Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Partners to Get You Back to You

Physical therapy is a critical aspect of a patient’s overall injury recovery, and a key factor that can enable patients to return to the activities they love. At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, not only will patients receive nationally recognized care from our expert orthopedic and spine surgeons and dedicated nursing team, but you will receive inpatient physical therapy from a specially-trained team of physical therapists who are committed to helping you get back to you and doing what you love safely and efficiently.

An Integral Part of the Orthopedic Care Team

Before surgery, your surgeon will provide you with information about our Pre-Op Orientation Classes and online resources to help you better prepare for surgery. These resources include important exercises specifically designed by the Hoag Orthopedic Institute Physical Therapy Team to help you prepare for your orthopedic and spine surgery and know what to expect during your recovery.

Immediately after surgery, our team of physical therapists will work closely with patients in the hospital setting to guide them step by step through their individualized physical therapy plan to maximize their recoveries. With a focus on functional activities such as bed mobility, walking, and climbing stairs, as well as exercise, our physical therapists will ensure you feel safe and comfortable in your recovery process. Our goal is to facilitate a safe return home as you work on “getting back to you” and achieving your personal goals.

Referrals to Outpatient Physical Therapy

While your doctor will provide you with a list of outpatient physical therapy offices to choose from at your convenience, Hoag Orthopedic Institute partners with ProSport Physical Therapy who is well known in the community for superior outcomes in their comprehensive rehabilitation services for all patients, including professional and top-performing athletes.

Physical Therapy Leadership

Jennifer Brandon, PT MPT GCS is the rehabilitation manager for Hoag Orthopedic Institute. In her role, Brandon oversees the physical and occupational therapy team at HOI hospital in Irvine, ensuring that patients receive the expert care they need to progress in their recovery and be discharged home. She also oversees the shoulder replacement education class, which serves patients and their caregivers leading up to shoulder replacement surgery, to ensure they are prepared for surgery and have the tools they need to recover successfully at home. Brandon also worked closely with a multidisciplinary team of doctors and healthcare leaders at HOI to ensure patients could recover more quickly at home with same day joint replacement surgery, which has become increasingly more common for patients.

Brandon is well-published in the physical therapy field, contributing to nursing symposiums and professional conferences including American Orthopedic Association and America Physical Therapy Association, which she also contributes to as a member.

Brandon joined HOI when they first opened in 2010, but worked at Hoag Hospital as an acute care specialist for ten years prior. Brandon holds a masters in physical therapy from Hahnemann University, with a certification as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist. Prior to joining Hoag, she worked at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital on their neuro-pediatric teams.