Recovering from surgery can be a long and difficult process, but physical therapy can help make it easier. In this post, we will discuss surgical recovery with physical therapy and how it can help in your return to normal daily activities or your chosen sport.
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What is Physical Therapy for Surgical Recovery?
Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people regain strength, mobility, and function after an injury, surgery, or illness. Furthermore, a physical therapist works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals to allow you to recover from your surgery.
How Can Physical Therapy Help with Surgical Recovery?
Physical therapy can be particularly helpful after surgery. Moreover, surgery can leave you feeling weak, stiff, and in pain.
Therefore, surgical recovery with physical therapy can help you:
1. Reduce pain and inflammation
2. Regain strength and flexibility
3. Improve your strength, balance, and coordination
4. Restore your ability to do daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and reaching overhead
5. Return to sport participation
Expectations During Surgical Recovery Physical Therapy Sessions
Your first physical therapy session will likely include an evaluation. During the evaluation, the physical therapist will assess your strength, range of motion, movement impairments, and functional deficits. Then, the physical therapist will develop a treatment plan based on the results of the evaluation and will be tailored to your needs.
For example, the treatment plan may include:
1. Performing exercises to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance
2. Receiving manual therapy, such as joint and soft-tissue mobilizations, to improve your range of motion or mobility
3. Learning techniques to help you move more safely and efficiently
4. Understanding how to move with proper mechanics to minimize re-injury
How Long Will Surgical Recovery with Physical Therapy Take?
The length of your physical therapy treatment will depend on the type of surgery you've had and your individual recovery process. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific needs, goals, and timeline.
Common Surgeries that May Require Physical Therapy
There are several types of surgeries that may require physical therapy to aid in recovery. Some of the most common include:
1. Joint replacement surgery: Physical therapy will help to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve function in the replaced the joint.
2. Spine surgery: Physical therapy can be used to help with post-operative pain and stiffness, as well as to regain mobility and strength.
3. Rotator cuff surgery: Physical therapy can help to restore range of motion, strength, and function to the shoulder.
4. ACL reconstruction: Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strength, balance, and function to the knee to allow you to return to performing daily activities and/or return to your chosen sport..
The Benefits of Physical Therapy After Surgery
Physical therapy can offer numerous benefits after surgery, including:
1. Reduced pain and inflammation
2. Improved mobility: Physical therapy exercises can help to improve range of motion and mobility following surgery, allowing you to move more easily and perform daily tasks with less difficulty.
3. Prevention of further injury: Physical therapy can help to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Thus, it reduces the risk of further injury or re-injury.
4. Improved overall health: Physical therapy can improve overall health and well-being, by helping to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase energy levels.
5. Facilitated transition of return to work, sport participation, or performance of normal daily activities.
Choosing the Right Physical Therapist for Surgical Recovery
Choosing the right physical therapist to help with your surgical recovery is important. Additionally, the right physical therapist is experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate.
At More 4 Life Physical Therapy, our team of physical therapists has extensive experience working with patients recovering from surgery. Moreover, we use evidence-based techniques and individualized treatment plans to help each patient achieve their unique recovery goals.
Need Help with Physical Therapy for Surgical Recovery
If you've recently undergone surgery and are struggling with pain, stiffness, or mobility issues, physical therapy may be able to help. Feel free to contact More 4 Life Physical Therapy in St. Louis to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists.
We'll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs and goals, so you can get back to feeling like yourself again. You can call our office at 314-941-3970.