Prime Rehab Center Physical Therapy
A Professional Corporation
PRE&POST
SURGICAL
The road to recovery does not have to wait until after your surgery. In fact, two aspects of the surgical experience critical to achieving a successful recovery are pre- and post-operative rehabilitation.
Pre-Operative
Most of us are familiar with a comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation program designed to promote healing, reduce pain and swelling, restore joint mobility, flexibility and strength. However, many of us are not aware of the benefits of a structured pre-operative or “pre-habilitation” program.
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The main goals of pre-op therapy are generally to improve the condition of the injured body part before surgery, or to defer surgery altogether. Other goals of a pre-habilitation program may or may not include:
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Mentally prepare for surgery
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Reduce pain and inflammation
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Restore range of motion
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Improving muscular control of the injured joint
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Normalizing movement patterns prior to your surgery
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Improved overall well-being and fitness
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Gain a good understanding of the exercises that you will perform immediately after surgery
Post-Operative
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Physical or occupational therapy is often prescribed following an orthopedic surgery to facilitate a speedy recovery. Therapy can start anywhere from a few hours to a few days after surgery. In some cases, there may be a period of immobilization following surgery where an orthopedic surgeon must clear patient before beginning therapy.
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A patient’s ability to regain motion and strength and ultimately return to their daily activities depend on physical or occupational therapy. The body will not regain normal motion without proper retraining and education. Therapists are specifically trained to restore range of motion and strength without compensation and to prevent re-injury during the recovery process. The therapist can also provide the patient with specific guidelines to allow optimal healing.
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After a thorough evaluation by a Licensed Therapist, goals will be set to minimize the adverse effects of surgery, such as pain and swelling, as well as to restore normal movement, flexibility and function. The therapist and patient will work together to establish functional goals related to resuming normal activities of living as well as preventing an injury from recurring. The therapist will then design an exercise program tailored specific to the patient’s needs and abilities, and work.
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Therapy is often divided into distinct phases. The first comes immediately after surgery when the body part may be immobilized while pain and swelling subside. Then comes a series of progressively challenging exercises to restore range of motion, stability, and strength. The final goal is to return the patient to a pre-injury activity level.
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Post-operative treatments may specifically include:
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Strategies for pain reduction including modalities such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation
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Flexibility exercises to improve range of motion
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Exercises to strengthen muscles
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Posture, balance, and coordination training
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Gait analysis and training
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Manual therapy techniques
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Self-care training
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Home exercise instruction