Rehabilitation is key to a successful recovery following orthopedic surgery. Proper rehab helps you restore movement, strength, and function in order to get you back to your regular routine as quickly and as safely as possible.
Depending on the severity of your condition or injury, orthopedic surgery may be necessary to reduce painful symptoms, restore your ability to move and function, and improve your overall quality of life. Types of orthopedic surgery can vary, from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to open surgery or full joint replacement procedures. But regardless of the type of surgery you have, rehabilitation is the common factor that can ensure a quick and comprehensive recovery.
Post-Operative Recovery
Any type of surgery can take its toll on you physically, and there will be some level of trauma and bruising to your body. Depending on the extent of the surgery and your overall general health, you may be required to stay in hospital for several days.
Certain movements may be restricted following surgery. For example, after shoulder surgery, your arm may need to be in a sling for up to 4 weeks. Depending on the type of surgery you have, your surgeon may restrict you from certain activities such as lifting, driving, or taking part in sports for a set period of time after surgery.
Physical therapy is integral to any post-op recovery plan after an orthopedic surgery. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication may also be a part of your recovery regimen.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be very beneficial following a surgical procedure. Therapists work with you to design a personalized rehabilitation program tailored to meet your specific needs and requirements. The main goal of physical therapy is to get you back to the point where you can perform normal, everyday activities without difficulty or pain. Physical therapy can help improve motion, strength, joint stability, and coordination – and can help speed up your recovery period.
Your physical therapist will work with you through all phases of healing, including reducing the likelihood of future problems. Rehabilitation is a gradual process that is designed to go at your pace of healing. You will also be given a home exercise program to help your recovery.
Restoring Motion
Your therapist will usually start working with you immediately following your surgery to help prevent joint stiffness and encourage healing. Therapists have a number of tools and techniques at their disposal. Post-op PT will initially focus on a passive form of therapy to gently assist you with regaining your range of motion without causing further trauma.
As your physical therapy sessions continue, you will gradually progress from passive therapy to active range-of-motion exercises. Your therapist will guide you through these exercises and will offer guidance as you begin to resume activity.
Strengthening
Once your active range of motion has been restored, you will begin the strengthening phase of physical therapy. This will involve a variety exercises and the use of different equipment to help stabilize and strengthen the muscles and joints. Exercises will become gradually more challenging over time.
Preventive Care
The final stage of physical therapy concentrates on techniques that allow you to continue to improve your strength, function, and coordination. This ensures you will be able to carry out daily tasks and activities without difficulty, and in a safe way to reduce the chance of future injuries.
The precise nature of your recovery from orthopedic surgery will vary depending on the type of procedure and your general health but, overall, a majority of people experience a dramatic reduction in pain and a significant improvement in mobility and function following surgery.
South Palm Orthopedics, For All Your Orthopedic Needs
At South Palm Orthopedics, Dr. Steve Meadows and his team offer comprehensive hand and shoulder orthopedic care to individuals in the Palm Beach County area of Florida.
We will work with you through all stages of care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. Our goal is to get you back to your regular routine as quickly and safely as possible. For your convenience, we offer a variety of services from our state-of-the-art physical therapy center to on-site diagnostic and treatment tools such as X-ray and fluoroscopy.
If you would like to learn more about the services we provide, call South Palm Orthopedics at (561) 496-6622 or request an appointment now.
