Your physical therapy program may begin anywhere from a week to several months before your surgery is scheduled, depending upon the type of surgery that’s required. It will encompass strengthening of key muscle groups and the cardiovascular system. At-home exercises may be prescribed.
Your physical therapy will include treatments to improve your balance, coordination, endurance and posture. If you’ll require a mobility aid following surgery, you’ll receive instruction in its proper use, enabling you to be mobile as soon as possible.
If edema is a problem your physical therapist has treatments that can aid in reducing fluid retention and aid the body with detoxification. Multiple therapies are available to help maintain range of motion and reduce stress. Massage therapy is often used with physical therapy to get the best results.
A pre-surgery physical therapy program will be individualized to meet your needs of the specific type of surgery you’ll undergo. The therapy program will be carefully crafted to help you maintain flexibility and better physical conditioning for healing.
The stronger you are at the time of surgery and the more you know, the better equipped you’ll be both physically and mentally for the rehabilitation stage. Properly prepared, your body will heal faster and be ready to meet the challenges of returning to full functionality.
Most people think of physical therapy in regard to rehabilitation following surgery, but it’s also beneficial for preparing the body to undergo a surgical procedure. It’s effective for aiding in quicker recovery times, decreasing the potential for complications, and reducing the care required after surgery - especially in major procedures such as joint replacements.
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