Are you undergoing surgery soon and looking for post-surgery techniques to help you recuperate faster? Physical therapy might just be the answer.
Physical therapy is an integral part of post-surgical care and healing. After a major surgery, you will need physical therapy to restore your body’s mobility and minimize pain. Read on to learn what types of surgery require physical therapy and how a physical therapist at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness in Bee Cave can help you.
Shoulder Surgery
Surgery is necessary for repairing diseased and degenerated shoulder joints. It is a treatment option for numerous conditions in your shoulder. If you have dislocations, separations, and tears in your rotator cuffs, you will probably need surgery. This procedure will restore the motion and function of your damaged shoulder and address shoulder pain.
Common types of surgical procedures performed include:
- Arthroplasty
- Arthroscopy
- Soft tissue repair
- Shoulder tendonitis
- Rotator cuff repair
Your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy after shoulder surgery as part of your rehabilitation. A physical therapist can show you stretching and strengthening exercises you can do every day. These exercises will help mitigate shoulder pain and restore function. They can also help you regain your shoulder’s strength and flexibility.
Back and Spine Surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgery for the back and spine to correct problems. Surgery is done to address conditions in your spinal canal, vertebral discs, or the spine itself. If your condition involves your neck, you will need cervical spine surgery. Meanwhile, if it involves your lower back, you will undergo lumbar spine surgery.
If you have an advanced form of one of the conditions below, you likely need surgery:
- Scoliosis
- Spinal instability
- Vertebral trauma or injury
- Tumors
- Degenerated or herniated discs
- Sciatica
A physical therapist can not only show you exercises for your back but also what movements to avoid putting pressure on the spine. More invasive surgeries, such as spinal fusion, will require a longer recovery period. As such, your physical therapist will closely monitor your back health and send progress reports to your doctor.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee arthroplasty or total knee replacement is done to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. During this procedure, metal and plastic parts are used to cap the knee joints along the ends of the bones. Knee replacement surgery aims to relieve knee pain that other treatments cannot address.
Here are some conditions that may affect the mobility of your knees and cause pain:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic arthritis
- Knee tendonitis
Physical therapy after a total knee replacement is required for proper recovery. At first, you will feel as if your operated knee isn’t your own. Your physical therapist will show you how to walk and move with the new knee. They will show you exercises that you can do to heal properly and improve flexibility, strength, and mobility.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Total hip arthroplasty or hip replacement aims to replace damaged or worn-out hip joints. During the procedure, your surgeon will replace your joint with a prosthesis. Hip replacement surgery is done for patients with hip fractures or injuries. This procedure is also for people with severe pain caused by arthritis.
Like other orthopedic surgeries, physical therapy after a total hip replacement is essential. A physical therapist can help you get used to your new prosthetic joint. After surgery, you may feel soreness and stiffness around your hips. A physical therapist can help alleviate your hip pain and improve your hip’s mobility.
Ankle or Foot Surgery
Most people with foot or ankle conditions don’t need to undergo surgery. However, if your symptoms are so severe that conservative treatments fail to work, you will need surgical intervention.
Some of the common types of foot or ankle surgeries include:
- Bunion surgery
- Fusion surgery
- Hammertoe surgery
- Heel surgery
- Metatarsal surgery
- Neuroma surgery
- Tendon surgery
Physical therapy is required for your foot and ankle conditioning after surgery. A physical therapist can target these muscle groups for rehabilitation. They can also help strengthen your foot and ankle joints to regain stability. A physical therapist can also help you enhance your foot and ankle flexibility to prevent injuries in the future.
Physical Therapist in Bee Cave, TX
Physical therapy is necessary for rehabilitation after surgery. When you consult with a physical therapist, you ensure that you do not undo your surgeon’s hard work from your operation.
We at Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness offer comprehensive outpatient physical therapy services. For patients who recently had surgery, we specialize in personalized treatment plans for faster recovery. Our physical therapists report timely and directly to physicians about your rehabilitation progress.
Do not prolong your recovery from a surgical procedure. Consult with our experts today! You may reach our office at (512) 284-7192, or you may request an appointment online. We also have facilities located in Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, and Hutto.
We look forward to helping you restore your mobility and recover fully!
