If you have recently had surgery, you are most probably willing to do anything to recover as quickly as you can so you can get back to doing the things you truly love and enjoy. That is why rehabilitation after surgery is important to regain your stamina, strength, and mobility. Physiotherapy is a noninvasive technique considered beneficial for helping patients heal & recover in due time.
You should start the treatment while you are still in hospital or once you have been discharged to bring it back into your daily activities. In this comprehensive blog, we will look at the role and benefits of post surgery physiotherapy to gain a well-rounded understanding of its importance in recovery post-surgery.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates for Post-Surgery Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy plays an integral role in recovery after surgery, helping patients regain mobility, rebuild strength, and decrease the risk of complications. Whether it is a minor outpatient procedure or a major operation, your body needs time and the right kind of mobility to heal properly. Patients who undergo procedures and operations such as:
- Back surgery
- Hip surgery
- Knee surgery
- Shoulder surgery
- Joint replacement
- Bypass surgery
- Pelvic organ surgery
What Are the Benefits of Physiotherapy After Surgery?
Anyone who has just had surgery or is having muscle weakness, impaired movement, stiffness, and pain can benefit from post-surgery rehabilitation physiotherapy. Physical therapy aims to restore movement functionality, prevent post-surgery complications such as stiffness, and promote muscle strength and joint flexibility. Beyond the physical aspects, physiotherapy significantly contributes to emotional well-being. Let us discuss its benefits in detail.
Enhanced Mobility & Flexibility
After surgery and due to inactivity, it is common for some people to experience a reduction in strength, impaired movement, and stiffness in the affected area and sometimes through the entire body. Post surgery physiotherapy addresses these issues through targeted exercises that stretch & strengthen the surrounding muscles, improving flexibility and mobility.
Furthermore, engaging in workouts recommended by physical therapists strengthens the muscles in the back, core, and pelvis and boosts stability & balance. It not only aids in regaining independence but also prevents long-term mobility restrictions so you can start feeling like yourself again.
Effective Pain Management
Some soreness is common after most operative procedures. Swelling and pain after surgery can hinder the healing process and affect the quality of life. Physiotherapy reduces this discomfort, which increases healing and mobility, both of which can reduce overall pain.
Physical therapy prevents chronic post-operative discomfort and encourages the discharge of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers), contributing to a more comfortable recovery experience. Engaging in physiotherapy for post surgery rehabilitation may even make it less likely that you will require pain medications.
Accelerated Healing Process
Physical therapy improves blood flow and helps deliver vital nutrients and oxygen to the affected region or body component, enhancing tissue repair and speeding up recovery. Starting early movement guided by a licensed professional has been shown to significantly reduce recovery time, allowing patients to stay fit and healthy throughout their healing journey and return to their normal activities sooner.
Prevention of Complications
After surgery, due to lack of movement, complications such as blood clots, contracture developing, and infections near the site of the procedure can pose significant risks. Physiotherapy includes strategies to address underlying issues, which helps prevent these often costly and severe issues by encouraging movement and improving circulation. Tailored exercises performed by therapists promote blood flow, reducing the chances of clot formation. Furthermore, maintaining mobility helps in avoiding respiratory problems, lung or heart-related issues, and joint stiffness, contributing to a safer recovery.
Reduce Stress & Anxiety
The journey after surgery isn’t just about physical healing; the mind plays a crucial role, too. Regular post surgery rehabilitation sessions offer emotional support, reduce anxiety & boost confidence in the recovery process. By actively participating in their rehabilitation, patients often experience a boost in morale & motivation, leading to a more positive outlook and adherence to recovery plans.
Reduces the Formation of Scar Tissue
After surgery, our bodies naturally form scar tissue as part of the healing process. However, too much scar tissue can make it hard to move the affected area. Physiotherapists use techniques like massage and ultrasound therapy to help soften and break down this excess tissue, improving flexibility and reducing discomfort.
Starting these treatments at the right time is essential for effective healing. It is best recommended to begin scar management therapies after the wound has fully healed and any stitches have been removed, typically around two weeks post-surgery. Consulting with a healthcare professional ensures that therapy begins when it is most beneficial for your recovery.
When Should I Begin Post-Operative Physiotherapy?
Many patients expect physical therapy after surgery to be painful, but that is not the case. Physiotherapy for post-surgery recovery aims to encourage smooth and pain-free movement in people. You should opt for post-operative exercise as soon as possible for the best results. Staying immobile for too long after a procedure reduces muscle strength and mobility. Physiotherapists prevent this through safe and assisted movement in a controlled environment.
Conclusion
Recovering from surgery is a journey that benefits greatly from physiotherapy. Since soft tissues typically heal within six to eight weeks, engaging in rehabilitation during this period is important. Depending on the type of surgery, you can engage in physiotherapy in a hospital setting, at outpatient clinics, or through a combination of both. Your physiotherapist can also provide exercises to perform at home, speeding up your recovery process. This comprehensive approach helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore strength, enabling you to return to your daily activities sooner.
At Bridgewater Physiotherapy, we are committed to supporting your post-therapy recovery. Our team offers advanced physiotherapy treatments tailored to your needs, aiming to help you resume your regular activities as quickly as possible. Contact us to learn more about the importance of post surgery physiotherapy and how it can facilitate your healing process.
