Surgery is only half the battle. Post-surgery physical therapy is key to restoring your strength, mobility, and confidence. Physical therapy is a personalized approach to healing that helps your body return to daily function while reducing pain and preventing future problems. Whether you had a joint replacement, rotator cuff repair, or other surgery, a physical therapy plan will make all the difference.
If you are in Chicago and need help with your recovery, La Clínica SC offers customized rehabilitation therapy to address each patient’s needs. Contact us to learn more about our post-surgery therapy programs and get started.
Why Post-Surgery Physical Therapy is Important
After surgery, muscles, tissues and bones go into a healing phase. Physical therapy helps guide this process so healing occurs safely and efficiently. According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), postoperative physical therapy is crucial for getting function back, managing pain and preventing complications (source: APTA). By doing physical therapy, patients not only get ahead of their recovery but also their quality of life.
Here’s why physical therapy is important in post-surgery care:
- Getting Mobility and Balance: Surgery can limit movement and flexibility temporarily, causing muscle tightness and a restricted range of motion. Through specific exercises and stretching, physical therapy helps patients get function back in the affected area, from knees and hips to shoulders and beyond.
- Pain Management: Pain after surgery is normal due to swelling, muscle tension and nerve responses. Physical therapy helps manage pain by reducing inflammation and strengthening muscles around the surgical site. Techniques like heat and cold therapy and manual therapy can help alleviate discomfort, giving patients safe and non-pharmaceutical relief.
- Prevention of Secondary Complications: Post-surgery patients are at risk for blood clots, infections and other complications due to reduced mobility. Physical therapists guide patients through gentle exercises that improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and support cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of these complications.
Post-Surgery Physical Therapy Plan
The physical therapy journey is different for each patient based on the type of surgery, individual health, and mobility goals. Here’s what’s generally included:
1. Initial Assessment and Plan
In the beginning of therapy, your physical therapist will do a thorough assessment of your condition, limitations and goals. This assessment helps create a customized plan with specific exercises and treatments. These may include mobility exercises, muscle-strengthening routines and balance training. By tailoring treatment to your needs, physical therapists get you back to full function.
2. Targeted Exercises for Strength and Mobility
Therapists use exercises that build strength and movement, gradually adding more intensity as you get more stable. For example, those who had shoulder surgery may do exercises for the rotator cuff, while knee surgery patients may do leg and hip exercises for stability. Practicing these movements regularly gets you back to function and reduces the risk of re-injury.
3. Scar Tissue Management and Flexibility
After surgery, scar tissue can form and restrict movement. Physical therapists use massage, stretching and specific exercises to minimize scar tissue formation, which helps maintain flexibility in the affected area.
4. Education on Body Mechanics and Injury Prevention
A big part of recovery is knowing how to protect and strengthen your body. Physical therapists educate patients on proper posture, body mechanics and daily movements. This knowledge helps prevent future injuries and long-term wellness.
Why Post-Surgery Physical Therapy
Physical therapy after surgery has benefits beyond immediate recovery:
- Mobility and Function: Physical therapy gets you back to range of motion, so you can get back to daily activities. Improved balance and coordination makes daily movements safer and more manageable.
- Pain Without Medication: Therapeutic exercises and manual therapies like soft tissue mobilization relieve pain naturally, no medication needed.
- Mental Health: Physical therapy can help mental health. Achieving milestones, getting back to independence and getting back to activities gives you confidence and a positive outlook on recovery.
- Better Sleep: Less pain and better function means better sleep which is key to the healing process.
Get Started on Your Post-Surgery Recovery with La Clínica SC
If you’re having surgery or have had surgery, La Clínica SC offers rehabilitation therapy to support you. Our team creates customized plans, guiding patients through exercises and techniques to heal, reduce pain and get back to confidence. Don’t wait to start your recovery – contact us today to learn more and get started on the path to a healthier, active life.
