What is post surgical rehabilitation?

It is a specially designed program to re-establish muscle strength and joint function, prevent respiratory and vascular complications, increase mobility, and give the patient confidence to live a full life again.  Physical therapy is the primary tool to achieve these goals and return to normal activities. It's vital to keep in mind that rehabilitation after surgery can take a very long time, from a couple of months to a full year, so it's not a quick fix. It depends on the surgery and its outcomes how long each program will last.

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Most Common Surgeries:

• orthopaedic (bone, joint, and muscles)

• obstetric and gynecological (postnatal, hysterectomy, etc.)

• spinal and neurological (disc repairs and replacements, brain surgery, spinal)

• abdominal and thoracic (lungs, heart, liver, gastrointestinal system, and other organs)

• breast (resections and reconstructions)

• urological (bladder and prostate)

Goals:

• Pain management

• Improved circulation and range of motion

• Increased strength

• Functional restoration

• Improved confidence and independence

Treatments:

• Focus on restoring movement, strength, and flexibility through exercises, stretches, and other techniques 

• Hands-on techniques like massage and manipulation to improve joint mobility and reduce pain 

• May include heat, ice, electrical stimulation and TENS, or other therapies to manage pain and inflammation 

Progress:

• Days 1-7: Focuses on pain management, wound care, and early mobilization.

• Weeks 1-4: Gradual increase in range of motion and strengthening exercises.

• Weeks 4-8: Continued strengthening and balance training.

• Weeks 8-12 and beyond: Focusing on functional restoration and return to pre-surgery activities. 

Remember:

• Rehabilitation programs should be tailored to the specific needs of each patient. 

• Exercise intensity and duration should be gradually increased to avoid overexertion and injury. 

• Patients should be educated about the rehabilitation process and how to safely progress. 

• Pain management strategies should be implemented to ensure a comfortable and effective rehabilitation experience. 

• Patients may need to continue exercising and practicing healthy habits to maintain their progress. 

Once you're discharged from the hospital this is where the road to recovery begins. Your therapist will create an individual treatment plan that will help you recover and improve your range of motion, coordination, and strength. The end goal of this is for you to resume your usual activities as much as possible, get back to work and live a fulfilled life.