Post-Surgery Physiotherapy

1. Post-Surgery Physiotherapy: The Unsung Hero of Recovery Whether it’s a knee replacement, spinal surgery, or even a minor orthopedic procedure, the time immediately following surgery often feels like a mix of relief and uncertainty. The pain may be manageable, the surgery might be considered successful—but what comes next? This is where post-surgery physiotherapy steps in as a vital, yet often underestimated, component of complete recovery. What Is Post-Surgery Physiotherapy? Post-surgery physiotherapy refers to a carefully designed set of rehabilitation exercises and therapies aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, and accelerating healing after a surgical procedure. It goes beyond basic movement, targeting everything from muscular strength and joint mobility to nerve function and overall coordination. Whether you’ve had a ligament repair, spine fusion, or even a breast surgery involving reconstruction, physiotherapy is often prescribed to help the body adjust, rebuild, and thrive post-operatively. Why Is It So Important? Surgery, while crucial in many cases, disrupts the body’s natural biomechanics. Muscle groups can become inactive, joints can stiffen, and nerves may become hypersensitive or desensitized depending on the procedure. Without structured rehabilitation, even the most precise surgical work can result in long-term stiffness, weakness, or chronic pain. Here are some key reasons why post-surgical rehab isn’t just helpful—it’s essential: ● Restores Mobility: Surgery often limits your range of motion. Physiotherapy helps restore it safely and progressively. ● Strengthens Muscles: Muscles can weaken after days or weeks of reduced movement. Rehab helps regain strength and prevent muscle wasting. ● Reduces Pain and Inflammation: Techniques like manual therapy, dry needling, or electrotherapy can reduce lingering pain and inflammation. ● Promotes Scar Tissue Remodeling: Proper movement and hands-on therapy can help ensure scar tissue doesn’t limit mobility or cause discomfort.

2. ● Prevents Re-injury: By retraining posture, movement patterns, and balance, physiotherapy minimizes the risk of complications or further injury. What Does the Process Typically Involve? While the rehab process is unique to each patient and surgery type, most physiotherapy plans follow a structured progression: 1. Initial Phase (Day 1–7 Post-Surgery) In this phase, the focus is on pain management, swelling control, and gentle mobility. Passive movements, breathing exercises, and simple muscle contractions (isometrics) may be introduced. Education about posture, wound care, and safe positioning is also crucial. 2. Recovery Phase (Week 2–6) The goal here is to gradually reintroduce active movement, improve joint range, and build basic strength. Techniques may include resistance training, walking aids, balance drills, and gentle functional movements. 3. Reconditioning Phase (Week 6–12)

3. Now the focus shifts toward strengthening, coordination, and endurance. If the patient is an athlete or someone returning to a physically demanding lifestyle, this phase might also include sport-specific drills or ergonomic retraining. 4. Advanced Phase (3+ Months) This is where the patient often feels “normal” again, but rehab isn’t over. Focused work on agility, full function, and correcting movement patterns ensures long-term resilience and performance. Common Surgeries That Require Physiotherapy ● Total Knee Replacement (TKR): Physio helps reduce pain, regain joint motion, and rebuild quad strength. ● Rotator Cuff Repair: Post-op care is essential for regaining shoulder mobility and avoiding frozen shoulder. ● Spinal Surgery: After procedures like laminectomy or fusion, core strengthening and movement education are key. ● ACL Reconstruction: A carefully staged rehab is necessary for return-to-play protocols and knee stability. ● Hip Replacement: Gait training, balance work, and hip mobility exercises help patients walk confidently again. The Emotional and Mental Edge Post-surgery physiotherapy isn't just physical—it plays a powerful emotional and psychological role. Facing a long recovery can be daunting. A skilled physiotherapist not only guides the physical process but becomes a source of motivation, reassurance, and mental support. Many patients credit their therapists for giving them the courage to push through fear and discomfort. Choosing the Right Physiotherapist Not all rehab is created equal. Look for a physiotherapist who: ● Specializes in post-operative rehab ● Understands the biomechanics of your specific surgery ● Customizes the treatment plan

4. ● Communicates effectively with your surgical team ● Focuses on both short-term recovery and long-term prevention If you're recovering from surgery, don't just wait for time to do the healing. Active, targeted movement under expert guidance makes the difference between simply healing and truly recovering. Final Thoughts Surgery may fix the problem, but physiotherapy gets you back to life. Whether you’re aiming to walk pain-free, return to sport, or just move without hesitation,post-surgery physiotherapy provides the bridge between the operating room and everyday function. It's not an optional extra—it’s a cornerstone of comprehensive recovery.