If you've undergone surgery, chances are you're experiencing pain, swelling, a loss of motion and bruising following the procedure. Getting moving after your surgery is one of the most important things you can do to help you return to your previous activity level. While your physical therapy is probably going to be tailored to your specific condition, the benefits are often similar. An adequate physical therapy protocol can help you recover from the procedure faster and with less stress than if you simply remained in bed.
Quicker Recovery
Getting moving right after your surgery can help improve the blood circulation to your injury. Since your circulatory system is responsible for delivering fuel throughout your body, this can help remove the fluid that builds up in your body and causes swelling following an operation. This increased blood flow can help deliver nutrients to your injury, helping you to heal faster. You may notice a period of soreness when performing the exercises initially, but the injury will heal faster if you get the blood flowing to the area.
Improved Strength
Exercising the part of your body that was operated on can help you increase the strength faster than if you simply remained in bed to recover. This improved strength is important because weakness in an area of your body can result in an increased likelihood of re-injury. Exercises that help you improve the strength after surgery can also help improve your overall health as well by making your heart pump a little harder.
Improved Range of Motion
If you had one of your joints surgically repaired there is a good chance that you're suffering from swelling and a limited range of motion.You may also be experiencing severe pain and a decreased ability to use the part of your body that suffered the injury requiring surgery. Exercises forcing you to move the limb as far as possible and fight through the pain can improve your healing time while providing you with the ability to move your injured limb. Exercises that help restore movement to the joint can also help prevent re-injury.
Stress Relief
Suffering an injury that requires surgery can be a stressful event in your life, and recovering from the surgery itself can result in stress and worry about your future. The exercises in physical therapy can have a benefit that goes far beyond simply restoring you to your previous activity level. These exercises can help restore your self-confidence by forcing you to do more than you thought was possible.
