For many illnesses and injuries, surgery is sometimes the end result and the beginning of your journey back to doing what you love. Physical therapy helps the recovery and healing process after a major surgery.
There are several benefits to going through postoperative rehabilitation with a physical therapist, including:
Proper Healing & Faster Recovery Time
After surgery, having a personalized physical therapy plan can help ensure that your body heals properly. Focus includes minimizing scar tissue, reestablishing joint motion and function, and retraining muscles.
Regain Mobility
Knee, hip and shoulder surgeries require physical therapy to help regain range of motion, strength and encourages return to previous functional mobility.
Other benefits of Physical Therapy following surgery include:
Posture, balance, and coordination training for improved movement and function
Walking analysis and training with appropriate assistive device along with progression to walking without a device when appropriate
Manual therapy techniques to address scar adhesions as well as muscle and soft tissue restrictions for decreased pain, improved flexibility and improved movement
Home exercise instruction for independent management of symptoms
Pain control and management
Improves flexibility
Reduced risk for postoperative pulmonary complications (PCCs)
Improves circulation after surgery which may be helpful in preventing blood clots
Some doctors may even prescribe a few sessions of physical therapy prior to your operation to help strengthen your body ahead of time and educate you about what the recovery process may look like.
It is important to remember that a surgery may last a few hours, but appropriate rehabilitation and recovery time will look different for different people, possibly taking anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Knowing what to expect can help you mentally and physically prepare for what’s ahead. Getting optimal results following surgery requires an investment in time spent in therapy sessions as well as time invested in home exercise. While this is something to keep in mind, postoperative rehabilitation is always worth the time it takes to achieve your best possible self and to maintain and improve your overall health, both now and in the future.