After any surgery, the body needs time to recover. This is especially the case after orthopedic procedures in which muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments are typically affected. Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping patients both prepare and recover from their surgeries.
There are many reasons why you might want to receive physical therapy before you undergo an orthopedic operation. Pre-surgery physical therapy, or “Prehab,” helps to strengthen muscles around the joint that’s going to be operated on, and helps maximize the joint and surrounding joint’s range of motion. Increasing strength and mobility in the joint has been shown to help patients set the stage for a faster recovery after surgery.
In addition, pre-surgical physical therapy also:
After orthopedic surgery, a patient is usually surprised to discover how much strength and mobility they’ve lost. Physical therapy is precisely designed to help the patient recover that lost strength and range of motion quickly and effectively. In fact, post-surgical therapy is essential for:
The above factors significantly aid and accelerate the healing process, so the patient can recover quicker and more completely.
In addition, physical therapy is necessary for breaking up scar tissue that, if left unaddressed, will build up and ultimately prevent the patient from making a full recovery. It’s important to note that breaking up scar tissue becomes a much more painful process the longer one waits to do it, thus physical therapy should always be started as soon after surgery as possible. This way, the patient will experience less scar tissue formation and therefore less pain.
Before you undergo any type of orthopedic surgery, it is recommended that you see a physical therapist for an assessment and to discuss your condition and recovery program. During this visit, the physical therapist will create a customized pre-surgery program that is designed to prepare your body and mind for your upcoming procedure.
After your surgery, your physical therapist will assess your condition and adjust your program to suit your capabilities. Your program will be created to help you reach your unique needs and goals, but you can expect it to include some combination of the following strategies and treatment techniques:
Our certified physical therapists at OPT can help you prepare for your upcoming surgery and recover quicker and more completely. We offer a wide variety of treatment services that will be tailored to help you meet your unique needs and recovery goals, along with the latest and most innovative techniques and equipment to help you recover your strength, mobility, and overall wellness.
Call us today or click here to schedule an appointment for a professional assessment by one of our certified physical therapists and get your body ready for your upcoming surgery, so you can recover quickly.
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