Post-Operative Rehabilitation
For a range of surgical procedures, including orthopaedic, cardiac, thoracic, neurological, and abdominal surgery, postoperative rehabilitation may be required. Physiotherapy can be used to treat a variety of postoperative side effects that are common to all surgical procedures.
Side Effects after operation
There will be:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Swelling
- Difficulty in breathing
- Reduced mobility
- Postural problem
How Physiotherapy will help in Post-Operation Rehabilitation?
- Reduce Side effects
- Enhance rehabilitation phases
- Shorter time to return to work/sport
Below will explain that how physiotherapist help post-operation patients in different rehabilitation phases
Post operative rehabilitation can be classified into 3 phases:
Recovery phase
The major goal of physical therapy during this stage is to recuperate and begin healing process. Physiotherapy is encouraged immediately after surgery or discharge to prevent secondary complications, such as stiffness and muscle wasting. To help patients walk earlier and recover joint function, physiotherapists do manual treatment and prescribe walking aids with usage instructions if needed. In this stage, simple activities are performed to re-establish muscular function without interfering with the healing process.
Functional phase
This is the last phase of post-operative rehabilitation physiotherapy, which will start to perform challenging exercises and regain independence. Physiotherapists will create an exercise regimen that is tailored to patient’s intended physical objectives, demands and lifestyle. Strength, flexibility, agility and coordination exercise will be included to prepare patient to return to full participation or back to pre-injury state.
Repair and Strength phase
During this stage, physiotherapists will advise challenging exercises and introduce some balance and proprioception activities, with the goal to regulate body’s mechanics and strength. This phase will also include manual therapy to regain complete joint range of motion. During this period, soft tissue manipulation will help you regain your mobility.
Prepared by:
Benny Chaw Jie Li
Your Physio Penang