Surgery
If you have a knee, hip or shoulder surgery coming up, the weeks before it are a chance to get stronger, learn your exercises, and set yourself up for a smoother recovery.
Prehab is physical therapy before a planned surgery. Research on prehab before joint replacement shows it can improve strength and function going into surgery, and patients who already know their exercises and how to use a walker or crutches often find the first days after surgery easier. Before ACL reconstruction, getting the knee calm, moving fully and strong is widely recommended. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, prehab is one-on-one and follows your surgeon’s instructions.
Surgery is followed by a period of pain, swelling and weakness. Going in with stronger muscles and better motion gives you more to work with. Prehab is also practical: you learn your post-surgery exercises while you’re comfortable, practice walking with a walker or crutches, and plan your home for the first weeks, such as clearing rugs, setting up a chair and bed height, and deciding where you’ll sleep.
For some people with knee arthritis, strengthening also eases symptoms enough to reconsider the timing of surgery, a decision you make with your surgeon.
Your first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We review your planned surgery and your surgeon’s instructions, and test your strength, motion, walking and balance.
Targeted strengthening and mobility for the joint and the muscles around it, plus general fitness, matched to what your joint can tolerate.
Practicing your post-surgery exercises, walker or crutch training, and a plan for your home. After surgery, you can continue your recovery with us.
Contact your surgeon or doctor if, before surgery, you have:
Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. Our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.
Ready to feel better?
Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.
Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026