How Physical Therapy Can Prepare You for Surgery Success
Physician offices and surgery centers are as busy as ever. So if you have orthopedic surgery scheduled, now is the time to start thinking about how to prepare for surgery. Physical therapy is an excellent way to ensure the best possible outcome for your planned procedure. From prehabilitation programs to advanced rehabilitation programs, MVPT Physical Therapy combines the latest medical expertise with collaborative knowledge to help you prepare for and recover from surgery.
PREHABILITATION
Working with a physical therapist prior to your procedure is known as prehabilitation. There are numerous benefits to participating in ‘prehab’, including improvements in:
- Function: Regain functional tolerance so you can stay healthy and active as you prepare for surgery.
- Mobility: Increase range of motion and flexibility that you’ll need after your surgery.
- Education: Learn exercises and other important information about what to expect following your procedure to enhance your recovery.
- Pain Relief: Reduce your pain to manageable levels.
- Strength: Improve strength so you’re stronger coming out of surgery.
Prehabilitation has been shown to help patients prepare for and recover from surgery by accelerating post-operative recovery and reducing the length of time spent in the hospital after surgery.
Four Ways Post-Surgical Physical Therapy Is Beneficial
Physical therapy is one of the most effective forms of rehabilitation after surgery. Your physical therapist will work directly with your surgeon to understand the post-operative findings if your procedure. Together with you, they will establish a rehabilitation program that sets short- and long-term goals to help you return to optimal function.
HELP ENSURE YOUR SAFETY AT HOME
While the effects of the surgery still linger, daily activities can be difficult and even dangerous. Although activities like walking, showering, or getting dressed may seem easy, overconfidence in these areas could lead to setbacks in your recovery. Your physical therapist will teach you the safest ways to accomplish your activities to ensure safety.
INCREASE MOBILITY AND STRENGTH
Tightness and swelling following surgical procedures can be quite normal, however, if not addressed can lead to a lasting limit to your range of motion. Following the established rehabilitation protocol for your procedure, your physical therapist will help increase your function through innovative strength exercises, movement activities, and manual techniques.
EASE PAIN AND AVOID OPIOIDS
Physical therapy is a proven method of reducing pain and is an excellent alternative to opioids prescribed after surgery. Although pain following a surgical procedure is common, the techniques utilized by your physical therapists can reduce your inflammation to allow enhanced mobility and reduced pain.
PREVENT SECONDARY ISSUES
The side effects of your procedure could include secondary issues such as infections and blood clots. Understanding the nuances of your surgery and your own specific body, physical therapists will incorporate tailored movements into your recovery to prevent these dangerous side effects.
Avoid or Delay Surgery with Physical Therapy
Many conditions require surgery, but if you are dealing with pain or loss of function, ask your surgeon if you can try physical therapy first. During the evaluation process, your physical therapist will take a historical look at the origin of your pain. Taking into account your pain levels, function, and lifestyle, they will create a tailored approach to treating you. In many cases, physical therapy can successfully reduce your pain. In some cases can help you avoid surgery or at least delay your surgery to a time when it better suits your needs.
Get Started by Contacting Us Today!
Any type of operation is a major undertaking, but you don’t have to put your life on hold. Working with your physical therapist can help you prepare for and recover from your procedure, accelerate healing, and get you back to what you love. Call your nearest MVPT office or complete the form below to request an evaluation.
Tags: rehabilitation, MVPT Physical Therapy, Surgery, Surgery Recovery, prehabilitation
