Why Physical Therapy is Key to Your Post-Surgery Recovery

If you’re planning to have orthopedic surgery, physical therapy (PT) will likely be an important part of your recovery. 

 PT is more than just a series of exercises — it’s a personalized and guided process for regaining your strength, mobility, and confidence after surgery. 

Let’s take a deeper look at a few reasons why PT is so important for a smooth and successful recovery.  

The Benefits of PT

1. Regained Strength and Mobility Not only will your body need time to heal after surgery, but it will also require movement so you can rebuild strength and restore mobility. Your physical therapist will design specific exercises to target your weakened muscles, joints, and ligaments, helping you regain function safely and effectively.  
2. Reduced Pain and Swelling While it’s normal to experience pain and swelling after surgery, various PT techniques can help minimize discomfort. Also, as you strengthen your body and improve your range of motion, your overall pain levels can decrease naturally.  
3. Prevention of Stiffness and Scar Tissue Staying Immoble during recovery can lead to stiffness and a buildup of scar tissue, which can hinder your movement. PT helps maintain the flexibility in your joints and soft tissue, ensuring you have better long-term outcomes.  
4. Faster Recovery Time The sooner you can move safely, the faster you’ll be able to get back to your normal life. Staying active under the guidance of a physical therapist promotes better blood flow and reduces complications, helping you recover more quickly. 
5. Restored Balance and Coordination Surgery can affect your balance and coordination, especially if it involves your legs, back, or spine. PT includes exercises to rebuild your stability, helping you move with confidence and avoid falls.  
6. Emotional Support Recovering from surgery can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re feeling frustrated or anxious about your recovery. PT provides you with structure, support, and encouragement, helping you stay motivated and positive throughout your journey.

What To Expect

During your initial visit, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition and create a personalized recovery plan. 

This plan can include:  

• Targeted exercises to build your strength, flexibility, and balance  
• Hands-on therapy techniques to reduce your pain and improve your mobility  
• Education on proper movement and self-care at home  
• Tracking your progress and adjusting your plan as you heal and get stronger 

Why Your Participation is Important

Physical therapy isn’t something that happens to you. It’s an important collaboration between you and your therapist. 

For starters, recovery takes commitment. The more you stick to your prescribed program, the faster you will rebuild your strength and mobility.  

Neglecting physical therapy can lead to complications like stiffness, chronic pain, or reduced function. By following your PT plan, you’re taking control of your recovery and preventing complications.

Lastly, PT doesn’t just help you recover, it can also help you learn how to care for your body. You’ll learn proper posture, safe movement techniques, and ways to avoid reinjury, empowering you to stay healthy on a long-term basis.  

DOC’s physical therapists have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions involving the neck, spine, shoulders, pelvis, joints, and upper and lower extremities. They employ the latest, proven physical therapy techniques to help speed your recovery, continually assessing which techniques provide the best results. Click here to find a physical therapy specialist at DOC. Click here to book an appointment.