The Importance of Physiotherapy After Surgery

Surgery is often an unavoidable phenomenon in the process of recovery for a lot of patients. However, while surgery might be necessary for a stable life, complete recovery comes after regaining their optimal function.

At HCAH Rehabilitation and Recovery Centr we are experts in providing care in the post-surgical recovery, built on the concept of interventional care in collaboration with their primary doctors which help them to recover the fastest. 

Post-surgical care is an opportunity for family and loved ones to get surgical patients back on their feet as soon as possible.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Post-Surgical Recovery

One of the main goals of physical therapy is to accelerate the healing process. Through targeted exercises and movements, blood flow to the affected areas is increased, which promotes faster tissue repair. Additionally, physical therapy helps in reducing inflammation, preventing the buildup of scar tissue, and improving muscle strength and flexibility, all of which contribute to a faster recovery. 

• Decreasing pain and swelling: When you have had surgery, pain and swelling can cause your recovery to be slower. Physiotherapists employ manual therapy as well as the use of ice packs and certain exercises to decrease your pain and to alleviate swelling.

• Working on Mobility and Flexibility: The tight bandages used after surgery along with the wound can lead to restricted movement and stiffness. Physiotherapy helps with such cases by going through a set of exercises targeted to regaining movement and flexibility so you can move more freely and easily.

• Muscle strengthening: It is common to have muscle weakness after surgery. Physiotherapy would choose strengthening exercises to enhance the muscle force, in the hope to make you do the everyday jobs smoothly. 

Who Are Candidates for Post-Surgery Physical Therapy?

 Physical therapy following surgery is essential over the weeks or months during the recovery period following various surgeries. Here are some of the most common surgeries where physical therapy is necessary after the surgery.

• Joint Replacement Surgery:

 Patients whose surgery involves joint replacement, such as a hip replacement or knee replacement, are common candidates for post-operative PT to restore movement and pain management.

• ACL and Meniscus Repair:

 ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or meniscus repair is a common post-operative physical therapy diagnosis for the active individual or athlete; he or she must experience regaining full range of motion, restore muscle strength, and safely return to sport or just their day-to-day routines.

• Back Surgery:

 Physical therapy is a key ingredient to the equation, whether the surgery involved spinal fusion, laminectomy, or discectomy, as it would restore the spinal mobility and build core strength to reduce the pain and lower the risk of running into another back problem.

• Heart Attack/Bypass Surgery:

 Cardiac rehabilitation is a physical therapy prescribed after heart attacks and bypass surgeries to gradually increase a patient’s activity levels, improve cardiovascular health, and facilitate a safe return to normal activities.

• Craniotomy Recovery:

 Therapy is mostly used to treat neurological problems, so physical-therapy might involve balance training, strength-training, and co-ordination drills. 

Key Benefits of Physical Therapy After Surgery

 Indeed, while postoperative physical therapy can aid in the recovery process, it also is a critical intervention for the rehabilitation process itself – helping ensure that patients are ready to get back to their lives as soon as possible. 

• Improves Mobility, Strength, and Balance:

 Among other things, after surgery it’s key for physical therapy to promote healing and return function to clients by first allowing them to re-establish their mobility, strength and balance. These issues can become a problem when muscles and joints are slow to respond after an extended time of inactivity such as bedrest. A physical therapist can evaluate all of these issues and develop a prescribed exercise program to help restore strength, increase joint flexibility and regain balance to minimise their risk for falling and further injury.

• Effective Pain Management:

Physical therapy is of great assistance as it ensures pain regulation after surgery since exercise and physical activity can obviate the intervention of pain medications, which have to be used over prolonged periods. Localised heating or cooling, and specific exercise- programs are extremely beneficial in regard to reducing pain, because these techniques revoke its causes. 

• Accelerated Healing and Reduced Development of Scar Tissue:

 The long process of healing can lead to the formation of fibrous tissue, else known as scar tissue. The mutual aim of the physiotherapist and patient is to smooth out the scar tissue or prevent its formation altogether through a targeted workout along with manual techniques like myofascial release.

• Improves Flexibility:

 Flexibility facilitates strength and endurance, which we need in daily life to manage various activities. Physical therapy centres on stretching and flexibility exercises because, unlike strength and endurance, flexibility cannot be improved merely by doing exercises. If there is not enough range of motion in the muscle or a joint, the person will not be capable of performing all their routine tasks comfortably.

