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When recovering from surgery, post-operative physical therapy can be the key to recovering quicker and maintaining your strength. Not only can it help prevent complications and strengthen your muscles, but post-op physical therapy also plays a huge role in regaining your range of motion, improving your functionality, and even preventing or reducing pain.
Post-operative physical therapy is beneficial for a wide range of surgical procedures, although the need for post-operative physical therapy can vary depending on factors such as the type of surgery, the individual patient’s health status, and any specific functional goals or limitations.
Some common procedures that often require post-operative physical therapy include:
Procedures such as joint replacements, arthroscopic surgeries, and fracture repairs often require post-operative physical therapy to regain mobility, strength, and function.
Surgeries on the nervous system, including procedures like brain tumor resection, may require physical therapy to address issues such as mobility deficits, balance problems, and neurologic impairments.
Patients undergoing procedures such as breast reconstruction, skin grafts, or cosmetic surgeries may benefit from physical therapy to manage scar tissue, improve range of motion, and optimize function and appearance.
Patients who undergo weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery may benefit from physical therapy to address issues related to mobility, strength, and lifestyle modifications necessary for successful weight loss and maintenance.
The timing of when you can start physical therapy after surgery depends on several factors, including the type of surgery, your overall health, and the specific instructions from your surgeon. However, in many cases, even after major surgeries, it’s recommended to start physical therapy within a week of the procedure. Some may start as soon as the following day while you’re still in the hospital recovering.
It’s important to note that the beginning stages of your physical therapy journey will focus on gentle, controlled exercises to help you regain your range of motion and ensure you can move around independently as soon as possible. After some surgeries, your medical team may have you standing and moving around your room or taking strolls around the hospital floor as soon as your anesthetic wears off and you can stand steadily.