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Cowboy Healthcare  /  Services  /  Bariatric PT

Bariatric
Physical Therapy

Specialized, compassionate physical therapy designed for patients before and after bariatric surgery — and for anyone navigating the physical challenges that come with excess weight. We build strength, mobility, and independence at your pace.

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Pre-Op Preparation Post-Surgical Rehab Mobility Restoration Joint Pain Respectful Care
Our Approach

Physical therapy built
for your journey

Bariatric physical therapy is a specialized branch of PT designed to address the unique physical challenges that come with obesity and bariatric surgery. The joints, muscles, and movement patterns of patients who carry significant excess weight — or who are recovering from gastric sleeve, bypass, or banding procedures — require a different clinical approach.

At Cowboy Healthcare, we meet you where you are. There's no judgement here — only evidence-based care designed to maximize your mobility, reduce joint pain, and set you up for long-term success after your procedure.

We work closely with your bariatric surgeon and medical team to coordinate care across every phase of your journey: before surgery, in the weeks immediately following, and through the months of ongoing recovery and lifestyle change.

Bariatric physical therapy session
Two Phases of Care

Before and after —
we're with you both

Phase 1 — Pre-Operative

Prepare Your Body for Surgery

The stronger and more mobile you are going into surgery, the faster and safer your recovery will be. Research consistently shows that patients who complete pre-operative PT have shorter hospital stays and better post-surgical outcomes.

  • Cardiovascular conditioning and endurance building within safe limits
  • Lower extremity strengthening to reduce surgical stress on joints
  • Core activation exercises to protect your spine post-surgery
  • Breathing and respiratory muscle training
  • Education on post-surgical movement restrictions and early mobility
  • Aquatic therapy referral for low-impact conditioning where indicated
Phase 2 — Post-Operative

Rebuild Strength & Independence

After bariatric surgery, your body is changing rapidly. Your joints are suddenly carrying less load, but your muscles need time to catch up. Without structured PT, patients often develop compensatory movement patterns that lead to new pain.

  • Early mobility and safe return to walking
  • Progressive strengthening as weight decreases
  • Gait retraining and posture correction
  • Joint pain management (knees, hips, ankles, back)
  • Functional training for daily activities and return to work
  • Loose skin and body-image education for activity modifications

A Private, Respectful Environment

We maintain small patient volumes and private treatment areas. Every interaction with our team is professional, dignified, and free of bias. We have treated patients of all body sizes and never make assumptions about goals or capabilities.

Equipment for Every Body

Our clinic uses bariatric-rated treatment tables, chairs, and equipment designed to safely accommodate patients of all sizes. You will never be made to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome by our environment.

Coordinated Surgical Team Care

We communicate directly with your bariatric surgeon and their team. Our treatment stays within any activity restrictions or protocols your surgeon specifies, and we keep them informed of your progress.

Insurance

We accept your plan

Bariatric PT is covered by Medicare, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, GEHA, and most commercial plans when medically necessary. Many surgeons provide a referral as part of the standard bariatric surgery pathway. We can help verify your coverage before your first visit.

Verify your coverage →
Patient Reviews

What our patients
are saying

★★★★★

"I had my gastric bypass in March and started PT six weeks later. The team at Cowboy understood exactly what my body was going through — my knees hurt less at 40 lbs down than they did at 60 lbs higher, and the gait work has genuinely changed how I move."

Marcus T. Post-Bariatric Surgery Rehab · April 2026
★★★★★

"I was nervous about going to PT after surgery — I've had experiences where I felt judged. The environment here is completely different. Professional, private, and they actually know what they're doing with bariatric patients specifically."

Sandra W. Pre-Op Bariatric Rehab · February 2026
★★★★★

"Three months post-sleeve and I'm doing things I haven't done in years. My PT built a program that started where I was, not where she thought I should be. Couldn't recommend this more to anyone going through this process."

David K. Post-Bariatric Mobility Rehab · March 2026

Your surgery is
one step

Physical therapy is how you keep the gains. We'll build the strength and mobility to make your results last. Same-day appointments available.

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