If you have an upcoming surgery–primarily orthopedic surgery–you probably know that you’ll be spending quite some time in post-operative physical therapy. Full rehabilitation may take six months to upward of a year, depending on your procedure. Want to know what to expect? These comprehensive physical therapy guidelines can help you understand what’s ahead!
Physical therapy is a crucial piece of any orthopedic surgery. From minor procedures like carpal tunnel repairs to significant surgeries like a total knee replacement or an ACL reconstruction, it takes time to resolve pain and restore mobility, strength, and function after surgery.
At Rose City Physical Therapy, we have plenty of experience guiding patients through post-operative rehabilitation. We work closely with you, your surgeon, and other care team members to develop a personalized rehabilitation that addresses your needs and goals.
We also know you’re probably nervous about the surgery and what comes after. Hopefully, reading these comprehensive physical therapy guidelines will tell you what to expect!
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at our Portland, OR clinic.
Comprehensive Physical Therapy Guidelines: The Four Stages of Recovery
The first step in understanding your rehabilitation journey is the roadmap. Recovery after surgery is a progressive process in which you gradually incorporate more activity and intensity as you get stronger and more functional. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
- Week One After Surgery: The immediate phase after your surgery is the acute phase, during which you allow the surgical site to start to heal. You’ll focus on managing pain, reducing swelling, and getting used to mobility aids. Your surgeon will have provided you with early post-op instructions to follow.
- Weeks Two to Four After Surgery: At this point, the early healing phase is underway. Your body’s still healing from the surgery, but you’re well enough to begin outpatient physical therapy for most orthopedic surgeries. Your physical therapist will work with you on gentle range of motion and mobilization exercises to help prevent scar tissue formation (and potential movement restrictions), pain and inflammation management, and early motion and muscle activation, all dependent on your specific surgery and post-op allowances related to the surgery,
- Weeks Four To Seven After Surgery: Now you’re ready to move! During the movement phase, you’ll begin a more active exercise program focusing on mobility, range of motion, and early strengthening exercises. While this phase may be difficult initially, regular movement during this rehabilitation period can help reduce the risk of chronic pain and other impairments later on.
- Week Eight Onward After Surgery: Two to three months after your procedure, you’re probably starting to feel “healed,” but that doesn’t mean your rehabilitation is over. At this point, you’ll focus on restoring full motion if it hasn’t already been restored, promoting strength and functional movement, and ensuring you can return to your everyday life as good as new!
Comprehensive Physical Therapy Guidelines: Tips for A Successful Rehabilitation
Physical therapy after orthopedic surgery is a fairly involved process. It starts with emphasizing pain management, comfort, protecting the surgical site, and managing day-to-day tasks. Before you know it, you’re engaged in a dedicated strength training program. If you want a successful rehabilitation, try to keep these tips in mind!
- Get Moving Early On: Your body needs to move, so movement is essential to rehabilitation, and gentle stretches as early as the acute phase will help improve outcomes later. Our therapists can show you which exercises you can safely perform without injuring yourself.
- Try New Ways of Managing Pain: While pain medication will probably be necessary immediately after your surgery, physical therapy offers alternative techniques you can use later in your rehabilitation, such as manual therapy. These hands-on techniques reduce pain and can help improve mobility and promote blood circulation (which helps with overall healing).
- Remember the Progression: Never forget that rehabilitation is a progressive process, and you can’t jump ahead to strength training when you’re still healing. As a general rule, rehab follows a particular progression:
- Heal the surgical site
- Alleviate pain and minimize swelling
- Improve your mobility and range of motion
- Build strength
- Train for day-to-day movements (including balance and coordination)
- Train for work- or sports-specific movements
- Follow Your Physical Therapist’s Directions: Our physical therapists develop customized treatment plans for your specific surgery and rehabilitation goals. Every exercise aims to maximize your recovery and get results, so perform them as instructed! Don’t skip sessions, perform all assigned at-home workouts, and don’t try to sneak in your own training sessions.
Physical Therapy is Key to a Successful Recovery
The end goal of post-surgical rehabilitation is to help you become as strong and active as you were before the injury or condition that necessitated the surgery in the first place. These comprehensive physical therapy guidelines will help you achieve that goal.
If you’re a Portland, OR, resident scheduled for an upcoming orthopedic surgery, schedule an appointment with Rose City Physical Therapy today. Our therapists can offer personalized information about your rehabilitation journey and tell you precisely what you can expect!