Table Of Content

• Understanding The Role Of Physiotherapy After Surgery 
• The Benefits Of Physiotherapy After Surgery
• How Long Do You Need Physiotherapy After Surgery?
• Conclusion 

Understanding The Role Of Physiotherapy After Surgery 

Physiotherapy is essential for your speedy return to regular activities following surgery.

The primary purpose of physiotherapy after surgery is to hasten your recovery by avoiding or managing post-operative challenges and providing physical rehabilitation to help you return to premorbid activity levels. ¹

Physiotherapy begins before operation and continues during the acute and subacute post-operative phases. Depending on the procedure and your overall health, it may extend beyond hospital release into community-based or mobility treatment to help you return to regular activities of everyday life and function. ¹

There are various post-operational medical challenges, hence the need for physiotherapy. Here are different types of surgeries and their various post-operation challenges:

• Orthopedic surgery: discomfort, decreased strength, limited range of movement, postural issues, edema, balance and coordination problems
• Cardiac/thoracic surgery: pain, decreased exercise levels, breathing issues, limited mobility, and postural problems
• Neurological surgery: weakness, breathing difficulty, limited mobility, muscle shortening, loss of sensation.
• Abdominal surgery: pain, breathing difficulty, continence problems, decreased movement. ²

Other complications that might arise after operations are;

• Infection
• deep vein thrombosis
• Decreased lung function ²

The Benefits Of Physiotherapy After Surgery

Physiotherapy, often known as physical therapy, is a crucial post-operative care plan because it helps you regain movement, strength, function, and independence after surgery.

Physiotherapists use exercise, manual treatment, and education to maximize your healing process and improve your outcomes.

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Physiotherapy’s goals and practices may differ based on the type of surgery performed. However, some common objectives include the following:

• Pain management: After surgery, you may have pain and discomfort. Physiotherapists use manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and heat/cold therapy to reduce pain and enhance a comfortable recovery. ⁶
• Restoring mobility and increasing joint range of motion: Surgery can cause stiffness and restricted movement in the afflicted area. Physiotherapists will use exercises and stretches to reduce stiffness and techniques like mobilization or manipulation to improve your range of movement. ⁴
• Strengthening and reeducating the muscles: Surgery and prolonged immobility can cause muscle weakness and size reduction. Your Physiotherapist will strengthen the muscles with personalized exercise. ⁴
• Scar treatment: There are physiotherapy strategies to decrease scar tissue production while improving the look and flexibility of the scar. A physiotherapist may massage your scar tissues or use modalities such as ultrasound or laser. ³
• Complication prevention: Surgery can lead to complications like stiffness, contractures, and blood clots. Physical therapy is essential for preventing these costly and debilitating issues. ³
• Patient education and support: Besides hands-on therapies, physiotherapists give you vital teaching. After surgery, once simple tasks may become difficult. Your Physiotherapist will help you identify challenges and provide guidance on self-management, post-operative care, and lifestyle changes to enhance recovery. ⁴

The physiotherapy goals mentioned may take some time to accomplish.

How Long Do You Need Physiotherapy After Surgery?

The duration of your therapy can be determined by your motivation, the location of the surgery, your pain level, and the time it takes for the soft tissue and bone to heal.

A post-operation physical therapy plan typically lasts 8-12 weeks as the soft tissue and bones heal. Your commitment to exercising at home can significantly impact your recovery time and the overall duration of your treatment. ⁵

Finding the Right Physical Therapy After Surgery

Finding the correct facility is critical to ensuring you receive the best possible therapy and achieving the best results. At BODYMOTIONS PHYSIO LOUNGE, our physiotherapists have recorded incredible results in handling surgery-related challenges. You can contact us concerning any physiotherapy issues or inquiries.

Takeaway:

Physiotherapy is essential for a smooth and speedy recovery after surgery. It helps manage pain, restore mobility, strengthen muscles, prevent complications, and support overall healing. The duration of therapy varies but typically lasts 8-12 weeks, depending on individual factors and surgical procedures. Commitment to rehabilitation plays a key role in achieving optimal recovery.

References

Aldhuhoori, F. Z., Walton, L. M., Bairapareddy, K. C., Amaravadi, S. K., & Alaparthi, G. K. (2021). Physiotherapy Practice for Management of Patients Undergoing Upper Abdominal Surgery in United Arab Emirates – A National Survey. Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare, 14, 2513–2526. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S328528

Waleed Jubran Alkhaldei, Mazen Abdulaziz Bedaiwi, Sultan Fahad Madani, Raeed Abdullah Alghamdi, Kamil Mustafa Mohammed Kamil Hafiz, & Ammar Abdullah Abdulkarim mohammed. (2022). THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AFTER SURGERY. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 29(04), 2857-2859. https://doi.org/10.53555/jptcp.v29i04.5674