How Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Gets You Back in Action

If you’ve suffered an injury that requires surgery, mechanically resolving the problem with the recommended procedure is only the first step. Surgery alone won’t get you back to where you want to be. You’ll need post-surgical rehabilitation to make the most of your corrective procedure. 

Today, we’ll be discussing post-surgical physical therapy, why it’s important, and how post-surgical rehabilitation in Metairie, LA can help locals get back into fighting shape. 

‍What is Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Post-surgical rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to complement and enhance corrective surgical procedures. Through specialized physical therapy approaches, healing is accelerated, function is more completely restored, and patients enjoy better outcomes. 

‍Why Physical Therapy is Key to Post-Surgical Recovery

Physical therapy isn’t an optional component of post-surgical recovery. Rather, it’s a vital part of the process that should never be overlooked. The post-operative phase of recovery is a critical time, and physical therapy plays a key role in the overall success of any procedure. 

Post-operative physical therapy plays several vital roles in the overall success of a procedure, including: 

• Significantly reducing recovery time through targeted exercise and therapeutic approaches. 
• Enhancing health and strength for a faster return to daily activities or sports. 
• Minimizing pain, reducing swelling, and preventing complications such as infections through personalized treatment plans. 
• Improved functionality and reduced discomfort throughout the recovery process. 
• Restoration of joint mobility and flexibility, which are often impacted by surgical procedures. 
• A reduction in scar tissue, which reduces the chances of decreased mobility and increased discomfort in the long-term.
• Offering important education on body mechanics and posture, which can prevent future injuries. 

‍Procedures That Benefit From Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Almost any procedure can be enhanced through post-surgical rehabilitation. However, certain procedures should always include rehab after surgery for the best results.

• Knee Surgery: ACL and meniscus repairs, as well as knee arthroscopy and full or partial replacements. 
• Shoulder Surgery: Rotator cuff or labrum repair.
• Hip Surgery: Hip replacement or arthroscopy. 
• Spinal Surgery: Repairs of any type, including fusions. 
• Ankle and Foot Surgery: Bone or soft tissue repair. 
• Wrist or Elbow Surgery: Bone or soft tissue repair. 
• Tendon and Ligament Repairs: Any part of the body. 
• General Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Surgeries: Any part of the body. 

‍Types of Post-Surgical Physical Therapy

There is a broad range of movements and approaches involved in physical therapy as a whole. However, in most post-surgical cases, they all fall under one of three overarching types of physical therapy. 

‍General Physical Therapy 

Incorporating approaches such as targeted stretching, strengthening, and mobility movements, and localized massage, general physical therapy helps improve blood flow, mobility, strength, and function in the critical time after surgery. This is especially useful for major joint repairs and recovery from sports injuries.

‍Occupational Therapy

A more specialized form of physical therapy, occupational therapy focuses on overall functional needs and roles in a person’s life, from living at home to job performance. This type of therapy is designed to improve daily living, safety, and independence, along with focusing on fine motor skills and, in some cases, cognitive needs. 

‍Hand Therapy

Hand therapy plays a vital role in recovery involving the hands and upper extremities. Through specialized, targeted rehab programs, the team at FunXional Physical Therapy crafts a protocol tailored to each patient’s needs and recovery goals. 

‍How Post-Surgical Rehab Benefits You

Post-operative physical therapy sessions help you recover faster, more fully, and get back to life. Physical therapy helps ensure a return to full or near-full mobility, reduced pain, faster recovery time, and a better long-term prognosis. 

Again, post-op therapy should not be merely an optional add-on. It is an absolutely vital part of the recovery process, whether you’re an on-the-go parent, a weekend warrior, or a full-time athlete. 

No matter who you are or what you do, post-operative therapy gets you back to where you want to be faster, more effectively, and with better long-term results. 

‍Make Post-Surgical Physical Therapy Part of Your Recovery

Whether you have a scheduled surgery or you’ve suffered an unexpected injury, it’s vital that you make post-surgical physical therapy part of your recovery process.

If you live in Metairie, LA or the surrounding area, contact us or schedule an appointment to learn how we can help you be the best version of yourself, no matter your procedure. 

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