When you wake up from a surgery, you may not know what’s next, and while you aren’t likely jumping out of bed ready to hit the slopes, you’ll soon be visiting us as your road to recovery begins. Post-surgery rehabilitation is a crucial step in the recovery process, helping individuals regain mobility, strength, function and reduce the risk of complications. To ensure the best outcomes, we recommend these best practices for post-op rehab.
1. Start Early, But Follow the Surgeon’s Protocol
Early movement is vital, but post-surgical rehabilitation must follow the surgeon’s specific guidelines. These protocols depend on the surgery type and the patient’s condition. We often collaborate with physicians and surgeons to determine when therapy should start. For example, some surgeries require immediate passive movement, while others necessitate a more extended rest period before beginning any rehab exercises. Patients should always follow the timeline provided by both their surgeon and therapist for a speedy recovery.
2. Gradual Progression
Post-surgical rehab should begin with gentle, controlled exercises focusing on pain management, swelling reduction, and mobility restoration. As recovery progresses, we will introduce exercises to restore strength, balance, and coordination. The key is gradual progression—pushing too hard, too fast can lead to setbacks, while moving too slowly might delay recovery. The therapists at Canyon Sports Therapy continuously adjust exercise intensity based on the patient’s progress.
3. Communication with the Surgeon
Effective communication between the therapist and the surgeon is essential. Regular updates from the therapist regarding the patient’s progress help the surgeon assess if the healing process is on track. Surgeons may also adjust restrictions or modify rehab protocols based on the patient’s unique response to the surgery. This collaboration ensures that the patient receives the best, personalized care without compromising their recovery timeline.
4. Avoiding Opioids and Managing Pain Holistically
One of the key roles of a physical therapist is to help manage postoperative pain without relying on prescription medications, particularly opioids. Techniques such as manual therapy, joint mobilizations, massage and modalities like cold therapy or dry needling can provide pain relief while reducing the risk of drug dependency. Patients can safely manage their pain and recovery through these safe holistic approaches.
5. Functional Recovery Focus
Post-surgical rehabilitation isn’t just about healing the surgical site but also about helping patients regain their independence and mental health. At Canyon Sports Therapy, we design rehab programs that focus on restoring functional movements, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of bed or simply rising from a chair. For example, patients recovering from joint replacements or spinal surgeries often need to relearn these basic tasks while adhering to post-surgical restrictions. We help patients practice these movements safely to prevent complications and re-injury.
6. Patient Education and Self-Care
An essential aspect of post-surgical rehab is patient education. We make it a priority to educate patients on the importance of following home exercise programs, understanding movement limitations, and maintaining proper posture. These educational aspects help ensure long-term recovery and prevent future injuries. Another key aspect to recovery is following the guidance on how to reduce inflammation through dietary food choices, rest, and appropriate activity levels.
By working closely with a physical therapist and following the guidance of both physical therapists and surgeons, patients can enjoy a smoother and safer post-surgical recovery. This plan ensures that patients regain their strength and function efficiently while minimizing complications and promoting long-term health.For more information, check out Canyon Sports Therapy’s post-surgical rehab page.
