Post Surgical physical therapy rehabilitation

 

For a tailored recovery plan, consult our licensed physical therapist who can adapt general strategies to individual needs and surgical requirements.  

 

Post-surgical physical therapy is instrumental in reclaiming one’s pre-surgery life, whether for everyday activities or specific athletic goals. Engaging fully with the PT program, practicing exercises at home, and monitoring one’s body can lead to a safer, quicker, and more complete recovery.

Purpose of post-surgical rehabilitation is to restore mobility, strength, and function after surgery. Whether it is orthopedic, cardiovascular, or neurological surgery, physical therapy plays a crucial role in the healing process.

 

What type of post-surgical rehabilitation programs do you offer?

 

• Joint replacement surgeries

• Ligament reconstruction

• Spinal surgeries

• Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) surgeries

• Amputation surgeries

• Head , neck, peripheral  cancer surgeries

• Fracture repairs- Open Reduction Internal Fixation( ORIF)

• Complex trauma surgeries Sports injury surgeries

• Brain surgeries

• Peripheral nerve repair surgeries  

 

Benefits of post-surgical rehabilitation  

 

In general: Post-surgical physical therapy helps to: 

1. Reduce Pain and Swelling: Controlled movement and gentle exercises can alleviate pain and decrease swelling, minimizing complications like stiffness. 

2. Restore Range of Motion (ROM): PT improves flexibility and ROM, helping patients regain full use of the affected area. 

3. Prevent Scar Tissue Formation: Scar tissue can limit movement, and targeted exercises can help break it down. 

4. Enhance Strength and Stability: Strengthening weakened muscles around the surgical area is critical to regaining stability and preventing re-injury. 

5. Boost Circulation: Gentle exercises and movements improve blood flow, speeding up the recovery process. 

 

Phases of Post-Surgical Rehabilitation  

 

These phases are generalized, and may not be specific to your surgical condition. There are different protocols for rehabilitation depending on your surgical procedure, extent of the surgery and the body part involved. We  follow instructions from your surgeon.  

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Phase 1: Initial Healing (Days 1–7) 

Goals: Protect the surgical area, reduce pain and swelling, and initiate gentle movement. 

Approach: Use of assistive devices like crutches or braces, gentle range of motion exercises, and cryotherapy (cold therapy). 

Exercises: 

• Passive ROM exercises under supervision. 

• Isometric contractions to activate muscles without moving the joint. 

 

Phase 2: Early Mobility (Weeks 1–6) 

Goals: Increase mobility and begin basic strengthening exercises. 

Approach: Progress to active-assisted and active ROM exercises, gradually introducing low-impact activities. 

Exercises: 

• Active ROM exercises such as gentle joint rotations. 

• Light weight-bearing exercises to build tolerance and begin muscle engagement. 

 

Phase 3: Strengthening and Endurance (Weeks 6–12) 

Goals: Improve strength, endurance, and functional abilities. 

Approach: Focus on strengthening the muscles around the surgical area to prepare for daily activities. 

Exercises: 

• Progressive resistance training with weights or bands. 

• Balance and proprioception exercises to enhance stability. 

 

Phase 4: Functional Training (Months 3–6+) 

Goals: Return to regular activities and sports, if applicable. 

Approach: Exercises mimic daily or sport-specific activities to restore full function. 

Exercises: 

• Advanced stability and agility drills, e.g. single leg stance. 

• Functional training, such as squats or lunges for lower-body surgeries.