Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Recovering from surgery can be a challenging journey, but post-surgical rehabilitation offers a path to faster and more effective healing. At Imperial Physical Therapy P.C., our goal is to help patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence after surgery.

Why Rehabilitation Matters

Post-surgery rehabilitation is vital for:

  • Reducing Pain and Swelling: Controlled movement and manual techniques help manage inflammation.

  • Restoring Mobility: Therapists use joint mobilization and stretching to regain range of motion.

  • Preventing Complications: Early rehabilitation minimizes risks like scar tissue formation and muscle atrophy (Tedesco et al., 2021).

What to Expect During Rehab

  • Initial Evaluation: A thorough assessment to understand your surgical history, current limitations, and recovery goals.

  • Progressive Exercises: A customized plan starting with gentle exercises that gradually increase in intensity as healing progresses.

  • Pain Management Strategies: Techniques such as ice therapy, TENS units, and manual therapy to alleviate discomfort.

Tips for Preparing for Rehab

  1. Set Realistic Goals: Understand that recovery takes time and progress is gradual.

  2. Follow Instructions: Adhere to weight-bearing restrictions or other guidelines from your surgeon and therapist.

  3. Prepare Your Home: Arrange for assistive devices like walkers or grab bars if needed.

Conclusion

Post-surgical rehabilitation is a crucial step in achieving a full recovery. Our skilled therapists are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition back to your daily activities. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward recovery.


References

  • Tedesco, D., Gori, D., Desai, K. R., Asch, S. M., Carroll, C. L., & Nuckols, T. K. (2021). Pain management after surgery. BMJ, 372, n264. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n264

Previous
Previous

Understanding Geriatric Physical Therapy: Improving Quality of Life as We Age

Next
Next

Fall Prevention 101: Simple Tips for Staying Safe at Home