Orthopedic surgery can be physically traumatizing to your body, necessitating a thorough recovery plan. If you are planning for surgery, it is important to think about physical therapy before and after the operation. Most people know that post-operative physical therapy is mandatory. However, pre-operative physical therapy is lesser known. It can set the tone for a successful outcome after surgery.

In this post, we will explain the benefits of pre-operative physical therapy. We will also discuss post-surgical physical therapy and how to find the best physical therapy options for your needs. With a successful surgery and a great healthcare team, you'll place yourself in a position to achieve the most optimal outcomes possible.

Benefits of Pre-Operative Physical Therapy for Orthopedic Surgery

Pre-operative physical therapy takes place prior to undergoing your surgery. After a traumatic injury like an ACL or meniscus tear, you might want to schedule surgery immediately for faster rehabilitation. However, most surgeons usually recommend waiting 1–4 weeks because the knee can be too stiff and inflamed immediately after the injury.

Performing surgery on an overly stiff joint can lead to a difficult and painful rehabilitation process. This typically leads to a grueling recovery. Therefore, many patients go to a physical therapist for pre-operative physical therapy.

Before your surgical date, physical therapists will focus on restoring your range of motion and reducing your pain and inflammation. A good therapist will speak with your surgeon at this stage to offer updates on your progress. Once your inflammation and range of motion are under control, then the surgeon will be ready for the procedure.

Don't skip out on pre-operative physical therapy. Taking the time to invest in your pre-op care can pay off in dividends. It'll give you a better chance of having a successful and smooth post-op recovery. So don't forget to ask your doctor about whether this could be beneficial in your case – it just might make all the difference.

The Benefits of Post-Surgery Physical Therapy

Physical therapy after surgery helps patients recover and regain full functionality. The benefits of post-surgery physical therapy are vast. It relieves pain, prevents further injuries and complications, speeds up healing and recovery, improves mobility, manages stress on weak areas of the body, maintains muscle balance, and improves overall fitness. Physical therapists are an invaluable resource for educating patients on maintaining correct posture during the recovery process. By taking proactive steps towards rehabilitation after surgery through physical therapy, patients can experience a more successful recovery.

When should I start physical therapy?

Physical therapy is mandatory after most orthopedic surgeries. Without proper physical therapy, patients risk permanent loss of mobility and function. Surgery day will be the most important single-day event. But, it's the time you spend in physical therapy afterward that determines how your body will regain its function. A comprehensive post-operative plan by an experienced physical therapist will greatly enhance your recovery process, allowing you to achieve the most optimal results.

Before surgery day, we recommend asking the surgeon when to begin physical therapy and to make your appointment as soon as possible. Many physical therapists are unable to provide guaranteed appointments within the same week. Some health providers will recommend physical therapy immediately after the operation, and others require the patient to wait 4–6 weeks to begin physical therapy. A key factor includes what type of surgery you had.

What are Physical Therapy Treatments Like?

On day one, your physical therapist should go over your history, and your goals, and then perform a thorough evaluation. The initial visit should focus on prioritizing education. The patients should have a clear understanding of what happened during their surgery, and where they are in the recovery process. The physical therapist should gradually focus on:

The time it takes to recover is different for everyone. Each surgery has its own protocol. It's important to find a physical therapist who is familiar with the surgery and its nuances during recovery. If you progress too quickly, you may risk re-injury. If you progress too slowly, you can fall behind in the recovery process.

Choosing the Right Physical Therapist

Not every physical therapist is the same. We recommend finding a physical therapist who is familiar with the orthopedic surgery that you have received. Each surgery has specific protocols to help guide the recovery and your physical therapist should know the protocols and their variations. So, we recommend doing some research and speaking to your prospective physical therapist about some of their experiences.

What You Need to Know

Recovering from orthopedic surgery is challenging and requires a carefully planned physical therapy plan before and after the operation. The role of physical therapy in optimizing recovery from orthopedic surgery is crucial. It not only enhances the healing process, but also effectively reduces swelling, pain, and stiffness. Additionally, physical therapy prevents muscle atrophy and aids in the restoration of muscle strength.

At Caliber PT, our team of expert NYC physical therapists provides specialized care to assist with the healing process of pre- and post-orthopedic surgery. Recovering from orthopedic surgery is challenging and requires a carefully planned physical therapy plan before and after the operation.

The role of physical therapy in optimizing recovery from orthopedic surgery is crucial. It not only enhances the healing process, but also effectively reduces swelling, pain, and stiffness. Additionally, physical therapy prevents muscle atrophy and aids in the restoration of muscle strength. Schedule an appointment with our NYC physical therapists at Caliber PT today to experience the benefits of our specialized care.