Do I need physical therapy after surgery?
After having surgery physical therapy can help improve your recovery time with better outcomes! All physical therapy treatments are designed based on each individual’s needs, but will be set around certain guidelines depending on the type of surgery.
Some surgeries such as ACL or rotator cuff repairs have set guidelines with goals that should be met before progressing to the next phase. All of these interventions are customized to fit an individual’s progress, qualities and needs.
There are criteria after all surgeries that are taken to protect the surgical site:
- Maximum (up to 6 weeks) – protection of tissue and depending on the surgery this phase may consist of immobilization, gentle range of motion, and muscle setting to avoid atrophy
- Moderate (4-12 weeks) – during this phase there is less inflammation, tenderness and pain allowing for progressions of range of motion, stability, strength and control.
- Minimal (6 weeks to 6 months) – full or almost full range of motion, improved joint stability and functional strength will occur during this phase
Why should you get physical therapy after surgery?
- Education on the recovery process and self management
- An individualized therapy program based on the guidelines set for the specific surgery you received to address:
- Decrease pain, swelling, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, improve scar mobility
- Improve atrophy with proper muscle setting and progressions of exercises
- Maintain range of motion and function of surrounding joints
- Get you back to doing the things you love faster and safer!
By Lindy VanDerBogart, PTA
