Pre & Post-Operative Therapy
in Thief River Falls, MN

Pre- and Post-Operative Care at North Born Physical Therapy
At North Born Physical Therapy, we understand that surgery is a significant event in anyone’s life, whether you’re preparing for a joint replacement, spinal surgery, or a soft tissue repair. Our specialized pre- and post-operative care services are designed to ensure you are physically prepared for surgery and that your recovery is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Pre-Operative Care: Preparing Your Body for Surgery
Preparing for surgery is just as important as the recovery process. Our pre-operative physical therapy programs focus on getting your body in the best possible condition before undergoing surgery. By strengthening key muscles, improving joint mobility, and addressing areas of imbalance, we aim to create a solid foundation that can significantly improve your post-surgical recovery.
Studies have shown that patients who participate in pre-operative physical therapy often experience:
- Faster recovery times after surgery.
- Reduced post-surgical pain and inflammation.
- Increased mobility and functional strength post-surgery.
- Lower risk of complications such as blood clots or infections.
Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include strength, flexibility, and range of motion tests to determine the best course of action. Based on this evaluation, a personalized pre-surgical conditioning program will be designed to prepare your body for the upcoming procedure, ensuring that your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system are ready for the stresses of surgery.
We will also educate you on post-operative expectations, providing exercises and strategies you can begin immediately after surgery to promote faster healing.
Post-Operative Care: Guiding Your Recovery
After surgery, the main goal of our post-operative care is to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and restore normal function as quickly as possible. The first few days and weeks after surgery are critical for your recovery, and our therapists are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Your personalized post-operative program will be tailored to the type of surgery you’ve had and your individual needs. Some common elements of post-operative rehabilitation include:
- Pain management: Using manual therapy, specific exercises, and modalities such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Restoring mobility: Early mobilization is key to avoiding complications such as stiffness or scar tissue formation. Your therapist will guide you through gentle range of motion exercises to restore flexibility and mobility to the affected area.
- Strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises to rebuild strength in the muscles surrounding the surgical site, as well as any areas affected by immobilization during the healing process.
- Gait training: For surgeries that impact your ability to walk, such as hip or knee replacements, gait training will help you regain proper walking mechanics and avoid compensatory movements that could lead to future injury.
- Functional retraining: Relearning movements that are essential to your daily life, such as getting in and out of bed, walking up stairs, or lifting objects, is crucial for a full recovery.
- Scar management: Post-operative scars can sometimes lead to tightness or restricted movement. Techniques such as massage or stretching may be incorporated to ensure proper healing of the surgical incision.
Throughout your rehabilitation, we will continually assess your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide ongoing communication with your surgeon to ensure that your recovery is on track.

Our Commitment to Your Recovery
Our team at North Born Physical Therapy is committed to providing you with the highest level of care, every step of the way. We understand that the journey to recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our therapists will be your partners in recovery, providing skilled, thoughtful guidance to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
We believe in a holistic approach to recovery, which means that our care extends beyond just the physical aspect. We’re here to support you emotionally and mentally as well, ensuring that you feel empowered and motivated throughout your rehabilitation.
Why Choose North Born Physical Therapy for Pre- and Post-Operative Care?
- Experienced Therapists: Our therapists are highly trained in the latest post-operative care techniques and have extensive experience in working with a wide range of surgical cases.
- Personalized Care Plans: Every patient’s journey is unique. We create custom care plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive the exact treatment necessary for a successful recovery.
- Close Collaboration with Your Surgeon: We maintain open lines of communication with your surgeon to ensure your recovery plan aligns with their expectations and the latest medical recommendations.
- Focus on Long-Term Health: Our goal is not only to help you recover from surgery but also to ensure that you maintain strength, mobility, and independence long after your rehabilitation is complete.
Because your life is not a spectator sport
Whether preparing for or recovering from surgery, our skilled therapists at North Born Physical Therapy will provide thoughtful guidance to help you achieve full rehabilitation. We focus on optimizing your functional strength and endurance while retraining movement to allow for a pain-free, active lifestyle.
We will monitor your progress closely, adjusting your treatment plan as necessary, and maintain regular communication with your doctor. Our team is dedicated to being your biggest supporters through your recovery journey, ensuring you return to your life stronger and healthier than before.
Are you struggling from a recent sports-related injury? Give us a call at (218) 653-1003