If you are scheduled for a major surgery, your surgical team may have discussed with you what to expect from your recovery and rehabilitation. Post-surgical rehabilitation will almost always include physical therapy. In order to heal properly and bring you back to full strength and mobility, your body needs stimulation from exercises, therapies, and techniques provided through physical therapy.
As a very effective means to restore your function and mobility, physical therapy is part of every effective pre- and post-operative treatment plan. It promotes healing, relieves pain, and helps speed up your recovery. In fact, it is the only way to make a quick and full recovery after surgery.
Physical therapy will be different for every person because each patient recovers at their own pace and requires unique treatments. Your physical therapist knows this and will create a customized physical therapy plan for you.
The most important thing is finding a physical therapist who is experienced, talented, and caring. With the help of such a physical therapist, you can get back to normal functioning in no time.
Here are just some of the major surgeries that require physical therapy during recovery.
Total Hip Replacement
This surgery is often recommended to patients with late-stage osteoarthritis that no longer responds to conservative treatments. It is also recommended to those who have suffered an injury to the hip that is beyond repair. The surgery involves replacing the hip joint with artificial pieces.
Physical therapy for post-operative patients following hip replacement involves restoring hip strength and flexibility. The earliest exercises used after surgery are to promote healthy blood circulation. When you heal a bit, the next set of exercises will work to improve flexibility and strength. A few examples of exercises are ankle pumps, ankle rotations, knee bends, buttock contractions, straight leg exercises, and standing exercises.
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement is usually recommended for patients with severe osteoarthritis accompanied by severe pain and limited knee function, which make walking and going up and down stairs very difficult. The damaged parts of the knee joint are replaced with artificial parts.
Following surgery, your physical therapist will guide you on how to get up from bed, walk, and go up and down stairs. Your therapist will also teach you how to use assistive devices correctly. The exercises start as soon as the day after surgery. Examples of exercises are quadriceps sets, straight leg raises, ankle pumps, knee straightening exercises, knee bends, and resistance exercises.
While these are just 2 major surgeries that require physical therapy to heal and get back to full functioning order, there are a lot more procedures that also involve the use of physical therapy. These surgeries include ACL tear repair surgery, rotator cuff repair surgery, surgery to correct carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. If you are having surgery soon, talk to your surgeon about how you can benefit from physical therapy during recovery.
Physical Therapy for Post-Operative Rehabilitation in Austin, TX
With physical therapy, you can return to the activities you enjoy doing faster. The team of talented physical therapists at Endeavor Physical Therapy has the training and expertise to improve outcomes and speed up your recovery from major surgery.
For your physical rehabilitation needs, contact Endeavor Physical Therapy by calling (512) 284-7192 or submit an appointment request today.