• Reduces the chances of Re-Hospitalisation:

 Effects of physical therapy are believed to reduce the re-hospitalisation rate, cut down on infections, and reduce deconditioning. Patients are healed in the long term with the help of physiotherapy and exercises which help to maintain a healthy lifestyle post surgery and avoid future health issues.

• Reduces the Development of Secondary Issues:

 These stem from inactivity after surgery itself, which doesn’t always get any better by itself. You can end up with additional problems such as muscle atrophy, joint immobility, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and physical therapy makes all the difference by keeping the circulation good, keeping your muscles toned and your joints healthy, and thereby avoid many of these secondary complications.

Therapies We Offer for Pain Management after Surgery

 Based on the diverse range of physiotherapy services provided at HCAH, we ensure that patients are able to make a swift and effective recovery from any surgical pain they may face with the following modalities: –

• Cupping Therapy:

 Cupping is an age-old technique in which cups are placed on the skin. Just before the cups are placed on the body, pressure is applied to create suction inside the cup. Cupping works by promoting improved blood flow in congested muscles, reducing muscle tension and promoting healing, and is particularly helpful to manage post-operative pain and inflammation.

• Taping:

 You apply tape to an injured muscle or joint to hold it in place, reducing pain and swelling. Affixing it to the skin also helps to stabilise the affected area, allowing for the full range of motion needed for recovery.

• Needling:

Dry needling therapy involves the use of thin needles inserted into physical pain areas in the muscle called trigger points. The procedure is particularly useful in helping patients who are experiencing stiffness and pain in the muscles after surgery.

• Myofascial Release:

 Myofascial release is a manual non-invasive technique in which practitioners target the fascia, a connective protein-fibre sheath that surrounds all of the muscles and organs. And these techniques aim to boost the movement essential to recovery by easing the fascia.

• Ayurveda:

 By integrating Ayurveda into physiotherapy, it ensures that the process of recovery is holistic. Regular massages using Ayurvedic oils and herbal remedies improve the health of the body, which may expedite physical recovery during rehabilitation.

• Pain Management Procedures:

 Pain management is a significant part of a successful post operation recovery process. Our pain management techniques, including both modern and primitive technologies, are going to reduce pain and make recovery quicker.

Why Choose HCAH RRC for Your Post-Surgical Recovery?

Physical therapy has a critical role in the healing process after surgery. It helps the recovering patient regain strength, mobility and function. It also helps manage pain so that the patient can progress through the recovering journey independently. A variety of exercises and pain management techniques are taught and advised to the patients – it all depends on the needs of the individual patient. Seeing a physical therapist after surgery can prove to be a great help.

At HCAH Recovery and Rehabilitation Center, we combine physical, respiratory, speech/swallow and occupational therapies to create an environment for holistic post-surgical rehabilitation. Our patients get the fastest recovery by coordination of expert physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, speech and swallow therapists and occupational therapists.

• Expert Care: Our therapists are highly trained and experienced in handling various post-surgical conditions which is demonstrated by our track record of 25000+ successful recoveries.

• Personalized Plans: We create customized rehabilitation plans based on your specific condition and goals. Our milestone-based approach ensures that you can track your daily recovery.

• Fastest Recovery: Our multidisciplinary team allows for the quickest recovery possible. Our goal is to get you back on your feet and experience the joys of life.

• Comprehensive Recovery: We ensure complete regained mobility, function, balance and body posture, alleviation of pain through efficient therapies. 

FAQs:

Question: How soon should I start physical therapy after surgery?
Answer: The timing depends on the type of surgery. In many cases, physical therapy begins within a few days to a week after surgery, but it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s recommendations.

Question: How long does post-operative physical therapy last?
Answer: The duration varies based on the type of surgery and individual recovery progress. It can range from a few weeks to several months.

Question: Can physical therapy reduce the need for pain medications?
Answer: Yes, physical therapy often helps in managing pain through non-invasive methods, potentially reducing the reliance on pain medications.

Question: Is physical therapy necessary after minor surgeries?
Answer: While not always necessary, physical therapy can still be beneficial after minor surgeries to ensure full recovery and prevent complications.

Question: What should I expect during my first physical therapy session?
Answer: During the first session, the therapist will assess your condition, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.