If undergoing surgery for an injury or condition there may be significant rehabilitation involved. To ensure the best outcome, there are many types of surgeries that a physio can assist with during the recovery period.
There are numerous post-surgery conditions that physiotherapists can play an important role in during rehabilitation. Physiotherapy is able to be tailored to the patient’s needs, helping to manage pain and assist with recovery time.
Physiotherapists are able to provide rehabilitation treatment for conditions such as:
- Hip replacements
- Severe fractures
- Knee arthroscopy
- Hip arthroscopy
- Knee replacement
- Shoulder replacement
- Ankle or foot surgery
- Achilles tendon repair
- Rotator cuff repair
- Spinal fusion
Benefits of seeing your Physio for Rehabilitation
There can often be difficulties with function and mobility after surgery. Post-surgery rehabilitation and even pre-surgery physio (often call prehabilitation) can assist with the recovery process and improve the final outcome. Physiotherapists aid the recovery process through:
- Pain relief
- Restoring strength and flexibility
- Increasing range of motion
- Helping with the return to normal activities
- Improving fitness
- Increasing stamina
- Teaching long term management skills
How Physio Helps, Pre and Post Surgery
Physiotherapists provide a supportive environment to help patients regain strength, function and mobility after surgery. Working with a physio before surgery will create a strong foundation which will aid in the recovery later on. A Physiotherapist will keep in communication with the Surgeon to ensure the best outcome for the patient. This can help to reduce the stress and apprehension associated with the recovery after surgery.
Rehabilitation may start soon after surgery, depending on the condition. Sometimes bed exercises may be necessary to promote recovery. Physios help the patient to become familiar with support aids such as crutches and walkers if they are needed, and the proper techniques to improve strength and range of motion. During the process a physiotherapist will provide the following:
- Monitor progress
- Provide advice
- Help with pain management
- Teach specific exercises for strength and movement
- Assist with returning to walking and other daily activities
Pain Management: pain management and pain relief can be achieved through a variety of techniques such as soft tissue treatments or exercises to relax the joints and muscles.
Muscle waste: by avoiding muscle wasting the patient can reduce recovery time. Physio can help to avoid muscle wasting during recovery using gentle exercises, without aggravating the repaired tissues.
Joint stability: surgery may result in a loss of joint proprioception (joint position sense and coordination). Physiotherapy can help to regain the joint’s sense of movement through neuromuscular exercises and training to improve balance and coordination.
Improve function: a careful and well-planned rehabilitation program can help the patient to regain pre-surgery function.
Management strategies: physiotherapists provide excellent post-surgery management strategies to patients. This can include educating the patient about healing processes and recovery times, complications, life modifications, using mobility aids and how to avoid aggravating the healing process.
Post-surgery recovery can be a difficult time. Post-surgery care is an important part of the recovery process. Physiotherapists are experienced with both pre-surgery and post-surgery care. Working with a physio near you during rehabilitation can help to improve recovery time and help to restore pre-surgery fitness levels.