Post Surgical Rehab
Surgeries can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, but in some cases are a necessary step towards healing and recovery. Surgeries help to alleviate pain, correct an injury or illness, and can save lives.
However, healing from a surgery can be complicated and come with their own challenges. During the period of recovery, the process can be frustrating, painful, and restrictive.
Our therapists are trained to help you regain your function and support you on your journey back to wellness.
surgeries that physiotherapists treat
Physiotherapists work with all kinds of surgeries:
1. Orthopedic Surgeries
Surgeries that involve the musculoskeletal system such as bone fractures, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, and skin.
2. Neurological Surgeries
Surgeries that involve brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.
3. Cardiothoracic Surgeries
Surgeries that involve the heart or lung.
4. General Surgeries
Surgeries in the abdomen including hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, and appendectomies.
5. Cancer Surgeries
Common cancer surgeries include breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.
6. Bariatric Surgeries
Weight-loss surgeries such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, and gastric banding.
7. Reconstructive Surgeries
Surgeries that correct birth defects or trauma, including hip dysplasia osteotomy and hand reconstruction surgeries.
Why Post Surgery rehab is important
Individualized Approach
No matter what type of surgery you have, post surgery rehab is essential to prevent compensations and ensure a successful recovery. During the assessment, your therapist will determine your limitations and create an individualized plan improve your strength, mobility and coordination.
Management Strategies
1. Post Surgical Management
Pain management: to increase comfort, reduce compensations, modulate the immune system, and improve quality of life.
Swelling and inflammation management: to speed up recovery times. Click here for more information regarding swelling and inflammation.
Wound care: guidance on safe management of surgical incisions and wounds to prevent infection.
2. Balance and Coordination Training
Balance and coordination are critical for maintaining functional mobility and preventing injuries in daily life. It is important for stable posture and controlled movement.
3. Scar Management
Use of techniques such as massage, cross-friction and stretching to help improve the appearance and mobility of scars.
4. Exercise Therapy
Range of motion: to maintain and gradually restore flexibility and mobility of affected structures.
Strengthening: to improve the activation and stability of the muscles around the surgical incision, which can restore optimal function and help reduce the risk of future injuries.
Breathing exercises: to improve lung function and prevent pneumonia post-surgery.
Low-impact aerobic exercise: to improve cardiovascular fitness and prevent early fatigue and muscle weakness.
Home exercise program: individualized exercise prescription to restore optimal and balanced movement.
5. Modalities
Acupuncture: use of thin needles to improve local and systemic function, regulate the nervous system, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Heat and cold therapy: to manage reduce pain and tension or control inflammation.
Electrostimulation: use of electrical currents to stimulate muscles and reduce pain.
Ultrasound: use of high-frequency sound waves to produce deep tissue heating to reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
Laser therapy: to improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
6. Education
To manage pain, prevent complications, and promote healing after surgery.