How Physical Therapy Can Help After Surgery

Physical therapy can help to facilitate healing after surgery.

Physical therapy is an important part of post-surgery recovery – especially for those who have had surgery for an orthopedic injury, where physical therapy is often necessary in order to return to the sport or previous level of activity.

Physical therapy involves using a specific therapy, such as massage, stretching, or exercise to help facilitate healing and give you the best chance of recovery. In most cases, it’s best to start physical therapy as soon as possible after surgery. This will help you to heal faster, prevent stiffness or swelling in the area.

Here’s how physical therapy can help you to heal, and regain strength and movement after surgery.

Reduces Swelling

After surgery, the main focus is getting your blood circulating properly around the area. Physical therapy can improve blood circulation, and as a direct result –help to reduce the swelling that occurs after surgery.

Increases Range of Motion and Strengthening

After surgery, the muscles tend to become stiff. Physical therapy can help to increase your range of motion, including exercises that can help to improve your overall strength and mobility. It can help you regain flexibility and strength that was lost due to injury or surgery.

Pain Reduction

Physical therapy can also help with pain reduction post-surgery. Methods that can be used to help with pain management include electrical stimulation, nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and short wave diathermy –or, heat therapy.

There are a wider variety of different types of physical therapy that can be used –including everything from massage to help promote blood circulation, to core strengthening exercises. The type of therapy that’s right for you will depend on what kind of injury you sustained and what therapy your therapist feels will be most beneficial for your condition.

If you are considering orthopedic surgery, be sure to ask your orthopedic surgeon about physical therapy. At Blackstone Orthopedics, our physical therapists at our offices in Pawtucket, Lincoln, Bristol, RI, and Attleboro, MA work with patients to help restore a full range of motion and a return to everyday activities following an injury or surgery. Contact us today to learn more.

Contact us today for a consultation, diagnosis, and treatment plan.