Do you or someone you love have surgery coming up soon?
Whether it’s an elective procedure that’s been coming for a while, or an emergency fracture repair after a fall, surgery can be daunting.
Physiotherapy both before and after your operation is an important part of your surgical journey.
Pre-operative physiotherapy will help you prepare your body for what lies ahead, aiming to support your recovery and increase your chances of post-operative success.
Post-operative physiotherapy may help you prevent some complications, rehabilitate, and get back on your feet.
Our Valens Care physiotherapists can work closely with your surgical team, aiming to support the best outcome possible from your surgery.
Here we discuss some common surgeries where pre- and post-operative mobile physiotherapy care might provide benefits and what that care might involve.
Common surgeries requiring physiotherapy
Pre- and post-operative physiotherapy aims to improve, restore, and maintain your mobility, function, and well-being. Physiotherapists do this by helping you to optimise your physical health, and by supporting you to become actively involved in your rehabilitation.
Some of the most common procedures physiotherapists help with are orthopedic surgeries including:
- Total hip replacement
- Total knee replacement
- Hip arthroscopy
- Knee arthroscopy
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
- Shoulder replacement
- Rotator cuff repair
- Spinal fusion
- Spinal discectomy and decompression
- Ankle and foot surgery
- Achilles tendon repair
Physiotherapy may also be beneficial in other procedure’s including, sports injuries, cardiac procedures, and abdominal surgeries, just to name a few.
How can pre-operative physiotherapy help?
So, you’ve booked it in. Your surgery date is looming.
Perhaps you’re having a total knee replacement for that poor, worn-out knee?
Perhaps you’re having a spinal decompression for back pain that’s making your workdays torture.
A lot is riding on the outcome of your procedure. So let’s get ready.
There are several advantages to preparing with pre-operative physiotherapy:
- Improved strength and flexibility- strengthening the supporting muscles around the affected area could make a big difference to your pain levels and movement during recovery. Your physiotherapist will tailor an exercise program for you, aiming to make it easier for you to return to certain activities following surgery.
- Improved overall fitness- having a greater level of physical fitness may be an advantage when it comes to how well you will recover. Pre-operative exercise could help to decrease recovery time and the length of time you’ll need to stay in the hospital following some procedures
- Mental preparation- surgery can be emotionally challenging. Working with a physiotherapist and engaging in an exercise regime pre-operatively will not only help you to improve your physical fitness but may also help you mentally prepare for your procedure. We aim to help you feel more comfortable and confident with the process and ready to tackle your recovery head-on.
How can post-operative physiotherapy help?
So, your surgery’s done and dusted. You’ve come out the other side and you’re ready to leave that bothersome knee or back pain behind you!
Now let’s focus on the next crucial phase. Post-operative physiotherapy.
Just like pre-operative care, the benefits of post-operative physiotherapy are significant. This phase isn’t just about managing pain, it’s about getting you back to living your life.
Here’s how we can help.
- Managing pain- If you’re feeling a little uncomfortable following your operation, physiotherapy can offer several treatment options aiming to reduce pain and swelling depending on your circumstance. This may include ice therapy and gentle mobilisation.
- Restoring mobility and movement- You may be struggling a little to get around following surgery. This can be related both to the surgery itself and to pre-operative mobility limitations. Getting moving though is often essential for successful recovery, improving circulation and preventing some post-operative complications. Your physio can provide you with a customised treatment plan.
- Enhancing strength and balance- Building your strength back up and improving your balance are essential parts of post-operative physio. Our programs target specific muscle groups, gradually increasing intensity so you can regain strength and stability and get back to your regular routine with confidence.
- Returning to daily activities- Whether your goal is to get back to playing football or just to get back to pottering around the garden with your grandkids, post-operative physiotherapy aims to support you in returning to doing the things you love. We’ll work together to develop functional exercises that replicate your typical activities to help you transition smoothly.
- Preventing complications – Post-operative physiotherapy plays a crucial role in preventing certain complications like joint stiffness, muscle weakness, blood clots, and circulation issues. We use movement, massage, and other techniques to help you mitigate these risks as much as possible.
The Valens Care Difference
Your Valens Care physiotherapist will work with you before and after your surgery aiming to support your mobility and range of motion, improve your strength and balance, reduce pain and safeguard against complications.
If you’ve been recommended surgery, contact us today to arrange one of our physiotherapists to come visit you.
* All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Valens Care can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.
References
Australian Physiotherapy Association. (2023). Choose Physio for Pre and Post Surgery. https://choose.physio/your-wellbeing/pre-and-post-surgery
PhysioPedia. (2023). Physical Activity Pre and Post Surgery.
