Have you ever had a serious injury or gone through major surgery? If you have, you know how tough it can be to recover. Not only do you need to heal, but you also have to work on getting your strength and movement back. That is where a doctor of physical therapy comes in.

These healthcare professionals are really important for helping people recover after surgery. They help patients get better and improve their ability to move around after getting surgery.

Let us take a closer look at what a doctor of physical therapy does in post-surgical recovery and where you can find a skilled physical therapist in West Virginia.

What is a Doctor of Physical Therapy?

A doctor of physical therapy specializes in helping people regain their movement, strength, and ability to do everyday activities after surgery or injury. They undergo a lot of training and earn a doctoral degree in physical therapy.

This advanced training allows them to create personalized recovery plans based on the specific needs of each patient.

Why is Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Important?

After surgery, rehabilitation is very important for helping patients heal. It helps them regain strength, flexibility, and movement that might be lost after an operation.

If patients skip proper rehab, they could end up with ongoing pain, stiffness, and trouble moving. Good rehabilitation can also help prevent issues like blood clots and infections.

In-Patient Services After Surgery

The in-patient services after surgery include:

Initial Assessment

When someone has surgery, the first thing that happens is an initial assessment by a doctor of physical therapy or physical therapist. They check how the patient is doing, look at their medical history, and set realistic goals for recovery.

The doctor of physical therapy also makes sure to follow any specific instructions from the surgeon for the best care.

Early Mobilization

Getting moving early is important to prevent complications and help recovery. A doctor of physical therapy will help patients do gentle exercises that get blood flowing and prevent muscle stiffness.

These exercises are designed carefully so that they do not put too much strain on the area that had surgery. Simple activities like moving the ankles, deep breathing, and easy stretches are often included in this stage.

Pain Management

Handling pain is a big part of care after surgery. A physical therapist uses different methods to help reduce pain, like ice packs, heat therapy, and hands-on treatment.

They also show patients how to use devices like crutches or walkers to make moving around easier and less painful.

Outpatient Services After Surgery

Let us take a closer look at the outpatient services offered to patients right after surgery.

Personalized Exercise Plan

When a patient goes home after surgery, they continue their recovery with outpatient services. One important job of a doctor of physical therapy is to create a special exercise plan just for them.

This plan helps patients slowly increase how hard and complicated their exercises are to get their strength and movement back. The exercises can include stretching, strengthening, and balance activities.

Monitoring Progress

It is important for patients to have regular check-ups with the doctor of physical therapy to see how they are doing. In these appointments, the physical therapist will look at how much the patient has improved, make changes to the exercise plan if needed, and answer any questions the patient might have.

Keeping track of progress helps ensure the patient is on the right path to fully recovering.

Education and Self-Care

Physical therapists teach patients about how to use their bodies properly, how to stand and sit correctly, and how to avoid getting hurt again. They also give tips on self-care that patients can do at home to help with their recovery. Knowing how to take care of themselves helps patients be more active in their healing process.

Benefits of Working with a DPT

Here are the benefits of working with a DPT.

Faster Recovery

One of the biggest benefits of working with a physical therapy doctor is that they help you recover faster. A good rehab plan makes it easier for patients to get back to their daily activities quickly, much better than if they tried to recover by themselves.

Physical therapists know what exercises to recommend, ensuring each one is useful and helps you heal.

Less Pain and Discomfort

After surgery, many people feel pain. Physical therapists use different methods to help manage and reduce that pain, so recovery is more comfortable.

They not only help with the pain you feel right away but also work to prevent long-term pain problems that can happen if pain is not treated correctly.

Better Movement and Function

Getting your movement back is a key goal after surgery. A doctor of physical therapy is great at creating exercises that focus on specific muscles and joints, helping you move better and do everyday activities more easily.

With better movement, you can do daily tasks with more confidence and less struggle

Doctor of Physical Therapy in West Virginia

At Greenbrier Valley Physical Therapy, a H2 Health Company, our skilled physical therapists are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your individual recovery needs. With a focus on evidence-based practices, we will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that not only helps you heal faster but also equips you with the tools and knowledge to maintain your progress.

To schedule a consultation, contact one of the locations near you or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!