One question often asked by many patients after they leave surgery is whether physical therapy can help them recover quickly. Well, the concern is understandable given that after surgery, you would want to recover quickly and get back to your normal life.
While it is important to follow doctor’s orders and give your body sufficient rest to recover, it is also a good idea to attend physical therapy sessions. Physical therapy has the ability to help you regain your strength and mobility while accelerating the healing process.
Physical therapy is not just for those who have had orthopedic surgery such as knee or hip replacement. Anyone who’s had almost any type of surgery can benefit from physical therapy for several reasons including the following:
Physical Therapy Improves Mobility and Flexibility
After surgery, you may experience reduced strength and mobility in the affected area. You’ll also experience reduced flexibility due to inactivity.
With the help of a trained physical therapist, you will be able to gradually regain your strength and mobility using simple exercises and other treatments.
Improves Circulation and Promotes Healing
Physical therapy helps to accelerate the healing process by enhancing blood circulation. Keep in mind that blood carries oxygen and other nutrients to every part of your body.
Therefore, improving circulation in the affected area will not only promote faster healing but it can also reduce inflammation.
A physical therapist can help to improve circulation using simple massage or electrical stimulation techniques. When you increase blood flow to the injured area, this can also help to reduce pain and inflammation.
For Pain Relief After Surgery
Physical therapy after surgery may seem like a painful experience but it is not. Simple exercises and manual manipulation of muscles to improve circulation and restore muscle and joint function will also help in relieving pain.
There are instances where the pain is caused by inflammation that could be compressing the nerves. Physical therapy reduces inflammation and reduces pain while promoting healing.
Besides exercises, a physical therapist can use heat and ice to heat and cool the affected area and reduce swelling which could be causing pain.
Prevent the Development of Scar Tissue
Surgery might leave you with an external scar at the point of incision. The external scar is not of great concern as an internal scar, which might become painful and reduce mobility. Physical therapy helps to reduce scar tissue formation or soften the scar that forms to reduce pain and improve flexibility.
If scar tissue is not treated it can be very painful and even restrict movement. Physical therapists use various techniques to treat internal scarring on ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
They can soften the scar tissue that forms after surgery, improve flexibility, and promote a faster healing process. The therapist can use manual massage or in some cases use ultrasound therapy to get the desired results.
When Should You Start Physical Therapy After Surgery?
Your doctor will advise you on when the best time is to start physical therapy after surgery. Most doctors however recommend you start as soon as possible to prevent problems such as reduced blood flow to the affected area which can slow down healing or lead to weakened muscles.
Get Physical Therapy from Healing Therapeutics to Avoid Post Surgery Complications
It is important to start being active as soon as possible after you have undergone surgery. Moving your body promotes healing while avoiding post-surgery complications such as inflammation, blood clots, and infection. Physical therapy helps to maintain circulation and reduce complications.
Healing Therapeutics is a private practice that offers physical therapy in Port Chester and is committed to seeing you regain your health after surgery. We can help you achieve your goals through a customized physical therapy program suited to your unique conditions.
At Healing Therapeutics, you get a team of trained and experienced physical therapists in our Port Chester private practice that are ready to help you recover from a recent surgery. Our licensed physical therapists will work together with you to create a detailed rehabilitation plan. They will teach you everything you need to know about strengthening and stretching your muscles and regaining function.
If you or a loved one has undergone surgery and needs professional physical therapy treatment to promote healing, Healing Therapeutics is the right place to be. We also provide physical therapy services to assisted living facilities, senior housing communities, adult day cares, and home care settings among many others.
You can call us at (914) 939-3143 to book an appointment or speak to our highly trained and compassionate physical therapists. Check out our website here to learn more about the services we offer.
You can also contact us today for any questions you may have about our physical therapy services in Port Chester.
