Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are therapist-led, hands-on and exercise-based treatments that restore movement, strength and function and relieve pain after injury, surgery or illness. Through assessment, targeted exercise, manual therapy and education, they help people recover after orthopedic surgery or musculoskeletal injury, manage long-term conditions and return safely to daily activities, work and sport.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Physical therapy (physiotherapy) treats problems of muscles, joints, bones and movement, as well as supporting recovery after surgery and during many illnesses. A physiotherapist first assesses your movement, strength, posture and the cause of any pain, then builds an individual program. This typically combines targeted exercises, manual (hands-on) therapy, and advice on activity, posture and self-management, sometimes with modalities such as heat or electrotherapy.
It plays a central role after orthopedic operations — such as joint replacement, ligament repair or spinal surgery — where structured rehabilitation is essential to a good result. It also helps with back and neck pain, sports injuries, arthritis, and recovery after periods of illness or reduced mobility. The aim is not only to relieve symptoms but to restore function and reduce the chance of recurrence.
Physiotherapists work alongside surgeons and rehabilitation physicians so therapy is matched to each stage of recovery. International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate, and the team provides a home exercise program and guidance so progress continues after you return home.
Who is a candidate?
- People recovering after orthopedic surgery such as joint replacement or ligament repair
- Patients with a sports injury or other musculoskeletal injury limiting movement
- Those with back or neck pain, or with arthritis affecting daily activities
- People regaining strength and mobility after illness or a period of reduced activity
- Anyone seeking to relieve pain and restore function through a structured program
What happens
- 1
Assessment
The physiotherapist assesses your movement, strength, posture and the source of any pain, and agrees clear goals with you for the program.
- 2
Your treatment plan
An individual plan combines targeted exercises, manual therapy and advice on activity and posture, with the intensity and setting matched to your needs.
- 3
Active therapy
Through guided exercise and hands-on treatment, you work to restore movement and strength and to relieve pain, progressing as you improve.
- 4
Education and self-management
You learn how to manage your condition, protect the affected area and reduce the chance of recurrence, becoming an active part of your own recovery.
- 5
Home program and review
You receive a home exercise program so progress continues between and after sessions. International patients are given clear guidance and follow-up support for after they return home.
Benefits
- Restores movement, strength and function after injury, surgery or illness
- Relieves pain through exercise, manual therapy and tailored advice
- Essential to a good result after many orthopedic operations
- Reduces the chance of recurrence through education and self-management
- A home program so progress continues after the program ends
Risks & considerations
- Recovery is gradual and depends on the underlying condition and consistent effort
- Temporary soreness can follow new or increased exercise, and is managed by pacing
- Some conditions improve only partially and may need ongoing management
- Results depend on following the program, including the home exercises
- Therapy complements, but does not replace, any medical or surgical treatment that is needed
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Spine Center & Orthopedics.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation — frequently asked questions
It helps with recovery after orthopedic surgery, sports and other musculoskeletal injuries, back and neck pain, arthritis, and regaining strength and mobility after illness — restoring function and relieving pain.
After assessing your movement, strength and the cause of any pain, the physiotherapist builds an individual plan combining targeted exercises, manual therapy and advice on activity and posture, with a home program to continue between sessions.
For many orthopedic operations — such as joint replacement, ligament repair and spinal surgery — structured rehabilitation is essential to a good result, restoring movement and strength safely. Your team matches the program to each stage of your recovery.
Yes. Share your reports or surgical details and our team outlines a likely program and its length before you commit to travel, and arranges follow-up guidance for when you return home.
Programs range from a few sessions to several weeks depending on your goals; your coordinator agrees a plan and how long to stay. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after assessing your needs rather than a fixed online price, because every program is individual.
Related treatments
Considering physical therapy & rehabilitation?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.