Every year there are approximately 5.3 million orthopedic surgeries performed. In most cases the main purpose of the surgery is to repair your damaged body. However, this doesn’t guarantee full success in your ability to return to normal activities. Prior to and after surgery, joint motion and muscle strength are lost quickly. Proper rehabilitation is required to restore normal joint movement and functional mobility and return your strength for activity.
Physical therapy involves using specific therapies, such as massage, stretching, or exercise to help facilitate healing and give you the best chance of recovery. Your surgeon will determine when it’s appropriate to start physical therapy.
How Physical therapy can help you heal and regain functional movement after surgery
Pain Reduction
Physical therapy can help with pain reduction post surgery. Methods that can be used to help with pain management include massage, Kinesio Tape, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, cryotherapy, heat therapy, and self-care strategies to name just a few.
Reduce swelling
Physical therapy can help reduce swelling. Initially, one of the main focus of treatment is getting your blood circulating properly. Physical therapy can improve blood circulation in a specific area and thus reduce swelling.
Increase Range of Motion and Strength as tolerated
Muscles and joints tend to become stiff following surgery, even in joints not directly affected by the procedure. Physical therapy can help improve your overall mobility and strength with hands on techniques and prescribed stretches and exercises.
A physical therapist at Proactive for Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine can help you recover from your recent surgery and get you back to your active lifestyle.