Undergoing orthopedic surgery for an injury, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal condition is not only challenging for the body but for the mind as well. The recovery period after orthopedic surgery can be long and challenging for most individuals.
To regain the strength and functionality of their body, post-surgery rehabilitation is required. Physical therapy is a crucial part of post-surgery rehabilitation, which aims to restore the function of the body.
Let’s discuss the importance of physical therapy after surgery, its benefits, and different physical therapy techniques for post-surgery rehabilitation.
Importance of Physical Therapy After Surgery
Orthopedic surgery corrects issues within our musculoskeletal system—the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves – that allow us to move, work, and play. But surgery is only half the battle. Without proper post-surgery rehabilitation, the body may not heal correctly, leading to reduced function and potential complications down the line.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in post-surgery rehabilitation. It brings back the quality of life that one might have before the injury or condition.
Joint replacement surgeries (such as hip and knee surgery) and (spine surgeries such as spinal fusion and discectomy) are among the most common orthopedic surgeries that require post-op physical therapy.
Benefits of Post-Surgery Physical Therapy
Here are some benefits of physical therapy after orthopedic surgery.
Pain Management
Physical therapy offers techniques such as deep tissue massage, heat and cold therapy, electrotherapy, dry needling, and others, which can help manage post-operative pain and swelling without relying solely on medication.
Preventing Complications
A well-rounded physical therapy plan with therapeutic modalities, exercises, and patient education can help prevent post-surgery complications like blood clots, stiffness, and muscle weakness.
Speeding Up Recovery
Physical therapy can accelerate healing, getting you back to your daily routines faster.
Improved Mobility
After a surgical procedure, most people may experience difficulty in moving. A physical therapist offers a series of exercises that gradually increase in intensity, helping you regain your mobility and independence.
Improved Balance
Post-surgery, the risk of falls increases due to muscle weakness and lack of mobility. Physical therapy can improve balance and gait, reducing the chance of falls.
A physical therapist can create a custom program involving core strengthening, gait training, and balance exercises to restore walking patterns and boost stability.
Improved Quality of Life
Physical therapy post-surgery is vital in improving the patient’s quality of life. It can help you regain your lost strength and function, boost confidence, and empower you to perform everyday tasks easily.
What Does Post-Surgery Physical Therapy Plan Consists Of?
A post-operative physical therapy program is created by a licensed physical therapist who understands your surgical history and how to promote optimal healing at the surgical site. Typically, the plan consists of:
Passive Therapies
Passive therapies focus on stimulating your muscles, joints, and bones without having to move them on your own. The primary goal of these therapies is pain management.
Thermotherapy, electrotherapy, massage therapy, dry needling, heat and cold therapy, and ultrasound therapy are the most common passive therapies offered as a part of a rehabilitation plan after orthopedic surgery.
Active Therapies
Active therapies involve actively moving your muscles and joints or the area where you have had surgery. They focus on improving your range of motion, function, and flexibility and supporting your healing.
Examples of active therapies include:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Range of motion exercises
- Muscle performance exercises
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercises
Physical Therapy in Jacksonville, FL
Recovery from orthopedic surgery requires patience, effort, and dedication. But with the right approach and the help of physical therapy, you can certainly achieve your recovery goals.
At H2 Health, we offer personalized physical therapy services to aid in recovery following an injury or surgery. Our licensed physical therapists use various techniques and exercises to strengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce pain, resulting in a quicker and smoother recovery process.
In addition to physical therapy, we also offer occupational therapy, speech therapy, aquatic therapy, and much more.
To schedule a consultation with our exceptionally skilled therapists, call (800) 699-9395 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
