No matter what health issue you’re facing, finding out you need to undergo surgery to fully reclaim your health and wellness is a daunting diagnosis. From financial concerns to anxiety over a hospital stay, your mind will likely be reeling from the news. However, your health should always be of the utmost importance, especially when surgery is on the horizon.
At the Spine and Orthopaedic Academic Research Institute (SOAR), we take the utmost care to ease your mind and prepare your mind and body for the best possible recovery. Physical therapy is an integral part of helping you take control over your preparation and recovery process for any surgical procedure.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves the treatment of a variety of bodily conditions through personalized treatment options, such as exercise and massage. Physical therapy is performed by a licensed physical therapist and aims to reduce pain, strengthen muscles and joints, and improve mobility in patients.
Physical therapy is often recommended by doctors and surgeons alike for patients who need extra preparation before surgery and for those who need help along their road to recovery. Physical therapists offer their services in a variety of convenient locations and can even come to your home depending on your own individual needs.
Physical Therapy Before Surgery
You likely have a million worries and concerns going through your head prior to surgery. One of the most effective ways to ease your mind and help your body prepare for surgery is through prehabilitation, or participating in physical therapy before a medical event. Recent studies have shown that prehabilitation services lead to a dramatic decrease in the amount of aftercare and medical intervention needed after surgery.
The form that physical therapy before surgery takes is all dependent on the type of surgery you require, however, there are some basic goals that most prehabilitation regimens hope to achieve. If you decide to participate in physical therapy before surgery, you can expect the following:
- A one-on-one experience with a licensed professional
- A personalized consultation to address your needs and concerns
- Customized exercises to help you strengthen joints and muscles
- Massage therapy designed to combat tension
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
Physical therapy can be crucial in preparing your joints, tendons, and muscles for the disruption that surgery can temporarily cause in your life. You want to ensure that your body is as prepared for downtime as possible. Physical therapy can do just that.
Physical Therapy After Surgery
You can expect some period of downtime following any surgical procedure. The amount of time you’re in recovery can vary due to the area that required surgery and the overall strength of your body. Whether you’ve had a hip replacement or just had your torn ACL repaired, you can engage in physical therapy to get back to your life as soon as possible.
Your physical therapist will work with you to establish your baseline of activity after surgery and develop customized exercises to improve your strength, mobility, and pain level. If you opted for prehabilitation, you’ll benefit from the relationship you established with your physical therapist before you even went under the knife.
Your physical therapist will also provide you with a list of exercises and stretches to perform even after you’ve recovered to ensure your continued health and wellness.
At the Spine and Orthopaedic Academic Research Institute, we understand that your body’s health and your quality of life go hand in hand. Call our experts today at 844-434-SOAR, for more information about how physical therapy can make a difference before and after your surgery.
