He had a foot operation earlier this month but he has now had the cast removed.
Barton has had exploratory surgery and although manager Chris Hughton originally felt that Barton could miss up to four months of the season, the player is aiming to make a return at some stage in January.
A United insider told the Chronicle: “Joey has been back this week and was all smiles after a short break.
“He’s back in rehab now and has also had the cast removed from his foot.
“Things are looking up for him on the injury front, and he is hoping that he can make a return in January some time.
“He really wants to play some part in Newcastle’s promotion challenge and that is the goal he has set.
“He hopes he can put the nightmare of the last few years behind him and start afresh in 2010.”