Physical Therapy After Surgery: 4 Ways To Speed Up Recovery

It is well-known that regular exercise and physical therapy help prevent numerous health conditions and complications. Physical therapy after surgery is a great way of reducing or even avoiding medication. Physical therapy helps you recover faster and slows down or even reverses some health conditions.

If you have had an operation, physical therapy can help you recover your mobility, independence, and self-esteem more quickly. Doctors generally recommend physical therapy after surgery because they are well aware of its physical and mental health benefits.

Check out these four ways such therapy speeds up recovery after surgery.

Therapist helping elderly woman with Alzheimer's in physical therapy after surgery to speed up the recovery

Physical Therapy After Surgery Helps Restore Balance

This therapy after operation strengthens muscles and bones, improves coordination and balance, and makes you feel better in yourself, too. Therapists can assist you with yoga, pilates and tai chi movements which are excellent ways of improving your balance. Physical therapists can guide and monitor you and make sure you do your calisthenics in the safest possible way.

Falls are very common in elderly people and can lead to a rapid deterioration in overall health and well-being. So, any exercises or routines that gradually build up your strength and coordination reduce your risk of having a fall. Restoring your balance after surgery is a key aim of any post-operative therapy.

Physical Therapy helps ease swelling

After an operation you may be more prone to an inflammation or swelling. Physical therapy after surgery improves circulation and your mood, as well as toning your muscles. Smooth movement routines have a range of health benefits and help reduce any swellings.

Therapists deal with swellings in the legs or arms through elevation, by raising the limb or limbs above the level of the heart. This helps drain any excess fluids and reduces the swelling. This technique, combined with motion exercises and very light massage, can make all the difference.

PT aids pain management

You may think that physical therapy after surgery might be too painful to try. However, most doctors recommend light physical exercise shortly after surgery to speed up your recovery and ease pain. Exercising through a little bit of discomfort stimulates the body’s natural painkillers and helps you manage your pain.

Active physical therapy for pain relief includes strengthening exercises, aerobic exercises, and movement activities, including stretching. Ice packs and massage are examples of passive physical therapies to relieve pain.

Physical therapy prevents further complications after surgery

Post-operative complications are always a risk, especially in elderly or frail people. Gentle, supervised exercises which gradually build up your mobility and independence can also reduce that risk. However, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about any questions and concerns you may have with physical therapy after surgery.

The information above is for educational purpose. Seek medical advice immediately if you think you have any complications after your operation.

We at Fairview Rehab and Nursing Home in Queens NY offer outpatient and inpatient physical therapy and other restorative therapies for patients after surgery. Contact us if you would like to find out more about our post-surgery care and rehabilitation services.

This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.