After surgery with Dr. Gomoll, physical therapy typically starts within 1–2 weeks (or the next day for in-patient stays). Most patients use crutches 4–6 weeks, can shower at 3 days, return to desk work in 2 days to 2 weeks, and finish narcotic pain medication by week 2. Specific timelines depend on your procedure — see rehab protocols for details.
Post-operative frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the days and weeks after surgery with Dr. Gomoll.
When will I start physical therapy?
If you have an in-patient procedure and stay overnight, PT begins the next day with a therapist who comes to your home for the first two weeks. For a day-surgery procedure, physical therapy usually starts within 1–2 weeks depending on the procedure. Outpatient PT is generally preferable to in-home therapy because therapists have more equipment at their office. Dr. Gomoll's staff will contact you after surgery with a PT prescription and protocol, and we have suggestions for PT places throughout New York and the surrounding area.
What should I do at home in the first days?
During the first 2 days, focus on managing pain, elevation, and applying ice. Every day you must bend your knee, perform your home exercises, and apply ice. You will receive more detail from the PA, athletic trainer, and Dr. Gomoll.
What will I do during physical therapy?
The primary goal is to first restore range of motion (ROM) so you do not get stiff after surgery. You then begin building strength. You will be given a detailed phase-by-phase protocol — share it with your physical therapist, who can also reference our rehab protocols section directly.
When do I need to wear my brace?
It depends on your specific procedure — you will get instructions after surgery. If you have a brace, wear it any time you are up and moving on your crutches to protect your leg in case you fall. You don't need to wear it while resting, but we encourage using it while sleeping for the first week.
How long will I need to use crutches?
On average, between 4 and 6 weeks depending on the type of surgery.
When can I drive?
After right-leg surgery you may not legally drive until you have re-established good control and bear full weight, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. After left-knee surgery (and not driving a manual transmission) you may return to driving between 1 and 2 weeks — but only when you are no longer taking pain medication.
When can I shower?
You may shower 3 days after surgery. You may not submerge your incision in water (pool, hot tub, bathtub, lake, ocean) for 3 weeks.
When can I go back to work?
It depends on your job. Sedentary or desk work: typically 2 days for small arthroscopic procedures, up to 2 weeks for more involved procedures requiring narcotic pain medication. Labor-intensive jobs: up to 12 weeks — Dr. Gomoll and his team will discuss this with you specifically.
How will my pain be controlled after surgery?
Immediately after surgery, pain is controlled with IV medication in the recovery room. You will go home with a prescription for oral pain medication (commonly Tramadol; stronger options like Vicodin, Oxycodone, or Dilaudid for more involved procedures). For stronger medications, you'll need regularly scheduled doses every 4–6 hours for the first few days. After that, limit pain medication to before physical therapy and before bedtime. Most patients do not need pain medication after week 2; if you do, we will refer you to a pain management service. Refer to our pain management handout for more detail.
Why is the prescription quantity limited?
We limit the amount of narcotics prescribed due to concerns over addictive potential. The Massachusetts Stop Addiction resource has additional information on this topic.
How do I request medication refills?
Set up a Patient Gateway account before surgery to request refills through Epic Patient Gateway. If that's not set up in time, call the office at 646-917-7441.
Recovery resources
- Rehab (PT) protocols — phase-by-phase rehab plans for knee and shoulder procedures
- Bracing & ice machine — instructions for the Cymedica Evive brace and GameReady cooling device
- Before surgery — pre-op checklist and what to bring
- Day of surgery — what to expect at HSS
- Post-op pain management handout (PDF)
For PT or recovery questions between visits, call the office at 646-917-7441 for same-day response.