Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy at Dr. Burke Orthopedics: The Key to Full Recovery After Surgery


Rehabilitation That Restores Strength, Mobility, and Confidence

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we believe that physical therapy is one of the most vital steps in your orthopedic recovery. Whether you are recovering from joint replacement, reconstructive surgery, or an injury, physical therapy helps restore mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen your body for long-term results.

Led by Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and supported by an expert team of licensed physical therapists, we provide personalized rehabilitation programs for patients throughout Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas. Our goal is to help you move better, recover faster, and return to the life you love.

  • Essential for Recovery
  • Personalized Treatment Plans
  • Expert Care You Can Trust

Why Choose Dr. Burke for Physical Therapy?

  • Individualized Treatment Plans

    Every patient’s recovery journey is unique. That’s why Dr. Burke and his rehabilitation team design customized treatment programs based on your surgery type, injury, lifestyle, and fitness goals.
    Your physical therapy plan may include targeted exercises, mobility training, and pain management techniques—all carefully structured to help you regain function and confidence safely and effectively.

  • Expert Guidance and Advanced Techniques

    Our team uses evidence-based rehabilitation methods combined with the latest technologies in orthopedic recovery.

    These may include:

    • Manual therapy to relieve stiffness and restore joint mobility
    • Therapeutic exercises that rebuild strength and flexibility
    • Advanced modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat/cold therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing

    With expert oversight from Dr. Burke, your treatment plan evolves with your progress—ensuring each session moves you closer to full recovery.

  • Comprehensive Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

    Physical therapy is crucial after orthopedic surgeries such as joint replacements, arthroscopic procedures, and reconstructive surgeries.

    Dr. Burke’s post-surgical therapy programs are designed to:

    • Enhance strength and flexibility
    • Prevent stiffness or scar tissue formation
    • Reduce pain and swelling
    • Rebuild stability and confidence in movement

    Our therapists guide you through every stage of rehabilitation, helping you safely transition back to your daily activities.

  • Collaboration with Dr. Burke for Seamless Care

    Your therapy team works hand-in-hand with Dr. Burke to ensure a continuum of care from surgery to recovery.
    Regular communication between your surgeon and physical therapist ensures that your rehabilitation plan aligns with your surgical outcomes and long-term orthopedic goals.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a non-invasive, hands-on treatment method designed to restore movement, strength, and function following surgery, injury, or chronic orthopedic conditions.

Our licensed therapists use targeted exercises and advanced techniques to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and promote long-term healing.

Common orthopedic conditions treated with physical therapy include:

  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Following joint replacement, arthroscopy, or reconstructive surgery.
  • Injury Rehabilitation: Including sports injuries, fractures, sprains, and strains.
  • Chronic Conditions: Such as arthritis, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

  • Post-Surgical Recovery: Joint replacements, arthroscopy, reconstructive surgery.
  • Injury Rehabilitation: Sports injuries, fractures, sprains, and strains.
  • Chronic Conditions: Arthritis, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

Am I a Candidate for Physical Therapy?

You may benefit from physical therapy if you:

  • Recently underwent orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacement or arthroscopic repair.
  • Experience pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion due to injury or overuse.
  • Have a chronic orthopedic condition, such as osteoarthritis, that affects mobility or comfort.
  • Want to strengthen and stabilize joints to prevent future injuries or surgery.

  • Have recently undergone orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacement, reconstructive surgery, or arthroscopy.
  • Are experiencing pain, stiffness, or limited mobility due to a musculoskeletal injury.
  • Have a chronic orthopedic condition, such as osteoarthritis, that is affecting your daily activities.
  • Are looking to avoid surgery through non-invasive treatments and exercises.

Dr. Burke and his team will evaluate your condition, review your imaging, and determine the best physical therapy plan for your recovery.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

The Physical Therapy Process: What to Expect

  • Step 1: Initial Evaluation

    Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment by one of our licensed physical therapists. This includes testing your range of motion, flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and pain levels.
    From there, your therapist will develop a personalized care plan focused on your goals and surgical recovery timeline.

  • Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan

    Based on your evaluation, your therapist may incorporate:

    • Therapeutic Exercises: Strength and flexibility movements tailored to your condition.
    • Manual Therapy: Hands-on manipulation to restore mobility and reduce pain.
    • Modalities: Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or heat/cold therapy to promote healing and decrease inflammation.

    This combination of techniques accelerates recovery and improves joint health over time.

  • Step 3: Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment

    As you progress, your therapist will continually assess your improvement and modify your exercises to keep you challenged and motivated.
    Your plan will evolve to focus on balance, endurance, and functional movement—helping you return to normal life safely and confidently.

  • Step 4: Return to Daily Activities

    The final phase of therapy focuses on helping you resume work, sports, and everyday activities without pain or limitation.
    Dr. Burke and his team will ensure that your muscles, joints, and confidence are fully restored before discharge.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

  • Accelerated Recovery: Improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster healing after surgery or injury.
  • Pain Relief: Helps alleviate discomfort through targeted exercises and manual therapy—often reducing the need for medication.
  • Injury Prevention: Strengthens muscles and stabilizes joints to reduce the risk of re-injury.
  • Improved Mobility and Function: Enhances flexibility, strength, and coordination, helping patients return to their daily routines sooner.

  • Accelerated Recovery: Physical therapy helps speed up the recovery process after surgery or injury by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and restoring strength.
  • Pain Relief: Therapeutic exercises and manual techniques help relieve pain caused by injury, surgery, or chronic conditions, often reducing the need for pain medications.
  • Injury Prevention: Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around your joints, improving stability and reducing the risk of future injuries.
  • Improved Mobility and Function: Regular physical therapy sessions improve range of motion, flexibility, and overall joint function, allowing you to return to daily activities sooner.

Risks and Potential Complications

Physical therapy is a safe and effective rehabilitation method. However, some patients may experience temporary soreness or fatigue after sessions as their body adjusts to new movements.
Your therapist will closely monitor your tolerance and adjust exercises to ensure comfort and safety.
Any concerns during therapy are immediately communicated to Dr. Burke for review and plan modification.

  • Associates Insurance
  • Pina & Insurance

Dr. Burke’s coordinated care approach ensures that your recovery is safe, steady, and supported at every step.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

What to Expect After Physical Therapy

Your progress will depend on your condition and commitment to therapy, but most patients follow this general recovery timeline:

  • Weeks 1–4: Focus on restoring range of motion and reducing inflammation.
  • Weeks 4–8: Build strength, flexibility, and endurance.
  • Weeks 8–12: Regain confidence in movement and return to regular daily activities.

  • Weeks 1-4: You may start to notice improvements in your mobility and pain levels after just a few sessions. Initial exercises will focus on regaining range of motion and reducing inflammation.
  • Weeks 4-8: Strength and flexibility exercises will be introduced to help you regain function in the affected area. Patients typically see significant improvement in their ability to perform daily tasks by this time.
  • Weeks 8-12: By the end of your program, you should be well on your way to achieving your recovery goals, with improved strength, mobility, and confidence in your joint function.

Physical Therapy vs. Surgery

In some cases, physical therapy can serve as an alternative to surgery, especially for mild to moderate joint injuries or chronic pain conditions. By strengthening muscles and improving mobility, many patients find lasting relief without the need for invasive procedures.
For those who have undergone surgery, physical therapy remains essential to achieving optimal surgical outcomes—ensuring that the repaired joint heals correctly and maintains long-term function.

  • Non-Surgical Relief:
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Why Patients Across Houston & Pearland Trust Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with an integrated in-house physical therapy team
  • Personalized recovery plans tailored to every patient’s needs
  • FDA-approved technology and evidence-based therapy methods
  • Trusted by patients across Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas

  • Non-Surgical Relief:
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Get Same-Day Appointments and Start Your Recovery Today

If you’re recovering from surgery or struggling with joint pain, physical therapy may be the solution you need. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we offer same-day appointments and diagnostics to get you started on your recovery journey right away. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced physical therapy team.