Undergoing surgery is a major event, and while it may resolve underlying medical issues, recovery can be a long and challenging process. This is where post-surgery rehabilitation through physiotherapy plays a crucial role. Physiotherapy helps patients regain strength, mobility, and function, facilitating a faster and more complete recovery. In this blog, we explore the many ways physiotherapy supports recovery after surgery.
1. Restores Mobility and Flexibility
After surgery, especially on joints or muscles, patients often experience stiffness and a loss of range of motion. Physiotherapists work with patients through specific exercises and stretches that target affected areas, helping restore flexibility and mobility over time.
“Patients recovering from knee surgery can benefit from gradual movement exercises designed to reduce stiffness and increase joint mobility, allowing them to walk more easily.”
2. Speeds Up the Healing Process
Physiotherapy helps in promoting blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging tissue regeneration. These effects speed up the healing process, reducing recovery time after surgery.
“By incorporating gentle exercises and therapies like manual manipulation, post-surgical swelling is reduced, which accelerates tissue repair.”
3. Strengthens Muscles and Reduces Atrophy
Prolonged inactivity after surgery can lead to muscle atrophy and weakness. Physiotherapy helps rebuild strength in the muscles through guided exercise programs that are tailored to the patient’s condition and abilities.
“After shoulder surgery, targeted resistance exercises are introduced to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder, preventing further injury and aiding recovery.”
4. Manages Pain Without Relying on Medication
Post-surgical pain is common, and many patients are prescribed painkillers. Physiotherapy provides an alternative way to manage pain through techniques like manual therapy, cold and heat application, and ultrasound therapy, reducing the need for long-term medication use.
“Manual therapy, such as soft tissue massage, can significantly reduce pain levels by releasing tension and promoting blood flow to the affected area.”
5. Prevents Complications
Post-surgery, patients are at risk of complications like blood clots, infections, or further injury due to immobility. Physiotherapists help minimize these risks by encouraging safe movement and mobility exercises early in the recovery process.
“Simple leg exercises after hip surgery help maintain blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots, which can be a serious post-operative concern.”
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