Physical therapy can help treat a variety of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. It can be particularly beneficial following orthopedic surgery to help restore physical function, strength, and mobility, and prevent further injury, allowing you to get you back to your normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists are specialists who carry out therapeutic exercises and manual therapy to reduce pain as well as help restore and maintain physical function and mobility in many areas of the body, such as the hips and knees. If you require orthopedic surgery, your physical therapist can work with you to design a customized treatment program following surgery that is tailored to meet your specific needs and assist in your recovery.
Physical therapy can include a variety of treatments and therapeutic interventions, which can include strengthening exercises, soft tissue rehab and joint mobilization, manual and non-manual therapeutic modalities, and functional exercise to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and alleviate pain.
Physical Therapy Post-Surgery
Sometimes orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacement, cannot be avoided. Physical therapy can be very beneficial pre- and post-surgery to ensure you are in the best physical condition to cope with surgery, and that your recovery is a success. Physical therapy is a key part of recovery post-surgery because it helps speed up your recovery and get you back to doing the activities you enjoy as quickly as possible. Physical therapy can specifically help to:
- Restore normal movement
- Increase strength in a joint and the surrounding muscles
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve circulation (particularly straight after surgery in order to prevent blood clots)
- Speed up the healing process
- Improve balance and coordination
- Prevent future injuries
Maintaining movement following orthopedic surgery is very important. Physical therapy often starts immediately after orthopedic surgery to prevent stiffness, keep the area mobile, and encourage healing. Therapy may last for several weeks depending on the type of surgery you have done. In the early stages following surgery, your therapist may equip you with crutches, a cane, frame, or another assistive device to help make life easier and prevent injury. You will be taught gentle exercises to improve mobility and flexibility. This will help you to comfortably carry out normal day to day activities, such as standing, walking, getting dressed, or moving.
Therapeutic exercises and treatments, such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation can help to relieve pain, reduce aching, promote healing, mobilize joints and soft tissue, and restore function in a joint or muscle. It can also help to improve circulation and prevent pain from returning.
Your therapist will work with you to design a personalized rehabilitation program, tailored to meet your specific needs and requirements. You will also be given a home exercise program following surgery to aid in your recovery. Rehabilitation is a gradual process, which includes different phases of healing and is designed to go at your pace. Physical therapy programs work to:
- Restore motion – You will gradually progress from passive therapy to active range of motion exercises.
- Strengthen and stabilize – Involving a variety of exercises and the use of various equipment to stabilize and strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Exercises will be increased gradually over time.
- Prevent future injuries – The final stage of therapy concentrates on techniques to improve coordination, strength, and function, enabling you to carry out daily tasks and activities in a safe way.
Preventive Care
If your orthopedic surgery is a result of a sporting related injury, such as a ligament or muscle tear, your physical therapist can help to improve your technique and show you exercises to focus on strengthening weak or vulnerable areas. This will ensure you can get back to your sport safely and prevent future injuries from occurring.
Physical Therapy in Clinton Township, MI
If you require physical therapy services for an orthopedic injury, talk to the experts at Movement Orthopedics. Our team members are all licensed professionals offering therapeutic exercises and manual therapy treatment services in our office. We offer rehabilitation to treat your condition, or as a pre- or post-op healing modality.
For more information about our physical therapy services, please call us at (586) 488-2440 or you can use our convenient online appointment request form. If you require advanced orthopedic care, call our Clinton Township office today.
