Any surgery can be daunting. While you may think the post-op recovery process is about soup in bed and binge-watching your favorite shows, you’re wrong. To regain strength and mobility after surgery, you will most likely be recommended for physical therapy. Physical therapy after surgery involves customized exercises and specialized equipment tailored to your recovery and treatment goals.

What is the purpose of physical therapy?

The purpose of physical therapy is to get the patient to return to physical activity as soon as possible. Therapy strives to reduce pain, increase mobility and function, and promote the education of proper posture and body mechanics. Physical therapy is often prescribed to patients after surgery to treat soft tissue trauma, inflammatory problems, fractures, and many other problems.

During your initial consultation with your physical therapist, a great physical therapist will examine your medical history. Assessments can include measurements of balance, physical strength, and coordination, to name a few. He or she may make recommendations about your ability to return to work or partake in physical activities following surgery.

Related Topic: 5 Mistakes People Make When Returning To Training After An Injury

Why you need rehab

Rehabilitation after surgery can speed your recovery no matter what operation you have had. Anywhere from a procedure to treat cancer to heart surgery, physical therapy is vital for recovery. Physical therapy will likely begin while you’re still in the hospital. A therapist will help you out of bed and get you to walk again.

Unfortunately, many patients choose not to comply with recommendations of physical therapy. Often this is because they want to avoid the hassle or pain that is assumed to come with rehabilitation, but this is because it’s not understood why physical therapy is so vital for recovery.

Beneficial treatments of physical therapy include

• Restoring Range of Motion: Surgery can lead to stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected area. Physical therapy helps restore joint mobility and flexibility through targeted exercises, stretching techniques, and manual therapy. This helps prevent the development of scar tissue and ensures that the joints regain their full range of motion.
• Strengthening Muscles: Surgery and postoperative immobilization can cause muscle weakness and atrophy. Physical therapy focuses on rebuilding strength through progressive resistance exercises, weight-bearing activities, and functional training. By targeting specific muscle groups, physical therapy helps patients regain their strength, stability, and overall physical fitness.
• Promoting Healing and Tissue Repair: Physical therapy interventions, such as therapeutic exercises and modalities like electrical stimulation or ultrasound, can promote circulation and enhance tissue healing after surgery. These interventions can reduce inflammation, minimize scar tissue formation, and accelerate the overall recovery process.
• Pain Management: Postoperative pain is common, and physical therapy can play a vital role in pain management. Physical therapists employ various techniques, such as manual therapy, heat or cold therapy, and therapeutic exercises, to reduce pain levels, promote tissue healing, and improve overall comfort.
• Restoring Function and Mobility: Surgery may temporarily limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities or participate in functional tasks. Physical therapy focuses on restoring functional abilities by incorporating activities specific to the individual’s needs and goals. This may involve practicing movements and tasks related to walking, climbing stairs, lifting objects, or engaging in sports or recreational activities.
• Preventing Complications: After surgery, complications such as blood clots, joint contractures, or postoperative infections can occur. Physical therapy helps mitigate these risks by encouraging early mobilization, implementing proper body mechanics, and providing education on postoperative care and precautions. By addressing these potential complications proactively, physical therapy contributes to a smoother recovery process.
• Individualized Rehabilitation: Every surgical procedure and patient is unique, requiring a personalized approach to rehabilitation. Physical therapists assess the specific surgical procedure, evaluate the patient’s condition, and develop a tailored treatment plan. This individualized approach ensures that the rehabilitation process addresses the specific needs, limitations, and goals of each patient.
• Psychological Support and Motivation: Surgery can be physically and emotionally taxing, and physical therapy provides psychological support and motivation throughout the recovery process. Physical therapists act as coaches, offering encouragement, guidance, and reassurance to help patients stay motivated, adhere to the treatment plan, and maintain a positive mindset.

Depending on the surgery and the individual, different techniques will be used. This is what makes physical therapy after surgery so valuable as it’s entirely customized to each person, and good physical therapists will work hands-on with you to meet your goals.

The problem of non-compliance with physical therapy

Unfortunately, many patients do not execute on physical therapy. This can be for many reasons including fear of pain, or most often, patients do not understand why PT is so important for recovery. When working with your PT, simply ask how it will benefit you.

A big part of rehabilitation after surgery is continued education and transparency. It’s true, PT will push you out of your comfort zone at times, but it’s important to communicate with your physical therapist. He or she will work with you to find alternate exercises to support your recovery.

Be sure to watch our easy educational physical therapy videos that can be done from anywhere

There are several reasons why people hesitate to get physical therapy after surgery. If this sounds like, you, don’t worry—you’re not alone! These are some of the most common reasons people wait to get physical therapy after surgery.

• Lack of Awareness
• Fear or Discomfort
• Time and Commitment
• Financial Constraints
• Previous Negative Experiences
• Perception of Self-Reliance
• Resistance to Change

How to prepare

To prepare for your first therapy appointment, be sure to write down important facts about the history of your condition.

• When and how did your problem begin?
• How often do the symptoms recur?
• What makes things better or worse?

Feel comfortable to bring your own pen and paper to write down important details so nothing is forgotten.

After your initial consultation, be prepared to do a lot of moving during your physical therapy sessions. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to wear comfy clothes. He or she may use modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. Your PT will also make recommendations about how frequently to return for treatments. It may be as frequent as 3 times a week or as little as one.

By being well-prepared, actively participating in your sessions, and following the guidance of your physical therapist, you can maximize the benefits of your physical therapy and enhance your recovery process.

Why Physical Therapy is Necessary After Surgery

Your doctor will often be the person to refer you to a physical therapist, however, in the state of Arizona, legislation is in place which allows for Direct Access to physical therapy. This means that in many cases, you do not need a referral from your doctor. Although many insurance plans do require a doctor referral and/or pre-authorization.

The best way to determine if you can start your plan of care directly with a physical therapist would be to call your insurance company and inquire about your benefits. You are welcome to call us, and we would be happy to inquire on your behalf.

If you have further questions or would like to reach out to us, contact us today! We look forward to working with you.