A surgical procedure – particularly major surgery –often has a significant impact on a patient’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion. So much so that physical rehabilitation after surgery is frequently necessary. In fact, in many cases, the only way to full recovery after surgery is by working with a physical therapist (PT).

Several examples of invasive surgeries that require physical therapy during recovery include:

• Joint replacement surgery, such as hip and knee replacements
• Spine surgery, such as spinal fusion and discectomy
• Heart surgery, such as stent placement, ablation, and cardiac pacemaker placement
• Abdominal surgery
• Breast surgery

If you are considering or planning to undergo a surgical procedure, here are several reasons why post-operative physical therapy is important:

Physical Therapy Is Vital to Your Healing Process

The stretches and strengthening exercises that are incorporated into the typical physical therapy program can help you regain balance, control, and range of motion in the part of your body where surgery was performed. It also enables your trained and certified PT to observe the area in question and spot and address any problems with an incision or wound before it can worsen and cause you unnecessary pain or discomfort.

In addition, physical therapy can expedite your recovery by strengthening surrounding muscles and teaching you compensatory strategies, so you can start reusing your limb or joint that much faster. Best of all, it can address your pain without resorting to medication through the therapeutic use of massage, ice and heat therapies, and electrical stimulation.

Physical Therapy Improves Balance and Range of Motion

Besides strengthening the area of your body that has been temporarily traumatized by invasive surgery, physical therapy enables you to regain your balance or range of motion in the affected joint or limb. Take, for example, recovery from a total knee replacement. It will take some time for you to regain your balance and ability to fully extend your joint. Your PT will work with you to learn how to regain your flexibility and be able to stand, walk, jog, jump, bike, or do any of the activities you previously enjoyed.

Physical Therapy Is Crucial to Full Recovery

Without physical rehabilitation after surgery, you will likely lose your flexibility, range of motion, and strength in the surgically repaired area of your body. That’s because scar tissue build-up prevents the area from fully recovering. Your PT is specially trained to work on breaking up the scar tissue and allowing your joint or limb to begin moving again as it should. Delaying physical therapy only makes the process painful and slow, which is why physical rehabilitation should commence immediately after your procedure to minimize scar tissue development and manage your pain levels without the excessive use of prescription medication.

Physical Rehabilitation in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia

If you’re looking for a reputable physical therapy center for pre- and post-op physical therapy, you need to look no further than H2 Health. Our highly trained and expert physical therapists can provide you with a customized physical therapy program for your specific condition, movement disorder, or surgical procedure.

At H2 Health, physical therapy is our passion, and we believe it has the power to heal your body and improve your quality of life. We are committed to providing the highest quality services to our patients by offering a wide range of general orthopedic physical therapy services with the tools and hands-on care to foster your recovery, ensure the success of your surgery, and improve your quality of life.

To learn more about us and our comprehensive services, call H2 Health today at (800) 699-9395 or contact one of our convenient locations.