Have you been told by your doctor that you require surgery? Such news is never easy to hear, but there are some things you can do to make the process go more smoothly and to help your recovery. One of the most important is to ensure that you will get proper post-surgical rehab—generally referred to as physical therapy. Please get in touch with our team of physical therapists to learn more about your options for physical therapy. We look forward to assisting with all your physical therapy needs!
Why is Physical Therapy so Important Following Surgery?
There are many different types of surgeries, each of which has a specific impact on your body that must be carefully considered and addressed. Obviously, some surgeries are more invasive than others. But what almost all surgeries have in common is that they cause physical damage—damage that physical therapy is designed to repair as effectively as possible. Whether you are getting your knee replaced, heart surgery or surgery to repair your ACL, you are going to need physical therapy afterward to get you back on your feet.
The vast majority of surgeries result in symptoms like inflammation, pain, loss of mobility and swelling. Many of these symptoms may have existed before the surgery as well, which is why you have to get surgery in the first place. After surgery you may face new difficulties like struggling to stand, walk, sit and even dress. There may also be things that you are instructed not to do by your doctor after the surgery. Physical therapy is designed to address all these issues and teach you what you need to know and how you need to move after your surgery.
Some of your doctor’s instructions may be a bit confusing. The doctor may tell you to avoid bearing weight at all or to partially avoid bearing weight on your limb. Instructions can get even more technical, like telling you to follow “posterior hip precautions.” How are you supposed to follow these instructions? And how do you follow instructions that you do not even really understand to begin with?
Post-surgical rehab will cover everything you require after surgery, including clarifying medical terminology and helping you learn how to move without causing additional damage. There is plenty of evidence that rehab is effective, so you can rest assured that your hard work will pay off. Your rehab efforts have the additional benefits of not requiring pharmaceuticals to get results and being non-invasive. You get maximum results with minimal side effects.
How Does Post-Surgical Rehab with a Physical Therapist Work?
Working with a qualified physical therapist is one of the best things you can do after surgery. Each physical therapist is an expert in how the human body works and what is required to recover from an injury. They can accomplish a lot through targeted exercises and training, including:
- Helping to limit the inflammation, pain, and swelling you experience
- Lessen the development of scar tissue and help wounds heal more quickly
- Assist in improving circulation, gaining strength and increasing range of motion
- Aid you in regaining functional mobility—the mobility that lets you do the things you love and the things you need to do like hobbies, sports and work
- Teach you how to use tools and adaptive equipment as needed for any changes you experience following surgery
Your physical therapist will conduct a careful examination after surgery to determine your current condition. He or she will create a routine that includes exercises targeted towards your needs and guide you through those exercises. Physical therapists have numerous exercises, approaches and specialized pieces of equipment to help you achieve your recovery goals.
The time it takes for you to recover will depend on multiple factors, including your specific surgery and your level of fitness before surgery. It is possible to get physical therapy before surgery as well to improve your recovery time.
Get Post-Surgical Rehab Today
If you are going through surgery we would like to help with your recovery. Please give us a call us at Oviedo and Orlando, FL centers, to schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained physical therapists today.
