Physiotherapy is an important part of the post-surgical rehabilitation process. It involves personalised exercise prescribed after a surgery, to assist the recovery and restoration of body functions. This plays an extremely important role in helping patients to get the most benefit out of their surgery.
At Physio & Sole Clinic, our physiotherapists are committed to providing customised post-operative rehab plans that begin by first educating you on your condition. With this knowledge in hand, we will guide you through the necessary rehab exercises to improve your post-surgical injury so you can get back to your normal routine sooner.
How can a Physiotherapist help?
- Depending on the kind of surgery performed, our physiotherapist will analyse the patient’s body type, physical fitness and tissue conditions before developing a uniquely tailored training programme.
Exercise therapy typically focuses on:
- Muscle activation, facilitation at the incision area
- Weakened muscles due to nerve problems pre- and post-surgery
- Core and hip muscles that provide overall stability to other joints
- Individualised physiotherapy can help in areas where the patient’s mobility and flexibility have become limited due to surgery. We are well-trained to select safe movements that can help these affected joints and muscles regain mobility in the safest and fastest possible way. We work closely with surgeons to develop individualised exercise guidelines that optimise recovery.
Our physiotherapists can provide this treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Surgical Rehab
HOW DOES PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP RECOVERY?
Remember that surgery is just one step in the healing process. If you are scheduled for surgery or have recently undergone surgery, it is important to understand how physiotherapy can help to improve your range of motion and muscle strength.
Post-surgical physiotherapy is critical if you are looking to make a full recovery and prevent your injury from recurring. This can be through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education on how to best manage your condition. Make sure to keep your physiotherapist informed on any improvements during these sessions. Based on your progress, they may revise the rehab plan and its frequency to match your recovery status.
Apart from regular physiotherapy sessions in the clinic, your physiotherapist may also advise you to do some of the rehab exercises at home. As such, make it a point to follow the post-operative instructions closely to work towards injury prevention.
CAN I DO PHYSIOTHERAPY AT HOME?
Yes, you can. However, before you get to this stage, it is crucial that you are doing the exercises correctly. It is common for patients to make mistakes in their post-surgical rehab, which can slow down their healing process or even unknowingly cause more damage. With this in mind, be sure to check with your physiotherapist to make sure you are following their instructions and using the right techniques.
WHEN SHOULD I START PHYSIOTHERAPY AFTER SURGERY?
In most cases, physiotherapy can begin a few days after your surgery. However, do speak with your physiotherapist about the appropriate time to start physiotherapy for your individual case.
HOW LONG DOES PHYSIOTHERAPY TAKE TO WORK?
The duration of your physiotherapy will depend on your post-surgery condition. As healing after surgery is a complicated process that involves bones, muscles and soft tissues, expect that it may take some time before you can regain proper joint motion.
CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY CAUSE PAIN?
You may experience slight discomfort after undergoing physiotherapy sessions, especially if the treatment is intense. Your muscles may also feel weak or shaky after the session. That being said, while it is common to experience some degree of soreness after physiotherapy, it should not be painful. The soreness will also fade away after a few days. However, do not hesitate to let your physiotherapist know of any concerns you might have so they can adjust the rehab plan for you.
WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY TREAT?
The goal of physiotherapy is to restore movement and function, as well as reduce pain. Apart from post-operative physiotherapy, some of the most common conditions that this treatment can help with include ankle sprains, frozen shoulders, lower back pain and tennis elbow. If you are experiencing any problems with movement or function, it can be worth talking to a physiotherapist about whether physiotherapy may be the right treatment for you.
