Physiotherapy · Surgical rehab
Pre- & Post-Surgical Rehab at Home in Oakville, Burlington & Milton
Helena Greyvenstein · Physiotherapist · Reviewed October 3, 2026Post-surgery physio at home means your rehab happens where you're actually recovering, without the drive you probably aren't allowed to do yet. Physiotherapist Helena Greyvenstein provides pre- and post-surgical rehab at home in Oakville, Burlington and Milton.
Pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation is one of Helena's main areas of practice, and every plan follows your surgeon's protocol.
Surgeries
Surgical rehab for the knee, hip and shoulder
Having a different orthopaedic surgery, such as on the ankle, wrist or spine? Ask on the free phone call whether home physiotherapy is a good fit.
Prehab
Why physiotherapy before surgery helps
Physiotherapy before surgery is called prehab. Research on joint replacement suggests it can improve strength and function before the operation, with modest benefits afterwards. Just as useful, it gets you ready at home:
- Learning your first exercises while you're pain-free
- Practising with a walker, crutches or cane
- Checking chair, bed and toilet heights
- Clearing walkways and planning stairs
Rehab
What rehab at home looks like after surgery
- Your surgeon's planBring your discharge papers, precautions and exercise sheets. Your rehab is built around them.
- Early recoverySwelling, pain, safe movement and getting around your home.
- Building backRange of motion, strength and balance, progressed as healing allows.
- Back to your lifeWork, stairs, walks, the garden, golf or sport, depending on your goals.
It's all part of our in-home physiotherapy service, and if you'll need a walking aid long term, Helena can help with an Assistive Devices Program application.
Safety
Warning signs after surgery
- Calf pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg (a possible blood clot)
- Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath: call 911
- Fever, chills, or a wound that becomes red, hot, swollen or starts draining
- Sudden severe pain, or new numbness or weakness in the arm or leg
For anything else that worries you, call your surgeon's office. Your physiotherapy plan always follows your surgeon's instructions.
Service area
Post-surgery physiotherapy near you
Helena provides surgical rehab at home across Oakville, including Glen Abbey, Bronte, Old Oakville, Joshua Creek, River Oaks and Palermo, plus Burlington and Milton.
Common questions
Surgical rehab questions
TimingWhen should I start physiotherapy after surgery?
It depends on the surgery and your surgeon. After joint replacements, movement often starts in hospital within a day. After repairs like a rotator cuff, early movement may be limited. Your plan follows your surgeon's instructions.
PrehabIs it worth doing physiotherapy before surgery?
For many people, yes. It can help you go into surgery stronger and better prepared at home, though the benefits after surgery are usually modest.
OHIPIs physiotherapy after surgery covered by OHIP?
Some people qualify for publicly funded physiotherapy after surgery, through the hospital or Ontario Health atHome. Doorstep Doc home visits are private, and many extended health plans include physiotherapy, so check your plan.
ReferralDo I need a referral for physiotherapy after surgery?
No, you can book directly in Ontario. Some insurance plans ask for a doctor's note to reimburse physiotherapy, so check your plan.
BringWhat should I have ready for my first visit?
Your discharge papers, any precautions and exercise sheets from the hospital, your walking aid, and comfortable clothes that make it easy to see the surgical area.
Get started
Book surgical rehab at home
Surgery coming up, or just home from the hospital? Start your rehab without leaving the house.