How Physical Therapy Can Help with Post-Surgical Recovery

By
May 28, 2024

Have you, a friend, or a loved one undergone surgery to treat an injury or medical condition? While the surgery itself fixes the underlying problem, getting back to full health will require some diligent rehabilitation. The success of your treatment will depend on what you do during your post-op recovery period. Physical therapy is often recommended and there is a good reason as to why and how well it works. This article will provide more information as to how physical therapy can help with your post-surgical recovery. 

In addition to the benefits of physical therapy in post-surgical recovery, exploring comprehensive rehabilitation programs can be crucial for a holistic recovery process. These programs provide a structured environment and specialized care tailored to individual needs, ensuring a smoother transition to health. For more insights and detailed information on residential rehab options, continue reading to discover how these services can aid in your recovery journey.

Accelerating health and reducing pain: 

Physical therapists are trained in assisting patients of all ages to regain their strength and mobility after an injury. Physical Therapists guide patients through specific exercises, stretches, and other activities that are customized to assist in their healing. The techniques that are used and recommended are targeted at those particular areas of the body. 

Many people may assume that recovery simply means resting until your pain goes away. However, the human body requires careful, gradual work to recover strength, mobility, and function. Therefore this is where physical therapy becomes beneficial and crucial in the recovery process. 

Physical therapy after surgery is intended to enhance the recovery of the patient. It provides the support that is necessary for patients to be able to return to their daily activities efficiently. Some reasons why you will benefit from Physical Therapy after surgery: 

  • Enhanced mobility: surgery can temporarily restrict your range of motion. If you are experiencing difficulty with your ability to move, physical therapy can help. However depending on your unique therapy needs, assistive devices which may include canes and or crutches can help to ensure your safety while you recover.
  • Improved blood circulation: Physical therapy can help to improve blood circulation, giving your body a healing boost. Blood carries oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body, which can help alleviate inflammation and help you to heal faster.
  • Pain reduction or elimination: patients often fear that physical therapy may lead to more pain. However, the exercises and techniques that are recommended by physical therapists will help to restore muscle and joint function, leading to relieving your pain.
  • Better muscle function: regular physical therapy can help address stiff and tense muscles. There are various stretching routines that your Physical therapists can recommend to improve your muscle’s functioning such as restoring your muscle strength and increasing your endurance. These routines and exercises are guaranteed to be safe and unique for your condition and recovery.
  • Improved balance: during your post-surgical recovery you may be more prone to falls, however, some certain exercises and therapies can help to improve your balance so that you can walk without fear of accidents or falls.
  • Strengthened core: your midsection, or core, is one of the most essential foundations of your body. The muscles in this area can help you to remain stable and prevent injuries. Physical therapy can help to strengthen your core specifically for better overall health and an easier recovery period.

The role of physical therapy in post-surgery rehabilitation: 

Here is how physical therapy can aid in recovery after surgery: 

  • After a significant medical procedure, recovering patients can experience significant levels of discomfort and pain. Various techniques are adopted to manage pain. Physical therapists can utilize different procedures such as massage, heat therapy, and or ice therapy to relieve pain. 
  • Physical therapy helps to incorporate certain exercises that help to move the blood and increase blood circulation throughout the body to help prevent the possibility of a blood clot developing. 
  • Post-surgery patients project high levels of tension and stress that often can lead to slowing the healing process. Physical therapy exercises are there to help promote relaxation and help patients mitigate that stress. 
  • Post-surgery patients will often need to regain their range of motion at the surgical site. Physical therapy treatments are able to provide safe and specialized movements and exercises that enhance the return of your full range of motion. 

Embarking on your journey to recovery after surgery is a crucial phase for healing. Physical therapy is an indispensable component of post-surgical recovery, by offering a range of benefits from pain allcelebo reduction and accelerated healing to a better range of motion. Having a physical therapist who has extensive knowledge to help patients recover from surgeries, injuries, and conditions will assist with your journey to a speedy recovery.