Post-Surgical Rehab: Benefits To Recovery
Have you recently undergone a surgical procedure? Are you still battling pain and limited functions? Many post-surgical patients are looking for ways to accelerate the recovery process so they can return to work, social events, and other activities that they enjoy. Our post-surgical physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy(OT) plans at Integrity Rehab can help you achieve a safe and comfortable recovery following your procedure.
If you’ve just had surgery or are still coping with symptoms from a past procedure, our team can support you through your healing journey and help you feel better as soon as possible. Contact us today to book an appointment!
What are the benefits of rehab after surgery?
There are several ways that physical and occupational therapy can help you recover after surgery. Some benefits of postoperative care include:
- Eases pain and inflammation. It’s a common misconception that rest should be extended until you’re fully healed from surgery. However, physical movement actually helps to reduce the swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and pain that often occurs following a surgical procedure.
- Promotes healing. PT and OT treatments increase blood flow to the surgical area which improves circulation and promotes healing.
- Improves functions. Surgical recovery often involves a reduction in strength, mobility, and flexibility. This can affect the surgical site and your entire body due to inactivity. Our team of expert PTs and OTs at Integrity Rehab will teach you exercises or apply manual therapy to help you safely restore functions.
- Reduces scar tissue. Scars are a normal occurrence after surgery. However, any scar tissue that forms internally can reduce mobility and become painful. Post- surgical rehab can prevent and soften scar tissue that forms, improving flexibility and pain.
- Reduces the chance of complications. Rather than lying in bed with little to no movement, a healthy level of physical activity reduces the chance that you’ll experience a complication after surgery. Our PTs and OTs can teach you mild and safe exercises that will help prevent blood clots, infections, and other complications.
Post- surgical rehab helps you make a safe return to work, your social life, and daily activities.
Treatments & what to expect
At Integrity Rehab, we understand that each patient is different and presents with their own unique needs. Before starting a treatment plan, you will have an initial consultation with one of our therapists. Your PT or OT will assess your postoperative condition by asking questions about your symptoms, any mobility or function limits, and what led you to have surgery.
We may also collect details about your medical history and lifestyle factors such as your current level of physical activity. All of the information your therapist gains during this assessment will help them create an individualized treatment plan that will be most effective for you.
Some techniques and healing strategies that we use during treatment include:
- Flexibility exercises, which help improve range of motion
- Exercises to strengthen muscles and restore functions
- Balance and coordination training
- Gait analysis
- Manual (hands-on) therapy techniques
- Modalities such as dry needling, cupping and heat
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Posture exercises
- Self-care training
- Home exercise instruction
Don’t wait to start recovery!
Whether you’ve had surgery for a bone fracture, joint replacement, ligament or tendon tear, or an underlying condition, our therapists at Integrity Rehab are here to help you make a complete recovery. Call our clinic today to set up your first appointment!