Have you been told by your doctor that you require surgery? Such news is never easy to hear, but there are some things you can do to make the process go more smoothly and to help your recovery. It is essential to ensure that you will get proper post-surgical rehab-generally referred to as physical therapy. Please get in touch with our team of physical therapists to learn more about your options for physical therapy. We look forward to assisting with all your physical therapy needs! Feel free to contact our highly trained physical therapists at Catalyst PT.

Why is Physical Therapy so Important Following Surgery?

There are many different types of surgeries. Each of type of surgery impacts your body in specific ways that must be carefully considered and addressed. Obviously, some surgeries are more invasive than others. But what almost all surgeries have in common is that they cause physical damage. Physical therapy is designed to repair this damage as effectively as possible. Whether you are getting your knee replaced, heart surgery or surgery to repair your ACL, you are going to need physical therapy afterward to get you back on your feet.

The vast majority of surgeries result in symptoms like inflammation, pain, loss of mobility and swelling. These symptoms may have existed before the surgery as well, which is why you’re getting surgery in the first place. After surgery you may face new difficulties like struggling to stand, walk, sit and even dress. There may also be things that you are instructed not to do by your doctor after the surgery. Physical therapy is designed to address all these issues and teach you what you need to know and how you need to move after your surgery.

Why Go to A Physical Therapist?

Some of your doctor’s instructions may be a bit confusing. The doctor may tell you to avoid bearing weight at all or to partially avoid bearing weight on your limb. Instructions can get even more technical, like telling you to follow “posterior hip precautions.” How are you supposed to follow these instructions? And how do you follow instructions that you do not even really understand, to begin with?

Post-surgical rehab will cover everything you require after surgery. This includes clarifying medical terminology and helping you learn how to move without causing additional damage. There is plenty of evidence that rehab is effective, so rest assured that your hard work will pay off. Your rehab efforts have the additional benefits of not requiring pharmaceuticals to get results and being non-invasive. You get maximum results with minimal side effects.

How Does Post-Surgical Rehab with a Physical Therapist Work?

Working with a qualified physical therapist is one of the best things you can do after surgery. Each physical therapist is an expert in how the human body works and what is required to recover from an injury. They can accomplish a lot through targeted exercises and training, including:

  • Helping to limit the inflammation, pain, and swelling you experience.
  • Lessen the development of scar tissue and help wounds heal more quickly.
  • Assist in improving circulation, gaining strength and increasing range of motion.
  • Aid you in regaining functional mobility—the mobility that lets you do the things you love and the things you need to do like hobbies, sports and work.
  • Teach you how to use tools and adaptive equipment as needed for any changes you experience after surgery.

Your physical therapist will conduct a careful examination after surgery to determine your current condition. He or she will create a routine that includes exercises targeted towards your needs and guides you through those exercises. Physical therapists have numerous exercises, approaches and specialized pieces of equipment to help you achieve your recovery goals.

In addition to exercise, Catalyst Physical Therapy includes manual therapy techniques in your plan of care. This ranges to include joint mobilization, which can reduce pain and improve mobility. Another modality that your therapist may utilize is cupping. This helps reduce pain and promotes blood flow to the treated area to promote healing. The time it takes for you to recover depends on multiple factors, including your specific surgery and your level of fitness before surgery. It is possible to get physical therapy before surgery, as well, to improve your recovery time.

Get Post-Surgical Rehab Today

If you are going through surgery, we would like to help with your recovery. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained physical therapists today.

At our Clearwater and Palm Harbor clinics, we work alongside your surgical team to make sure your recovery plan matches both your procedure and your personal goals. Whether you’ve had a knee replacement, rotator cuff repair, spinal surgery, or another procedure, your physical therapist in Clearwater will guide you through every phase — from managing early post-op pain to rebuilding full strength and function.

Ready to start your recovery on the right foot? Contact Catalyst Physical Therapy in Clearwater or Palm Harbor to request your free consultation. (727) 286-8408.