Speed Up Your Recovery with Both Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehab!
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there are proven benefits to both pre-surgical rehabilitation AND post-surgical rehabilitation.
Pre and post surgical rehab is often recommended for those having orthopedic surgery. These types of surgeries could include foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, hand, shoulder, neck, and spine surgeries.
Rehab can, however, be beneficial for just about any type of surgical procedure. A physical therapist can put together both a pre and post-surgical rehabilitation plan for an individual preparing for surgery.
The following are several important benefits of having pre and post-surgical rehab.
The benefits of pre-surgical rehab
This is often called prehabilitation, and it helps an individual prepare physically and mentally for a surgical procedure.
There are several benefits of going to rehab before your surgery:
- Faster Recovery- Learning the exercises you’ll need to do before surgery trains your muscles in advance. This will make post-surgical rehab easier and more effective. PT in Motion News states that even a few sessions of physical therapy prior to surgery can reduce post operative care for some patients.
- Fewer Complications- The weaker and more frail an individual is, the more likely it is that the person will experience complications such as infection after a surgical procedure. Prehab can increase strength and immunity prior to surgery.
- Less Anxiety- Patients that have undergone some sort of prehab are often less prone to anxiety or stress prior to the surgery. Starting a process of physical activity that improves strength, endurance, and flexibility can improve overall confidence that the procedure will be successful.
The benefits of post-surgical rehab
It’s important to start a post-surgical rehabilitation plan as soon as your doctor states that you’re ready.
The following are a few of the benefits of post-surgical rehab:
- Improve Circulation- Improved circulation not only facilitates faster healing but reduces the chance of a blood clot forming. Something as simple as massage can improve circulation. Many types of basic exercises and simple movements prescribed by a physical therapist can promote increased blood circulation.
- Reduce Pain and Swelling- The right type of post-surgical treatment can help reduce the amount of pain and swelling you experience after your surgery. Icing and ultrasound are both techniques a physical therapist may use to reduce localized swelling and pain. According to PT in Motion News, patients that received the same day, post-operative physical therapy needed fewer opioids after knee surgery.
- Regain Lost Strength- The more quickly you regain strength and stamina, the more quickly you’ll get back to your daily routine. A physical therapy program can be designed to target the specific areas in your body that need strengthened after surgery.
So, why should I consider physical therapy before surgery?
Many people fear the harsh recoveries that follow surgical procedures. This is especially true for anyone who has had a total joint replacement.
Faced with the knowledge of time spent in a rehabilitation hospital, many people delay joint replacement surgery out of fear for the long, difficult recovery ahead.
Fortunately, pre-hab can help significantly reduce recovery time. Did you know that by partaking in preventative rehabilitation, you can reduce your odds of needing inpatient rehabilitation by 73 percent?
If you are stronger before surgery, you will meet your physical milestones much quicker after surgery, decreasing your recovery time by days or even weeks.
For example, patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery are typically expected to walk 500-1,000 feet 24 hours after their procedure.
This may sound like a difficult task; however, those who participate in pre-hab before their surgery are much more likely to meet this demand than those who do not.
Pre-hab provides patients with the stretches, strengthening exercises, and pain-relieving techniques they need for a smooth and speedy recovery.
How will this all aid in my recovery?
A trained physical therapist can advise you regarding the best prehab and post-surgical plan for your specific needs.
As soon as you know when your surgery is scheduled you’ll want to make an appointment with a physical therapist.
A therapist will likely do a complete physical assessment before creating a unique prehab and rehab program.
Physical therapy treatment can help you achieve as much strength, stamina, flexibility, and improved range of motion as possible both before and after your surgery.
A physical therapist may use a variety of manual therapies or teach you exercises you can do at home.
A therapist might also use heat, ice, or electrical stimulation. You’ll want to get started as soon as possible to make sure you’re prepared for surgery and can make a quick and full recovery.
Get started on the path toward quick and effective relief!
Are you looking for a speedy recovery after your surgery? Of course you are!
Contact Care360 Physical Therapy today to get started on both a pre and post-surgical rehabilitation plan to optimize your results!
