After orthopedic surgery, such as hip replacement or arthroscopic knee surgery, physical therapy is an important part of your recovery. Getting surgically repaired areas moving again is important in terms of improving circulation to those regions, preventing muscular atrophy, regaining range of motion and generally improving strength and flexibility. The timing and intensity of your physical therapy should be directed by your doctor and trained therapists who know how to help you reach your goals without overdoing it and possibly re-injuring your bones and joints.
Physical Therapy Overview
Physical therapy involves much more than exercising and testing your surgically repaired joints or other areas. Patient education is a key element, because once supervised therapy ends, you will likely be on your own to continue doing the exercises necessary to continue your recovery. You will likely be directed to out-patient therapy soon after your release from the hospital after surgery, though some physical therapy may have begun while you were still in the hospital, depending on the nature of your condition. Physical therapy also includes approaches to pain reduction and management, as well as any lifestyle adjustments you may have to make, such as walking with a cane.
Specialized Help
If you have had hand surgery, for example, you should participate in physical therapy at a hand rehabilitation center or at least do your work under the supervision of a hand rehab specialist. Likewise, if your surgery requires extensive therapy to help you with your walking strength and gait, you should be doing your rehab in a facility equipped with the proper devices and staffed by therapists and nurses skilled in that field. Physical therapists, as part of their professional continuing education, participate in specialized training and can obtain certificates that acknowledge their expertise and experience in specific aspects of orthopedics. Your recovery can go more smoothly and more quickly if you are treated by professionals skilled in the type of therapy you require.
Elements of Physical Therapy
Depending on the nature of your orthopedic surgery and your individual needs, your physical therapy may include massage, balance training, posture and body mechanics training, aqua therapy in a swimming pool, and even traditional strength training exercises. Physical therapy after orthopedic surgery can be made more complicated if you have other medical conditions. For example, a Parkinson's patient who has difficulty walking may take longer to recover from knee or foot surgery, while an arthritis patient may be compromised in some of the strength workouts. It's important that you let your doctor, therapists and all healthcare providers know all about your medical history and current condition, as well as any symptoms or difficulties you may be having with your therapy. Adjustments can be made to accommodate many extenuating circumstances.
Benefits of Starting Early
While much of the focus on orthopedic physical therapy is on regaining strength and range of motion, as well as helping you return to all of your normal activities without pain or limitations, post-surgical therapy has other equally important goals. Getting you to move your legs soon after hip surgery, for instance, helps improve circulation throughout your lower extremities and reduces your risk of blood clots. And the more you can follow your therapist's instructions and push through the pain and discomfort early on, the sooner you will start reducing the pain you feel and the faster you'll be back on your feet.
