Better results after surgery with physical therapy

Last month during National Chiropractic and Physical Therapy month, we focused on sharing the incredible benefits of these modalities. We even covered utilizing physical therapy as an option instead of surgery. But did you know that physical therapy can also be really beneficial for your after-surgery care? Here are the top 5 ways that you can benefit from physical therapy after surgery!

1. Heal faster after surgery

Physical therapy’s focus is on the muscular system of the body and stretching and strengthening these muscles and nerves. Because most surgeries focus on addressing the muscular system, physical therapy is an excellent complement, as your physical therapist can help ensure that any repairs or replacements will heal properly. A lot of people actually chose physical therapy as a way to avoid opioid medications and help limit complications after surgery.

2. Movin’ and groovin’

According to In Motion O.C., one of the best medicines is actually moving and exercise! Your body is intended to move, stretch, and get stronger as time goes on. Your physical therapist can guide you on how to move after surgery with a unique treatment plan. They may use techniques such as strengthening and stretching exercises and myofascial release to help enhance your mobility after your surgery and get you movin’ and groovin’ in no time.

3. Ice, ice, (and heat) baby!

That’s right, your physical therapist can and will utilize ice or heat to help you with your injury or surgical site. After a surgical operation your body can experience pain, soreness or general discomfort at the surgical site or around. Depending on what your particular condition is, your physical therapist will know the correct method to help reduce the pain in your muscles and joints in a conservative way- usually without medication. The movements and activities your physical therapist prescribes can help reduce the swelling and inflammation, which is a common cause of pain post-surgery.

4. Scar tissue after surgery

Many patients have some concerns about how the surgery will impact their skin and aesthetics. Sometimes a surgery can provide a pretty epic battle scar that you may not want! By utilizing the tools that they have, such as an ultrasound machine or even just manual massage, your physical therapist can help decrease scar tissue by breaking up the tissue that builds at the surgical site. Scar tissue is usually responsible for restrictive and painful movements that your physical therapist can help reduce. Breaking these down in a safe environment with a trained professional (like those here at our BC + PT practice) is just another step in the healing process.

5. Why does everything have to be so complicated??

Surgery and complications are two words that can sometimes go hand in hand. Surgical complications like blood clots and infections can have you asking yourself, “Why does everything have to be so complicated?” Good news - it doesn’t! Physical therapy can actually reduce your risk of surgical complications. All that extra movement we’ve talked about helps reduce your risk of infection or complications.

6. BONUS: 1:1 human interaction

Think about it- surgery (hopefully!) is a one-time operation. While you may see your surgeon once or twice, you may have questions about your healing process, and there aren’t many people to turn to. Your physical therapist and all of their years of experience and knowledge is there to help you, and is with you every appointment providing 1:1 attention to help you heal. Think of them as an extra member of your support system that you can rely on for questions and professional advice.

Physical therapy is a great way to help the healing process after surgery. With the extra attention, exercise, and special techniques, the physical therapy team at BC + PT is happy to help you on your recovery journey. To schedule your first appointment, give us a call or fill out this form to take the next step for your well being! Stop waiting, start healing!