Post-surgery physical therapy isn’t always considered a priority. After all, if you fixed the problem with surgery, why is more treatment required?

However, though the offending culprit may have been removed or corrected, the body doesn’t necessarily fully return to normal function following orthopedic surgery.

Seeing a physical therapist after surgery can be incredibly beneficial. Consider the top ways PT can enhance the recovery process:

Restoring Movement

Following surgery, joints and muscles often become stiff and no longer have a full range of motion, resulting in restrictions with your daily activities. The limited motion is partially due to tightening of the tissue encapsulating the joint and restrictive adhesions or scar tissue leading to immobilization. This tissue does not loosen to pre-surgical levels on its own and requires skilled manual techniques to encourage regular flexibility.

Regaining Strength and Stability

Another reason functional motion is limited post-surgery is due to muscle weakness and inhibition. Pain and swelling from surgery can cause some muscles to shut down and others to act guarded and inefficient. Physical therapy addresses muscle imbalances by strengthening weak or inhibited muscles and retraining movement patterns. Strength training is essential to avoid developing bad habits and compensatory patterns that may cause more problems in the future.

Enhanced Healing

PT can help you regain normal movement while facilitating the body’s natural healing process. Physical therapists provide many techniques and hands-on treatments to:

  • Improve blood flow;
  • Control swelling;
  • Minimize scar adhesions;
  • Maximize soft tissue flexibility; and
  • Restore ordinary joint mechanics.

Physical therapists are also trained to observe signs of infection or complications like blood clots. In short, physical therapy can help the body recover faster and with fewer setbacks.

Fast-Track Your Recovery

After surgery, you need a competent professional to guide you through the rehabilitation process.

At SetPT, we are here to help you get back to Living Life Your Way. Contact us today to get on the road to a full recovery!