Post-operative Physical Therapy
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What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is essential to help regain strength and mobility after surgery to return you to your previous level of function. Physical therapy can help with pain control. Physical therapists also educate you on how to perform activities of daily living such as:
- Dressing
- Showering
- Cooking safely
When Should You Start Physical Therapy After Surgery?
When you start physical therapy after surgery depends on your surgeon’s preference. Some have you begin physical therapy the next day; some have you wait four to six weeks. The important thing to remember is there is no right or wrong answer, and both have pros and cons. Six months to a year post-operatively, most patients are at the same point in their recovery no matter when they started physical therapy.
What is Post-Operative Physical Therapy?
Patient is hospital bed after surgery
Post-operative, post-op physical therapy is physical therapy designed to help you heal after surgery. Physical therapists (and occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and athletic trainers) work with your physician following specific post-operative precautions to help you heal and reduce the risk of reinjury. Your therapist will follow a specific protocol designed by your physician to allow optimal tissue healing. At the same time, you regain range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination.
How Long is Post-Operative Physical Therapy?
The length of post-surgery physical therapy is different for everyone. Every surgery has a different recovery timeline; some can be as short as few weeks, where others can take a year or longer. Many people do not attend physical therapy for the entire year. They can work with their physical therapist and develop a home exercise program to help them achieve their goals. Typically physical therapy for a total joint replacement or rotator cuff repair is about three to four months. But again, there is a vast range of “normal.”
Should I Do Physical Therapy After Surgery?
The quick answer is that is depends on the surgery. If you are healthy and active and need a same-day procedure, you may not need physical therapy. But if the surgery limits your mobility or requires any bed rest, physical therapy can help to reduce the risk of other complications.
Orthopedic surgeries typically require post-op physical therapy or occupational therapy for the best outcome.
Why Are Physical Therapists Important?
Physical therapists are here to help you. We want you to return to the activities you want to do. Whether it is a pain-free walking through the grocery store, keeping up with grandkids, or returning to competitive sports, we are here to help you achieve your goals safely and reduce your risk of reinjury.
Physical Therapist with Geriatric Patient
Does Physical Therapy Hurt?
Post-operative physical therapy may be uncomfortable at times, but only on rare occasions is it truly painful (usually to those who don’t come to physical therapy as recommended and develop a lot of scar tissue causing decreased mobility). Be honest with your therapist, and often things can be modified to make physical therapy an enjoyable experience.
Plus, most people say the atmosphere at JOI Rehabilitation is pretty fun. It is much more enjoyable to be going through the process with others. You will meet many other patients and often develop good camaraderie and encourage each other through the post-operative physical therapy rehabilitation process.
Related Articles:
- Physical Therapy FAQ
- Speaking our Language: Basic Physical Therapy Terms
- How to do Physical Therapy at Home
If you have recently had a shoulder surgery then JOI Rehab can help! Watch our video on Dressing the Upper Body after a Shoulder Injury or Surgery
Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.
You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.
To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.