

Physical Therapy Protocols

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is a critical component of successful recovery following foot and ankle surgery. When appropriate, physical therapists may be involved before surgery to help improve mobility, restore strength, and prepare patients for the post-operative course. After surgery, physical therapy plays a central role in helping patients safely regain function, restore independence, and progress through recovery in a structured and efficient manner.
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Following your procedure, Dr. Haupt will provide a rehabilitation plan specific to your surgery and stage of recovery. This plan may include formal physical therapy, home exercises, or a combination of both, depending on the procedure performed and your individual needs. Rehabilitation protocols are designed to guide recovery while protecting surgical repairs and optimizing long-term outcomes.
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We recognize that physical therapists often work closely with patients over an extended period of time and are therefore an important extension of the care team. For this reason, therapists may tailor rehabilitation programs based on patient progress while remaining aligned with Dr. Haupt’s surgical guidance and recovery goals.
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For reference, procedure-specific rehabilitation protocols are available below and are intended to serve as general guidelines throughout the recovery process. Individual timelines and progression may vary depending on the procedure performed and patient-specific factors.
How to Use This Guide
This visual guide is designed to help you identify which rehabilitation protocol applies to you based on the type of treatment you received.
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Your specific rehabilitation pathway is selected by Dr. Haupt based on the procedure performed, fixation stability, and individual patient factors.
Procedure-specific rehabilitation protocols are available for download below.If you are unsure which protocol applies to you, please follow the instructions provided by Dr. Haupt or contact the office for clarification.
