Post Surgical Rehabilitation

What is post-surgical rehabilitation?

Post-surgical rehabilitation is a physical therapy subspecialty that helps you heal after surgery. It uses various modalities to strengthen muscles, relieve pain, and help you return to your routine. 

Operative procedures take a significant toll on your body. Enrolling in post-surgical rehab afterward can reduce your risk of complications and help you return to your favorite activities sooner.

Why would I need post-surgical rehabilitation?

Surgery keeps you in bed for several days, sometimes weeks or months. Whether you underwent a joint replacement procedure or are recovering from a tendon/cartilage tear, healing takes time and effort. Post-surgical rehab aims to make the process easier by:

• Improving your movement and range of motion
• Strengthening your muscles
• Relieving pain
• Helping you move again

Post-surgical rehab also makes it easier to return to your routine. The Natural Health Sports Therapy team teaches you to master activities of daily living (ADL), like climbing stairs, getting dressed, and overall better mobility.

What does post-surgical rehabilitation involve?

The Natural Health Sports Therapy team tailors post-surgical rehab to your symptoms and needs. Most treatment plans include:

Manual therapy

Manual therapy (massage therapy) uses the hands or tools to manipulate your skin, muscles, and soft tissues beneath. Kneading and rubbing the skin and applying varying pressures increases circulation, relieves pain, and promotes healing.

Orthopedic rehabilitation

Orthopedic rehab uses stretches, strengthening exercises, and other therapeutic modalities to relieve pain and restore your normal range of motion.

Treatment is noninvasive and presents few risks. Attending regularly scheduled physical therapy appointments returns you to your favorite activities while reducing your risk of complications.

Strength training/Therapeutic Exercise

Sitting in a hospital bed drains your energy and affects muscle performance. Strength training rebuilds your muscle strength, endurance, and powder. This gets you back on your feet and returns you to your routine.

How long does post-surgical rehabilitation take?

The time post-surgical rehab takes will depend on the procedure you’re recovering from and your commitment to the treatment plan.

Recovery typically takes three to four weeks after minimally invasive surgery. However, recovery from open procedures, like hip replacements, can take several months.* To ensure that your recovery goes smoothly, attend each of your scheduled checkups, avoid rushing the process, and practice your stretching and strengthening exercises at home.

Call Natural Health Sports Therapy today to schedule a post-surgical rehabilitation appointment, or book your visit online.

*Individual results may vary.