What are the 5 benefits of Post Surgery Physical Therapy?

Accelerated Recovery
After surgery, it’s common to experience a reduced range of motion and strength in the affected area. Physical therapy is designed to restore these functions efficiently, helping you return to your daily activities sooner.

Effective Pain Management
Physical therapy employs various techniques to alleviate pain, potentially reducing the need for narcotic pain medications. This approach not only addresses discomfort but also promotes a safer recovery process.

Preventive Complications
Engaging in guided physical therapy can lower the risks of post-surgical complications such as blood clots, joint stiffness, and muscle atrophy. Regular movement and targeted exercises are key to maintaining overall health during recovery.

Personalized Protocol Management
Post-surgical recovery often comes with specific guidelines, known as surgical protocols, which can be complex and challenging to interpret on your own. A physical therapist will help you understand and follow these protocols, ensuring you progress appropriately without risking reinjury.

Comprehensive Education and Support
It’s natural to have questions and concerns after surgery. Physical therapists provide personalized care plans and take the time to address your individual needs, offering guidance and support throughout your recovery journey.

What to expect?

Session Length:
Most physical therapy sessions last about 60 minutes, with your initial evaluation taking a bit longer. Every treatment session is customized to your specific needs, and we can adjust based on your progress and schedule.

Manual Therapy:
Swelling and stiffness are common after surgery, but hands-on manual therapy techniques can help. Your physical therapist will use specialized methods to reduce swelling, ease muscle tension, and improve your range of motion.

Modalities for Pain Relief:
Depending on your needs, treatments like ice, heat, and electrical stimulation may be used to help manage pain and reduce inflammation. These modalities are often applied at the beginning or end of your session to support your recovery.

Personalized Exercise Program:
Your recovery plan will include a customized set of exercises focused on improving your range of motion, strength, and overall mobility. Whether your goal is walking comfortably or returning to a favorite sport, we’ll tailor your exercises to help you get back to the activities you love.

Home Exercise Program (HEP):
Physical therapy is typically done 1-3 times per week, but your progress depends on what you do outside of the clinic, too. You’ll receive a structured home exercise program (HEP) with clear instructions on how to perform each movement, including recommended sets, reps, and frequency. Following your HEP consistently is key to optimizing your recovery.

What surgeries generally respond best to Physical Therapy?

Foot and Ankle

• Ankle ligaments repair
• Bunionectomy
• Achilles Tendon Repair
• Tibia and Fibula fractures

Wrist and Elbow 

• Bicep Repair
• Carpal tunnel
• Radial and Ulnar fractures

The length of physical therapy depends on the type of surgery and how your body heals. Most rehab plans last 6 to 12 weeks, but some conditions take longer:

• Knees: 12 to 16 weeks to return to running or high-impact activities
• Shoulders: 8 to 16 weeks for strength and restoring ROM
• Ankles: 8 to 12 weeks for stability and ability to participate in high-level activities.
• Hips: 8 to 12 weeks for improved movement and strength
• Backs: 6 to 8 weeks for pain relief and mobility

Your progress depends on factors like your specific procedure, how well you follow your rehab plan, and your overall health. Your physical therapist will guide you through each step to ensure a safe and efficient recovery.

At Bushnell Physical Therapy, our team of experienced providers, are dedicated to guiding you through a personalized post-surgical rehabilitation plan. We combine hands-on manual therapy with targeted therapeutic exercises to ensure a swift and effective recovery. Recognizing that each patient’s needs are unique, we craft individualized treatment plans that focus on restoring your strength and mobility, enabling you to return to the activities you love.  We communicate with surgeons to make sure we are following the protocols they have established and ultimately work as a team to create the best post-surgical care we can.

Recently we had a patient that came into the clinic following a total knee replacement. Five days after surgery he came into physical therapy for the first time struggling with high levels of pain and stiffness in his knee. He expressed being worried about his knee and not knowing what he could or should be doing. During his first visit, his knee was examined and he was given a personalized plan of care. This plan focused on hands-on manual therapy techniques to manage his swelling and tight muscles, while exercises were given to work on range of motion and improve strength. He was also given education on what exercises he should be doing at home as well as what to do and avoid over the next few weeks. Later, he expressed that even from the first session he started to feel relief from the exercises and had less anxiety and worry as he had a clear plan and direction. Over the next few weeks his ROM normalized, his swelling decreased, and he was able to walk without a walker or a cane.

Recovering from surgery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.