The Importance of Post-Op Physical Therapy
When recovering from surgery, post-operative physical therapy can be the key to recovering quicker and maintaining your strength. Not only can it help prevent complications and strengthen your muscles, but post-op physical therapy also plays a huge role in regaining your range of motion, improving your functionality, and even preventing or reducing pain.
Surgical Procedures that Benefit from Post-Op Physical Therapy
Post-operative physical therapy is beneficial for a wide range of surgical procedures, although the need for post-operative physical therapy can vary depending on factors such as the type of surgery, the individual patient’s health status, and any specific functional goals or limitations.
Some common procedures that often require post-operative physical therapy include:
Orthopedic Surgeries
Procedures such as joint replacements, arthroscopic surgeries, and fracture repairs often require post-operative physical therapy to regain mobility, strength, and function.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgeries, including hip, knee, and shoulder replacements, are among the most common orthopedic procedures requiring post-op physical therapy. After a joint replacement, physical therapy helps patients regain movement in the new joint, strengthen surrounding muscles, and ensure proper alignment and function. This therapy is crucial for restoring normal activities and minimizing the risk of complications such as blood clots or joint stiffness.
Reconstructive Surgery
Orthopedic reconstructive surgeries address severe injuries or deformities in bones and joints. Physical therapy following these surgeries focuses on restoring function, improving range of motion, and strengthening affected areas. Patients may undergo various exercises and treatments to enhance their recovery and return to daily activities.
Shoulder Arthroplasty
Shoulder arthroplasty, or shoulder replacement surgery, involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. Post-op physical therapy is essential for recovering shoulder strength and flexibility. Therapy typically includes exercises to restore range of motion, reduce pain, and gradually build up muscle strength to support the new joint.
Spine Surgery (Neck and Lumbar)
Spine surgeries, such as those involving the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine), often require intensive post-operative physical therapy. After spine surgery, physical therapy helps patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine. Therapists guide patients through specific exercises designed to improve posture, flexibility, and core strength, which are vital for a successful recovery.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. Post-op physical therapy is vital for ensuring a swift recovery, reducing inflammation, and restoring joint function. Physical therapists design tailored programs to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected joint.
Fracture Repairs
Fracture repair surgeries stabilize broken bones using metal plates, screws, or rods. Post-operative physical therapy is crucial for restoring movement, preventing stiffness, and rebuilding strength in the affected limb. Therapy typically includes exercises to enhance mobility, balance, and coordination, ensuring patients can return to their normal activities safely and effectively.
Neurosurgical Procedures
Surgeries on the nervous system, including procedures like brain tumor resection, may require physical therapy to address issues such as mobility deficits, balance problems, and neurologic impairments.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeries
Patients undergoing procedures such as breast reconstruction, skin grafts, or cosmetic surgeries may benefit from physical therapy to manage scar tissue, improve range of motion, and optimize function and appearance.
Bariatric Surgeries
Patients who undergo weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery may benefit from physical therapy to address issues related to mobility, strength, and lifestyle modifications necessary for successful weight loss and maintenance.
How Soon Can I Begin Physical Therapy After Surgery?
The timing of when you can start physical therapy after surgery depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, your overall health, and the specific instructions from your surgeon. However, in many cases, even after major surgeries, it’s recommended to start physical therapy within a week of the procedure. Some may start as soon as the following day while you’re still in the hospital recovering.
It’s important to note that the beginning stages of your physical therapy journey will focus on gentle, controlled exercises to help you regain your range of motion and ensure you can move around independently as soon as possible. After some surgeries, your medical team may have you standing and moving around your room or taking strolls around the hospital floor as soon as your anesthetic wears off and you can stand steadily.
