Have you been told by your doctor that you require surgery? Such news is never easy to hear, but there are some things you can do to make the process go more smoothly and to help your recovery. It is important that you get proper post-surgical rehab—generally referred to as physical therapy.
To learn more about your options for post-surgical physical therapy, get in touch with our team of physical therapists in Wilmington, NC. We look forward to assisting with all your physical therapy needs!
Why is Physical Therapy so Important Following Surgery?
There are many different types of surgeries, each of which has a specific impact on your body that must be carefully considered and addressed. Obviously, some surgeries are more invasive than others. But what almost all surgeries have in common is that they cause physical damage—damage that physical therapy is designed to repair as effectively as possible.
Whether you are having a simple arthroscopic procedure or a more involved surgery like a knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, or rotator cuff repair, you are going to need physical therapy afterward to get you back on your feet.
Some of the Surgeries We Can Help Rehabilitate
Although this is not an extensive list, here are some of the procedures we often see at our Wilmington, NC clinic:
Shoulder
- Rotator cuff repair
- Arthroscopy
- Bankart Repair
- Total shoulder arthroplasty
- Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
Elbow
- UCL reconstruction
- Distal Biceps Repair
Wrist
- ORIF for distal radius fracture
Hip
- Total hip arthroplasty
- Arthroscopy for labral repair
- ORIF for hip or femur fracture
Knee
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair
- Meniscectomy
- Total knee arthroplasty
Foot and Ankle
- Ankle stabilization surgery
- Achilles tendon repair
- Hindfoot fusion
- ORIF for ankle fracture
- Bunion correction
Why Choose Post-Surgical Rehabilitation at Shoreline Physical Therapy?
The vast majority of surgeries result in symptoms like inflammation, pain, loss of mobility, and swelling. Many of these symptoms may have existed before the surgery as well, which is why you have to get surgery in the first place.
After surgery, you may face new difficulties like struggling to stand, walk, sit, or dress. Your doctor may also instruct you not to do other activities or movements after the surgery. Physical therapy is designed to address all these issues and teach you what you need to know and how you need to move after your surgery.
For example, some of your doctor’s instructions may be a bit confusing. The doctor may tell you to avoid bearing weight at all or to partially avoid bearing weight on your limb. Instructions can get even more technical, like telling you to follow “posterior hip precautions.” How are you supposed to follow these instructions? And how do you follow instructions that you do not even really understand to begin with?
Post-surgical rehab will cover everything you require after surgery, including clarifying medical terminology and helping you learn how to move without causing additional damage. Furthermore, our team follows established surgical protocols and will communicate with your surgeon throughout your care to ensure you see the best possible outcome.
There is plenty of evidence that rehab is effective, so you can rest assured that your hard work will pay off. Our non-invasive approach has the additional benefit of not requiring pharmaceuticals to get results. You get maximum results with minimal side effects.
How Does Post-Surgical Rehab with a Physical Therapist Work?
Working with a qualified physical therapist is one of the best things you can do after surgery. Each [site-name] physical therapist is an expert in how the human body works and what is required to recover from an injury. They can accomplish a lot through targeted exercises and training, including:
- Helping to limit the inflammation, pain, and swelling you experience
- Lessen the development of scar tissue and help wounds heal more quickly
- Assist in improving circulation, gaining strength, and increasing your range of motion
- Aid you in regaining functional mobility, which allows you to do the things you love and need to do, like hobbies, sports, and work tasks
- Teach you how to use tools and adaptive equipment as needed for any changes you experience following surgery
Your physical therapist will conduct a careful examination after surgery to determine your current condition. He or she will create a routine that includes exercises targeted towards your needs and guide you through those exercises. Physical therapists have numerous exercises, approaches, and specialized pieces of equipment to help you achieve your recovery goals.
Each patient’s goals will vary, but rest assured, the Shoreline Physical Therapy staff will work with you to help you achieve whatever matters most to you, whether that means getting back to work, walking your dog, or regaining your explosiveness to return to competitive sports.
The time it takes for you to recover will depend on multiple factors, including your specific surgery and your level of fitness before surgery. Physical therapy before surgery (often called “prehab”) can also improve your recovery time.
Learn More About Post-Surgical Rehab in Wilmington, NC Today
If you are undergoing surgery, our team would love to help with your recovery. Please call Shoreline Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained physical therapists today.
For more information, contact us at our Wilmington, NC location.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.