Whether you are about to undergo a joint replacement, back surgery, or any other procedure, recovery does not end when you come out of the operating room. Physical therapy is one of the blocks of restoring strength, mobility, and independence. Physical therapy is an indispensable tool for assisting a post-surgical patient in the proper recovery process, functionality recovery, and suppressing complications’ development.
This is why we are going to explore the top benefits of physical therapy after a surgical procedure and know why it is essential for you to recover:
Enhances Recovery and Accelerates Healing
After the surgery, the body heals through guided movement and rehabilitation. The physical therapist uses specific exercises that allow circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body’s repair system. The outcome? Faster recovery time and an early return to all activity.
Enhances Mobility and Flexibility
Joint, muscle, and spine surgeries tend to cause stiffness and a restricted range of movement. PT enables stretching and hypertrophy of the muscles with ease, allowing patients to self-move without discomfort. For instance, following knee surgery, physical therapy can restore a full range of joint extension and bending necessary for walking and ascending the stairs.
Eliminates Pain Without Any Medications
Pain meds might be necessary in the short run, but long-term dependence is less desirable. Physical therapy is a drug-free alternative for reducing pain using methods such as manual therapy, ultrasound, ice and heat therapy, and directed exercises. These modes of treatment alleviate inflammation and pain naturally.
Aids in Preventing Scar Tissue
Scar tissue around the incision and underlying structures is possible after surgery and will likely cause discomfort and restricted movement. Physical therapists utilize massage, stretching, and movement techniques to help with the scar tissue in your muscles and joint spaces and maintain them functionally.
Restores Balance and Strength
Surgery typically causes the muscles to atrophy (waste), and there is an imbalance, primarily when movement is restricted early in recovery. Physical therapy Meridian replaces lost strength and balance, vital components in mitigating falls and injury, specifically for the aged or patients who have undergone orthopedic procedures.
Reduces Risk of Reinjury
Rushed or improper recovery or a too-quick return to full activity can lead to reinjury or continued discomfort. A physical therapist develops an individual plan for recovery with a safe and stepwise tempo, ensuring clarity and strength before you return to life activities, the office, or sports.
Improves Surgical Outcomes
Patients who receive post-surgical physical therapy tend to have a better long-term outcome. A person with shoulder surgery might regain a full range of motion and a full amount of strength quicker with PT compared with somebody who does not receive PT. The same applies to joint replacements, spine surgeries, and tendon repairs.
Physical therapy is not exercise; it’s a necessary science-based part of the recovery process. It enhances mobility, decreases discomfort, avoids complications, and maintains a general state of well-being. PT is the key to how well and efficiently you’ll recover from an operation. If you’re getting ready for an operation or you’re just starting recovery, ask your healthcare provider if you can have physical therapy as part of your treatment.