Hospital for Special Surgery · #1 Ranked Hospital for Orthopedics, U.S. News & World Report|For appointments call (646) 885-5950
Kyle N. Kunze, MD Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon Cartilage Restoration · Joint Preservation Hip · Knee · Shoulder · Regenerative Medicine
Patient Resources

Physical Therapy Protocols

Rehabilitation is where surgical results are earned. Each procedure has a written, phase-based protocol that your therapist and our office follow together.

How They Work

Phase-Based Progression

Every protocol is organized into phases with specific criteria for advancement based on milestones customized for you. This includes range of motion achieved, swelling controlled, and muscle activation restored — rather than by date alone. Two patients at the same week after surgery may be in different phases and therefore we help you stay on track no matter where you are at. 

Your therapist will receive your protocol directly but we may also provide you with a copy. You can bring a copy to your first session. Physical therapists are a critical extension of the care team that often work with our patients multiple times per week after surgery. We are in frequent communication with them to receive your updates so that we can review your progress and adjust accordingly.

Protocols

By Joint

Knee
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Shoulder
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Hip
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Elbow
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Getting the Most Out of Rehab

Guidance for Patients

Consistency beats intensity — Home exercises done daily matter more than occasional hard sessions.
Respect the restrictions — Weight-bearing and motion limits exist to protect a healing repair. Exceeding them can compromise the surgery.
Track your milestones — Note your range of motion and any setbacks so follow-up visits are productive.
Communicate — Tell your therapist and our office about new pain, swelling, or a plateau — protocols can be modified.

Need a Copy of Your Protocol?

Our office can send the written protocol to you or directly to your therapist.

Contact Our Office