What do you think of when you hear the word ‘physical therapy?’ What is post-operative physical therapy and how does it help after major surgery or injury? Post-op physical therapy helps patients who have undergone surgery recover as quickly as possible while still continuing with their important daily activities. It not only helps minimize the development of scar tissue but also helps to reduce a patient’s pain and recovery time.
Post-op physical therapy includes a variety of exercises that help patients restore movement, strength, and flexibility. Of course, it depends on the type of surgery you have but post-operative care typically begins immediately after surgery.
The Role of Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of the physical therapy process for pre-op and post-op physical therapy. It takes time to heal after an injury even when you’ve completed much-needed surgery.
After surgery or injury, it’s not uncommon for a patient’s range of motion to diminish. This could be caused by inflammation or pain, but it could be because of scar tissue and decreased muscle mass. This is where post-op physical therapy comes into play when you need to increase your range of motion, reduce pain, and increase your quality of life.
What to Expect from Post-Op Physical Therapy Treatment
- Flexibility & strengthening exercises
- Manual at-home therapy techniques
- Balance Training
- Build or rebuild muscle
- Prevent & minimize the formation of scar tissue
- Speed up recovery time
- Reduce pain
How Long Does Physical Therapy Last After Surgery?
After surgery or injury, physical therapy is used to help aid in the healing process. You’ll generally have physical therapy appointments a few weeks to a few months after surgery. But the path to a full recovery does not stop there – it can take quite a while to heal depending on the amount of scarring and the type of tissue affected.
Your physical therapist will provide further guidance on exercises and techniques to improve your recovery process. It’s important to seek out a physical therapist as soon as possible following your operation in order to prevent any further injury down the line.
About The GreenFields Continuing Care Community
If you’re looking for a physical therapist, The GreenFields Rehab & Rehabilitation Center can help.
At GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center, treatment programs are designed specifically for each individual and provided in a state-of-the-art facility which includes a full-sized pool. Services available include skilled nursing, respite care, and subacute and outpatient rehabilitation such as physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy.
GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center is a part of The GreenFields Continuing Care Community, also located in Lancaster. The GreenFields provides for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of their residents in a Christian environment. In addition to GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center, The GreenFields offers a variety of living arrangements and support levels based on individual needs. This includes independent living apartments in GreenField Manor; assisted living apartments in GreenField Court; and memory care and enhanced assisted living in GreenField Terrace.
