The Essential Role of Physical Therapy in Post-Surgery Recovery 1

The Essential Role of Physical Therapy in Post-Surgery Recovery

Why is Physical Therapy Important?

Surgery can be traumatic for the body, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. However, even after the initial pain of the surgery subsides, it is common for patients to experience long term pain or limited mobility. This is where physical therapy comes in – It plays an essential role in encouraging a healthy and prompt recovery that will be crucial for injured patients. By working with a licensed physical therapist, patients will have the benefit of learning therapeutic and corrective exercises and recovering under medical supervision which will make their recovery more complete and thorough. Physical therapy can help the patient to regain motion and flexibility, strengthen their muscles, and even reduce the chances of the injury from happening again.

Physical Therapy Goals for Post-Surgery Recovery

At a high level, the goals of physical therapy for post-surgery recovery are to help patients encounter less pain, and to improve their strength and overall mobility. Specific goals may vary based on the procedure, location, type of injury, and health of the patient. That’s why it is important to have a dedicated physical therapy plan that is specific to the procedures and the patient in question. Here are some typical goals that physical therapists aim to achieve:

  • Pain and Spasm Management: It’s usual for pain and stiffness to occur after surgery. Therapists will use a range of techniques to address these issues, which can apply heat or cold treatment, instruct massages to promote blood flow, and administer manual stretching.
  • Range of Motion Restoration: Mobility is a key part of life, and it can often be lost or weakened after surgery. Depending on the affected area, a physical therapist can help to restore the range of motion to a patient’s body both on a passive and active basis.
  • Muscle Strengthening: Weak muscles can lead to poor posture, a higher risk of causing another injury, and an overall slow recovery. To improve the strength of the muscles, physical therapists will create a tailored regime of resistance and weight-based exercises as well as other techniques.
  • Physical Therapy Programs for Post-Surgery Recovery

    The physical therapy program will depend on the injury and type of surgery that the patient underwent. Generally, during the early stages, the therapist will focus on reconnecting the mind and the body. This includes helping the patient identify the injury and the limited function it causes. The next phase is to work with the patient to achieve prescribed exercises and enhance the range of motion in the affected area. Lastly, the therapist will progress to exercises that help patients regain muscle strength, endurance, and coordination for optimal recovery.

    The Benefits of Physical Therapy

    Physical therapy is a great way to promote long term wellness and a speedy recovery after surgery. Here are some benefits of physical therapy during post-surgery recovery:

  • It reduces the pain, swelling, and discomfort after surgery. This is accomplished through the use of various manual techniques and exercises developed by the therapist.
  • It improves the overall range of motion in affected areas of the patient’s body, thus reducing the risk of another injury and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
  • It helps the patient to regain confidence and better mental health due to the improvement in their physical health.
  • It minimizes the risk of post-operative complications, including inflammation and blood clots, thereby enabling the patient to get back to their daily routine swiftly.
  • In Conclusion

    If you have undergone surgery or anticipate surgery, it is highly recommended that you consult with a physical therapist as part of your recovery protocol. Physical therapy is beneficial to your overall health, and a tailored program will help you regain mobility, relieve pain and discomfort, and promote speedy recovery. Explore the topic even more with this recommended external content. Verify this interesting page, reveal fresh viewpoints!

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