Why Pre and Post Op Physical Therapy?
Set yourself up for success with both pre and post-operative physical therapy.
If you’re facing surgery, you might have a mix of emotions – anticipation, a bit of worry, and a strong desire to get back to your normal life as quickly as possible. Physical therapy can make a big difference in that journey, both before and after your surgery. Studies show that pre-operative exercises and strengthening programs can be effective in reducing complications and length of hospital stay in post-operative situations.
At Iberia Sports & Rehab, we can help you prepare your body for the challenges of surgery and guide you through the best possible recovery. Our experienced PTs will arm you with strength, knowledge, and preparation to help you before and after your procedure.
Help prepare yourself for a successful surgical outcome with pre and post-operative physical therapy.
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Track Your Pre & Post-Op PT Progress
Why Both Pre and Post-surgery Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in achieving your surgical and recovery goals, both before and after your procedure. Pre-surgery PT focuses on improving your strength, range of motion, and overall fitness to prepare your body for the surgical process. Afterward, physical therapy guides your rehabilitation process by:
- Reducing pain
- Restoring motion
- Eliminating swelling
- Rebuilding strength
- Helping you regain functional independence
Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy
Pre-surgical Physical Therapy, sometimes referred to as “Prehab,” aims to optimize your physical condition before surgery for a smooth recovery and successful outcome.
- Improved Strength and Range of Motion: Strengthen the muscles and maximize your range of motion in and around the surgical area.
- Reduced Pain and Inflammation: Manage existing discomfort and reduce or eliminate inflammation to support successful post-operative healing.
- Education and Preparation: Learn what to expect from the post-operative experience, like physical therapy exercises, how to use assistive devices, and adjustments you can make beforehand to safely navigate your home environment.
Patients who undergo pre-surgical education and physical therapy programs often experience lower levels of anxiety compared to those who don’t prepare in this way. By understanding what lies ahead and feeling equipped with knowledge and strength, patients often feel more empowered and can improve emotional well-being throughout the process.
Post-Operative Physical Therapy
Post-surgery physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. Our PTs will help you regain your normal movement patterns, rebuild strength, and restore overall function. Our goal is to support your body’s natural healing process by using the following:
- Pain Management: Our PTs use techniques like manual therapy and modalities to reduce post-operative pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Reduce Swelling and Scar Tissue Management: We will use targeted hands-on treatments, including joint mobilizations with targeted exercises to help reduce swelling, minimize scar tissue formation, and restore range of motion to avoid limitations in overall movement.
- Improved Strength: Progressive strengthening exercise programs restore stability and normal function and prevent complications.
- Functional Training: Retrain your normal movement patterns and improve your coordination and body awareness to facilitate a successful return to independence.
Pre and Post-op Physical Therapy with Iberia Sports & Rehab
Our physical therapists design every pre and post-op program based on individual needs and goals. At your first appointment, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history and existing condition to understand the details of your upcoming surgery. Then, we’ll discuss your questions and concerns and set achievable goals for success.
If you or a loved one is considering surgery or have scheduled an upcoming procedure, give us a call today. We’ll schedule your first appointment and discuss how our pre and post-op physical therapy program can help you.
Pain Management Through Physical Therapy Techniques
After surgery, pain is often an unavoidable part of the healing and recovery process. Fortunately, physical therapy offers essential tools to help you find relief and promote recovery without long-term reliance on medication.
Our physical therapists are experts in identifying the root cause of your pain and will develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate it.
Some techniques that our physical therapists use to address post-surgical pain include:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and swelling, mobilize joints and soft tissue, and ensure circulation and lymph drainage to facilitate healing and overall recovery.
- Targeted Exercises: Guided movements to improve joint range of motion, enhance soft tissue mobility, and restore function.
- Strengthening Muscles: Progressive exercises to strengthen muscles and support the surrounding joints for short and long-term relief.
Our physical therapists will also empower you to manage your pain with exercises and self-care techniques you can use in between sessions. As you become stronger and more mobile, your reliance on pain medication can naturally decrease to promote a sustainable healing and recovery process.
Sources: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Exercise_and_Activity_in_Pain_Management
Exercise of the Month
Median Nerve Glide
(Arms, Nerve Mobility)
Stand tall with your arm extended in front of you at shoulder height, palm facing up. Use your opposite hand to gently grasp your thumb. Slowly extend your wrist and fingers back. Return to the starting position with control. Perform the motion gently and smoothly.
3 Sets, 10 Reps (each arm). (Materials needed: none)
Peking-style Beef
Sticky, sweet and savory minced beef cooked until glossy and caramelised. This makes for a quick fakeaway dinner that’s faster and cheaper than delivery.
Ingredients:
SAUCE
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp Chinese five-spice (optional)
BEEF
- 1 tbsp light olive oil
- 1 lb regular ground beef
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water
TO SERVE
- Steamed jasmine rice
- 2 cucumbers, peeled into ribbons
- 2 spring scallions, thinly sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- Make the sauce – In a jug or small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Cook the beef – Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan over high heat. Add the beef, break it up (so it covers more of the surface area of the pan), and allow it to cook, untouched, for at least 5–6 minutes – this will allow the beef to brown and develop crispy edges. Flip it, further breaking it apart with your spatula, and cook for a further 1–2 minutes or until cooked through.
- Add the garlic and ginger – Stir the garlic and ginger in, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add the sauce – Pour the sauce over the beef and simmer for 1–2 minutes to coat the beef.
- Thicken the sauce – Stir in the cornflour and water mixture. Cook for 30–60 seconds until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.
- Serve – Spoon over rice and top with cucumber ribbons, spring onion, sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil.