Are you getting ready to have surgery? If so, you should consider physical therapy before your surgery. Physical therapy prior to surgery helps with a speedy recovery and not only after surgery. Call Total Care Physical therapy today to learn how our physical therapists can help you before and after your surgery.
Causes For Surgery
People may require surgery for a variety of reasons. It may be required to remove diseased tissues, fix a broken bone, implant an electronic device, remove an obstruction or to explore a condition for the purpose of diagnosis. Common surgeries include appendectomy, Cesarean section, hip replacement, coronary artery bypass, and low back surgery.
How To Prepare For Surgery
If you’re planning to have surgery, you’ll want to prepare for it. That means taking care of your health and being in the best condition that you can be in before the procedure. You’ll want to ensure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating right and staying active. Plus, you should consider physical therapy both prior to and after your surgery.
How Physical Therapy Helps Before And After Surgery
Physical therapy before surgery can help:
- Lessen pain
- Increase stamina
- Restore range of motion
- Shorten recovery time and hospital stay
- Reduce complications of surgery
Studies have shown that working with a physical therapist before surgery helps joints and muscles near the injury before surgery. It results in a faster recovery with a better outcome. Pre-rehabilitation before surgery strengthens the body for surgery. A physical therapist will explain how your joints, ligaments, and muscles work together, measure your current range of motion and discuss goals for after surgery recovery. It’s recommended to begin physical therapy at least six weeks prior to the scheduled surgery.
However, people who find they need surgery two weeks before also benefit from physical therapy.
The whole purpose of physical therapy after surgery is to help the patient achiever optimal physical functioning. A physical therapist will examine your medical history and perform assessments of your physical strength, motor functioning, breathing rate, balance, and range of motion after surgery.
Although the body can heal itself after surgery, it often needs some help. Physical therapy can help avoid loss of muscle mass, range of motion and scar tissue. Physical therapists also have cold therapy systems, which help damaged tissues heal faster.
Keep in mind that mobility doesn’t just mean being able to walk. For example, if you undergo shoulder surgery, you’ll need to regain mobility in the joint in order to lift items and reach overhead. A physical therapist will design a treatment plan that is specific to your injury and surgery. A physical therapist will also advise you on what activities are sure during your recovery process. You don’t want to unwittingly re-injure yourself.
If you’re going to have surgery, call us to set up an appointment with one of our physical therapists. They will do a full evaluation and explain the pre-treatment plan and the post-surgery plan. Our goal is to get you back to your regular lifestyle before your injury occurred.
