Importance of Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Prepare for Post-Operative Rehabilitation So You Can Recover With Confidence

Undergoing surgery is often a significant step toward improved health and well-being. Whether it’s a joint replacement, ligament repair, or any other procedure, the path to recovery is just beginning when you leave the operating room. You’ll need support as your body heels and encouragement as you work to regain strength and independence. Fortunately, physical therapy for post-operative rehabilitation plays an important role in ensuring a successful recovery.

The team at AMR Physical Therapy has extensive experience working with patients recovering from a wide variety of surgical procedures and conditions. We know what it takes to get the most out of your recovery, and we’ll be here every step of the way.

Keep reading to learn about post-op recovery at AMR Physical Therapy.

Know What to Expect For Post-operative Rehabilitation Success

After surgery, your body needs time to heal and regain strength. You might experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility in the initial days or weeks. Depending on the type and complexity of the surgery, your healthcare team will provide specific post-operative rehabilitation instructions, like wound care, activity restrictions, and a referral to attend physical therapy to help with several areas of recovery.

Managing Pain

• Through manual techniques, corrective exercises, and modalities such as heat and cold therapy, physical therapists help alleviate post-operative pain and discomfort for a smoother recovery process.

Regaining Range of Motion

• Whether you’ve undergone a joint replacement or surgery to repair a previous injury, physical therapy will focus on restoring your joint range of motion and your ability to use your extremities, balance, and perform functional tasks independently.

Improving Strength

• Surgery and immobility before or after surgery can lead to muscle weakness. Physical therapy utilizes targeted exercises to strengthen muscles around the surgical site and improve overall functional capacity.

Enhancing Function

• Whether it’s bending, lifting, or reaching, physical therapy aims to optimize your movement patterns and functional abilities to facilitate a comfortable transition back to your normal routine.

Physical Therapy After Knee Surgery

A patient in his mid-40s came to see us after surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The injury had caused significant pain and instability and limited his ability to participate in the activities he loved. He opted for ACL reconstruction surgery to replace the torn ligament and get back to an active life without the pain.

Our initial evaluation after surgery revealed swelling, decreased range of motion, and weakness in his affected leg. After assessing his medical history and setting achievable goals for his post-operative rehabilitation, we devised a treatment plan that focused on a comprehensive recovery.

Manual Therapy

• Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and swelling, mobilize her soft tissues, and ensure circulation and lymph drainage to facilitate healing and overall recovery.

Targeted Exercises

• Guided movements to improve joint range of motion, enhance soft tissue mobility, and restore function.

Strengthening Muscles

• Progressive exercises to strengthen muscles and support the surrounding joints for short and long-term relief.

Through dedication and hard work, she was able to make remarkable progress by steadily regaining strength, flexibility, and confidence. The personalized care and guidance we provided helped her understand what she needed to do every step of the way.

Post-Surgery Rehab with AMR Physical Therapy

Post-operative rehabilitation is a critical and challenging part of the recovery process. We will help facilitate a smooth transition from surgery to recovery. You’ll regain mobility, strength, and functionality so you can return to your activities with confidence and independence.

You can do this! And we’re here to help. Call us today to schedule your appointment and set yourself up for success.