After surgery, healing and recovering should be a top priority. There are several methods you can use to get yourself back to optimal function. Knowing the advantages of physical therapy for post-surgery recovery can help you make the best choice for yourself.
Optimize Scar Tissue Formation
One of the consequences after a surgical procedure is the formation of unorganized or excessive scar tissue. This can cause swelling and reduce your mobility in the area. You want your incision and surrounding tissue to heal as an organized cell matrix which is flexible, strong and well vascularized. If left untreated, surgical incisions will often heal as an unorganized cell matrix which is tight, weak, and poorly vascularized. Receiving physical therapy can help you optimize the formation of this tissue in the initial phase after the surgery or even remodel it in the future if it has healed poorly. It’s never too late for a do-over!
Eliminate Swelling
The right kind of physical therapy after a surgical procedure can completely eliminate forms of swelling such as edema, lymphedema, and joint effusion. These conditions often develop after surgery and can contribute to pain and reduced function. A swollen knee, ankle, or shoulder which persists after a surgery can make life miserable! But physical therapy treatments such as manual lymph drainage, ASTYM, low dose pulsed ultrasound, and a gentle progression of therapeutic exercises can eliminate these issues and ensure that your recovery is smooth.
Improve Flexibility and Strength
In many cases, surgery can cause flexibility, strength, and mobility issues. Anesthesia and tissue insult, even arthroscopic procedures, will often produce a post-surgical state in which muscles decrease in tone and atrophy. This decreases both flexibility and strength, even in muscles and connective tissues surrounding the surgical site. Think of this as your nervous system’s response when waking up after the surgery and it says, “What the heck just happened?!” You could develop problems moving your joints or supporting weight. Proper physical therapy for post-surgery recovery will help keep you mobile and ensure that you don’t experience recurring issues in the future. These treatments include soft tissue massage techniques, manual joint mobilizations, a gradual progression of therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education, and pain relieving modalities.
Need Physical Therapy for Post-Surgery Recovery in Des Moines?
If you want the best PT in the Burien and Des Moines area, the team at Advance Physical Therapy is here to help. Located in Burien, we use evidence-based treatments to deliver care you can trust to address pain after a surgery, an accident, or almost any form of musculoskeletal injury. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you get the care you need.
Expert Physical Therapy for Post-Surgery Recovery Near Des Moines
Serving Burien, Seattle, Normandy Park, Des Moines, Kent, Tukwila, & SeaTac
Posted on February 28, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business