15th August 2024
Recovering from surgery is a critical period that requires careful management to ensure a full and successful recovery. Physiotherapy plays an essential role in this process, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and function. Here's why physiotherapy is crucial after surgery and what to expect during the different phases of rehabilitation.
Importance of Physiotherapy in Post-Surgical Recovery
Accelerates Recovery: Physiotherapy helps speed up the healing process by improving blood circulation, reducing swelling, and preventing complications like blood clots or infections.
Restores Mobility and Strength: Surgery often leads to stiffness and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement and rebuilding strength in the affected areas, ensuring you regain full function.
Pain Management: Through targeted exercises and manual therapies, physiotherapists help manage post-operative pain without relying solely on medication, reducing the risk of long-term dependency on painkillers.
Prevents Scar Tissue Formation: Physiotherapy can reduce the formation of scar tissue, which can limit mobility and cause discomfort. Techniques like massage and stretching help keep tissues flexible.
Improves Balance and Coordination: After surgery, especially orthopedic procedures, there may be a risk of falls or imbalances. Physiotherapy helps improve your balance and coordination, making daily activities safer and more manageable.
Phases of Rehabilitation
Early Post-Operative Phase (0-2 Weeks)
Focus: Pain control, reducing swelling, and protecting the surgical site.
Activities: Gentle range-of-motion exercises, breathing exercises, and basic movements to prevent stiffness and promote circulation.
Intermediate Phase (2-6 Weeks)
Focus: Gradual restoration of movement, strength, and function.
Activities: Progressive exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and endurance. Techniques may include manual therapy, gentle stretching, and low-impact exercises.
Late Rehabilitation Phase (6 Weeks - 3 Months)
Focus: Full return to daily activities and advanced strength training.
Activities: More intense strength and functional training exercises, balance and coordination drills, and specific exercises tailored to your goals, such as returning to work or sports.
Long-Term Maintenance Phase (3+ Months)
Focus: Continued improvement and prevention of future issues.
Activities: Ongoing exercise routines to maintain strength and flexibility, along with education on lifestyle modifications to support long-term recovery and prevent re-injury.
