t prepare in this way. By understanding what lies ahead and feeling equipped with knowledge and strength, patients often feel more empowered and can improve emotional well-being throughout the process.

Post-surgery physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. Our PTs will help you regain your normal movement patterns, rebuild strength, and restore overall function. Our goal is to support your body’s natural healing process by using the following: 

  • Pain Management: Our PTs use techniques like manual therapy and modalities to reduce post-operative pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  • Reduce Swelling and Scar Tissue Management: We will use targeted hands-on treatments, including joint mobilizations with targeted exercises to help reduce swelling, minimize scar tissue formation, and restore range of motion to avoid limitations in overall movement.
  • Improved Strength: Progressive strengthening exercise programs restore stability and normal function and prevent complications.
  • Functional Training: Retrain your normal movement patterns and improve your coordination and body awareness to facilitate a successful return to independence.

Pre and Post-op Physical Therapy with Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy

Our physical therapists design every pre and post-op program based on individual needs and goals. At your first appointment, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history and existing condition to understand the details of your upcoming surgery. Then, we’ll discuss your questions and concerns and set achievable goals for success.

If you or a loved one is considering surgery or have scheduled an upcoming procedure, give us a call today. We’ll schedule your first appointment and discuss how our pre and post-op physical therapy program can help you.

Check Out Our Favorite Exercise to do With Patients!

Service Spotlight: Manual Therapy

If you’ve recently experienced an injury, surgery, or illness that’s causing pain, manual physical therapy can help safely relieve discomfort and improve your body’s function. At Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy in Broomall and Springfield, our licensed therapists use hands-on techniques—like massage, joint mobilization, traction, and lymphatic drainage—to reduce swelling, break up scar tissue, and restore range of motion.

Manual therapy is non-invasive, pain-free, and tailored to your specific needs, with many patients noticing improvement after just one session. Our skilled therapists create individualized treatment plans that may include multiple therapies designed to increase strength, mobility, and balance, helping you recover faster and return to your daily activities with confidence.

Follow Us on Instagram!

Stay connected with Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy! Follow us on Instagram for wellness tips, exercise ideas, and a behind-the-scenes look at our team in action. Don’t miss out! ✨

Who said you had to wait until January to make healthy changes? While December is a busy time of year, it also offers that glorious week between Christmas and New Year’s Day when work is slow (if not non-existent). Why not use that time to consider how you might incorporate new health routines in the new year?

You could…

  • Incorporate a few minutes of jogging on your walks.
  • Try out a fitness class you usually can’t take because of work.
  • Perfect a few new healthy recipes.
  • Experiment with meditation.

The post-holiday slump is also a great time to schedule an appointment with the team at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy. We can help you resolve any lingering pain or help you plan out a new exercise program–just in time for the new year.

Join us today here at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy for Wellness Yoga with Jen! 

Jen will be hosting Yoga classes here in our Springfield clinic on Thursday nights at 7:15pm for all levels…no experience necessary.

We have 2 payment options: 
$40 Per Month or $15 For A Drop In Class 
(cash or check ONLY)

Please email Jen – jen@advanceaquaticpt.com or call our main number (610)544-8500 to sign up today 

*If you decide to do a drop in class please give 24/48 hour notice to sign up*

Exercise of the Month

SEATED SCIATIC NERVE TENSIONER

Sit in a chair with one foot flat on the ground and the foot on the side you want to work flexed with your toes pointing towards your face. Lift one lower leg by lightly contracting the upper thigh while simultaneously lowering your head, slowly tucking your chin towards your chest and exhaling. Slowly return to start.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: chair)

We Want To Hear Your Success Story!

Has Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy helped you live a better life? Let others know how much we can help them too! Click the button to leave us a Google review—your feedback helps others find the care they need!

Patient Success

“The therapists who worked with me are consummate professionals. Kathleen and Chris were always prepared. They had the exercise that I needed for my injury prepared, and smoothly went from one routine to the next. I always felt like I was in good hands, and I knew from experience with therapy that I was making progress with every session. I was glad to get a new, clear routine to continue at home to ensure my strength keeps growing. I’m so appreciative of the great care they gave me. “
-5 Star Review

Pain Management Through Physical Therapy Techniques

After surgery, pain is often an unavoidable part of the healing and recovery process. Fortunately, physical therapy offers essential tools to help you find relief and promote recovery without long-term reliance on medication.

Our physical therapists are experts in identifying the root cause of your pain and will develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate it.

Some techniques that our physical therapists use to address post-surgical pain include: 

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and swelling, mobilize joints and soft tissue, and ensure circulation and lymph drainage to facilitate healing and overall recovery.
  • Targeted Exercises: Guided movements to improve joint range of motion, enhance soft tissue mobility, and restore function.
  • Strengthening Muscles: Progressive exercises to strengthen muscles and support the surrounding joints for short and long-term relief. 

Our physical therapists will also empower you to manage your pain with exercises and self-care techniques you can use in between sessions. As you become stronger and more mobile, your reliance on pain medication can naturally decrease to promote a sustainable healing and recovery process.

Refer a Friend


Our purpose at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.

Meet Our Team

Ryan-Mullin-Advance-Physical-
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Ryan J. Mullin

PTA Owner/Physical Therapist

Joshua-Green-Advance-Physical-
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Joshua T. Green

PT, MPT Owner/Physical Therapist

Kathleen-Euldji-Advance-Physical-
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Kathleen Euldji

PT, DPT Physical Therapist

Jen-Rosenzweig-Advance-Physical-
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Jen Rosenzweig

PTA Physical Therapist

Christopher-Johnson-Advance-Physical-
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Christopher Johnson

PT, DPT Physical Therapist

Cole-Racich-Advance-Physical-
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Cole Racich

PT, DPT, OCS Physical Therapist, per diem

Maureen-Donohoe-Advance-Physical-
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Maureen Donohoe

PT, DPT, PCS Physical Therapist, per diem

Helena-Esmonde-Advance-Physical-
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Helena Esmonde

PT, DPT Physical/Vestibular Therapist

Brianna-Whitton-Advance-Physical-
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Brianna Whitton

Patient Care Coordinator & Marketing Specialist

Jackleyn-Hughes-Advance-Physical-
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Jackleyn Hughes

Physical Therapy Aide

Madison-Vinrovski-Advance-Physical-
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Madison Vinrovski

Physical Therapy Aide