Surgery is capable of helping heal torn tissues, stabilise the joints, or even rectify an issue that was limiting movement. However, when the surgery is done, there comes another critical stage, which is recovering your range of motion and function. And here is where the Post-Surgical Rehabilitation becomes a very important process.
The process of recovery cannot always be a matter of healing an incision made during surgery. Sometimes muscles get weaker, movement patterns become different and performing usual tasks seems difficult because of prolonged immobility. This is where a program of rehabilitation can help.
Whatever the aim of rehabilitation – going back to work, being able to walk or do physical exercises, doing daily chores – rehabilitation has to be customised according to the patient's needs and cannot be generic.
What Happens After Surgery?
The body requires some time for healing; however, recovery is a bit more complex than just healing of tissues.
Decreased strength: Limited physical activity following surgery could result in decreased strength of the muscles.
Reduced mobility: Swelling and pain could result in limited mobility for some individuals.
Loss of confidence: Some patients could lose confidence in the affected body part because of fear of causing harm.
Challenging daily living: Simple things such as dressing, using the stairs or getting back to work may prove challenging.
All these things are possible, although they shouldn’t be neglected.
Rehabilitation Should Follow Your Recovery, Not a Template
The process of rehabilitation will be refined by the body's reaction to treatment and exercises.
Initial stages: The areas of concern could focus on managing swelling, restoring safe movement and being physically active.
Middle stages: The exercises can concentrate on strength, flexibility, balance and coordination.
Late stages: The treatment can now be more focused on returning to work, sporting activity or other forms of physical activity.
Exercise modification: As progress is made, exercises need to be modified.
In the case of someone looking for Physio Concord, this approach will certainly prove useful in getting back to normal activities.
Why Progressive Exercise Matters
Rest is indeed an important part after the surgery, lack of movement for too much time may cause other issues as well.
Building of muscles: Physical activities will help in building the weakened muscles.
Mobility: Exercises will also help in regaining mobility of muscles and joints.
Stability: Balance exercises can be included in order to improve one’s stability.
Tolerance: Exercises will allow gradual building of tolerance to physical activity.
An interesting example is the patient returning to work after surgery on the lower limbs. This patient can walk only short distances, but cannot stand up for long periods of time. In this case, the rehabilitation program can be aimed at building tolerance and strength of the legs.
Avoid the “Too Much, Too Soon” Trap
It is easy to make the mistake of thinking that feeling better implies being physically capable of unlimited activity.
Be aware of medical limitations: All surgical limitations need to come first.
Increase gradually: An increase in intensity at an uncontrolled rate will either worsen symptoms or delay recovery.
Note symptoms: Any pain or inflammation needs to be reported to the medical staff.
Look at functional abilities: Progress needs to be based on the level of activity that can be achieved, and not the amount of exercise.
Effective rehabilitation is about finding the right balance—not the toughest exercise you can do.
Choosing the Right Rehabilitation Support
Rehabilitation quality may affect the level of confidence that one feels throughout recovery.
For Burwood Physiotherapy, ensure that it is a service that:
Evaluates the movement and the extent to which your function is affected.
Plans the treatment with respect to the procedure and your goals.
Revisits your progress instead of sticking to the same program.
Monitors your progress instead of sticking to one program.
In addition, a Burwood Physio can assist in filling the gap between the recovery exercises and the physical requirements of your occupation, pastime or sport.
Conclusion
While surgery may be able to treat the actual cause of the problem, recovery is a long-term process that follows well beyond the actual surgery itself. It is a process whereby strength, mobility, confidence, and ability must be rebuilt over time, as well as in a properly graduated manner. Lower Back Pain Rehabilitation, for example, may need to take into consideration the movements, strength and daily activities where surgery has been done to the spine and the surrounding areas.
Rehabilitation is not just about getting through the program. Rehabilitation is about regaining your capacity and confidence to live your life post-surgery.
FAQs
Q1. When should I start physiotherapy following my surgery?
This is dependent on the type of surgery as well as on the instructions of your surgeon. Some types of surgery will allow for physiotherapy to begin soon after, whereas some will require a longer period before any rehabilitation is done.
Q2. Can you feel pain in rehabilitation treatment?
Certainly, there will be some pain caused by the exercises being done; if not, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider about this issue.
Q3. How long is the physiotherapy going to last following surgery?
Depending on the nature of the surgery, as well as the health and fitness levels of the patient before the surgery, the rehabilitation may last a few weeks to several months.
Q4. Can physiotherapy prevent complications in the future after surgery?
Physiotherapy will definitely assist you in building up your strength and mobility, which is necessary to return to normal life. Your particular risks and results should be clarified with your medical team.
Q5. Should I continue physiotherapy if I feel better?
Even though you feel better, that doesn’t mean that all strength and function have been restored. Consultation with professionals will help you understand if you’re ready to proceed with your activities.
Take the Next Step in Your Recovery
If you have undergone surgery and need help with returning to normal activity in an organised manner, then Medphys Rehabilitation can assist you with knowing what to do next in the course of your recovery.
To get professional assistance with rehabilitation, call 0422-785-958 for a consultation.
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