One of the most rewarding things to look forward to after an orthopedic surgery is regaining mobility and independence that was previously compromised.

Orthopedic surgery is performed primarily on the musculoskeletal system of the body such as total joint replacements of the hip or knee, reconstructions of the ankle, elbow or knee or spinal surgeries, total shoulder replacements, rotator cuff tears, laminectomies and meniscectomies – all for which are advised post surgery rehabilitation.

Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process after an orthopedic surgery with the goal being to improve mobility and independence. A Physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who uses a holistic approach to relieve symptoms, manage pain and improve mobility through a combination of movement, strengthening and stability exercises, Gait (walking) re-education, manual therapy and other physiotherapy techniques such as acupuncture and ultrasound.

Physiotherapists practice treatment in a clinical environment, or in the comfort of the home. Physiotherapy at home can be useful for letting the Physiotherapist to understand day-to-day movements and improve confidence at home before moving on to bigger challenges. No matter where the patient goes for physiotherapy, the success in recovering from orthopedic surgery depends on the willingness to work hard at the physiotherapy sessions.

These are a few reasons why it is important to do Physiotherapy after your orthopedic operation:

• To Heal properly: Doctors prescribe Physiotherapy to ensure that the body heals properly after a surgery. PTs understand the different stages of healing and know how to progress the treatment program in a manner that will prevent injury or delay recovery time to enable the patient to return to his/her normal active lifestyle.
• Become Mobile again: Orthopedic surgeries require physical therapy to regain mobility and to get back to  daily activities whatever they may be. During physical therapy, patients are guided through range of motion exercises that help to break up any joint swelling and restore natural motion.
• Recover Faster: Rehabilitation helps the body in recovering much more quickly. By beginning physiotherapy as early as in the recovery room in the hospital can lead to quicker recoveries. Physical therapy exercises help restore and increase blood flow to the area that was operated on which helps the swelling that causes pain. By restoring blood flow, healing occurs at a faster rate.
• To gain Strength: It is common to have limbs and joints immobilized after an orthopedic surgery. Physiotherapy helps rebuild the muscle that have been immobilized and helps in preventing further or repeat injury. The strengthening exercises also improves overall health.
• Increase confidence: Suffering from an injury requiring orthopedic surgery can be an extremely stressful and traumatic. Physical therapy helps patients alleviate stress and increase confidence by helping them set goals and achieve those goals of mobility and independence.
• Safety: Trying to do too much exercises too soon or doing it at a wrong time could be detrimental to one’s recovery progress. Although many prefer to find articles on physiotherapy exercises online, it is no substitute for seeking professional help and opinion.

In addition to proper rest and medication, proper physiotherapy techniques and light exercises will put the patient in the right path to a quick healing process and long term success of the orthopedic surgery.

Sources:
Active – Orthopedic Sports & Medicine
Benton Physical Therapy