Having Surgery? Bounce Back Faster With Pre- and Post-Rehab
If you’re scheduled for an orthopedic surgery (such as a total joint replacement or an ACL repair), you probably already know you’ll need to undergo rehabilitation afterward with a physical therapist. But have you considered working with a PT before your surgery, too?
Pre-rehabilitation, sometimes called “prehab,” is a little less common than rehab, but it’s still an important part of the surgical process. Together, a structured pre- and post-surgical physical therapy program can help you maximize the benefits of your surgery.
We offer pre- and post-rehab here at First Choice Physical Therapy, and today, we want to explore both programs in detail. And if you’d like more personalized guidance, just contact our clinic to speak to our friendly staff!
What You Need to Know About Pre-Op Physical Therapy
Surgery can be incredibly tough on the human body. It’s a highly invasive procedure that brings with it a host of complications, such as blood clots, post-surgical pain, and more.
Standard rehabilitation works to minimize these risks after the fact. However, prehab takes a proactive approach, allowing you to improve strength, fitness, and pain levels before you have your procedure.
Think of it this way: No athlete goes into a big game unprepared. They spend time training to ensure their strength, endurance, and performance are the best they can possibly be. Prehab is the same way–you’re preparing your body for the “big game” of surgery.
What Are Some Benefits of Prehab?
- Improves strength and mobility, making surgery and recovery easier
- Reduces pain and swelling before surgery
- May help shorten hospital stays and overall recovery times
- Decreases the risk of complications
- Helps you understand what to expect after surgery, reducing anxiety
What Can I Expect During Prehab?
A detailed overview of what you can expect after your surgery, including training on mobility aids and rehab exercises
An initial evaluation in which one of our physical therapists assesses your strength, range of motion, balance, and pain level
Various pain management techniques, including manual therapy, ice/heat, or electrical stimulation, to help reduce discomfort
A therapeutic exercise program consisting of specific exercises to target weak or stiff areas, improve circulation, and support surrounding joints
Personalized endurance training consisting of low-impact cardiovascular activities to increase overall stamina
What You Need to Know About Post-Op Rehabilitation
Most orthopedic surgeries aim to correct whatever dysfunction is causing pain (for example, replacing an arthritic joint with a prosthesis). The results can be life-changing, but they don’t occur overnight. It takes time to restore your body to its optimal strength, mobility, and function.
That’s what post-surgical rehabilitation focuses on. A structured physical therapy program helps you recover from the surgery itself and work to get back to the activities that matter most to you.
What Are Some Benefits of Rehab?
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Improves range of motion and overall mobility
- Strengthens muscles and improves overall function
- Helps you regain independence and return to your daily activities
- Lowers the risk of long-term complications, such as chronic pain
What Can I Expect During Rehab?
Functional training that helps you relearn everyday movements like standing, walking, or climbing stairs
Techniques to help manage acute pain and swelling, such as ice, compression, manual therapy, and assisted stretches
Guided mobility work to help restore movement in the affected joint or area without stressing healing tissues
Scar tissue management using hands-on therapy or tools to reduce the risk of long-term pain or stiffness
Targeted, progressive strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle at an appropriate pace
Balance or gait training to help restore stability in surgeries that affect your movement patterns
Going Into Surgery? First Choice Physical Therapy Is Here to Help!
If you have surgery scheduled, now’s the time to contact our clinic and learn more about how our pre- and post-op rehabilitation programs can help you make the most of your procedure.
Remember, your recovery starts before you ever head into the operating room. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.
“After my first session on the Back on Trac, I started feeling better. I experience severe pain in my back, hip, and down my right leg. I couldn’t stand for long periods of time or even walk long distances. After just a few sessions on the Back on Trac, more and more of the pain in my back, hip, and legs got less and less. I can now stand for longer periods of time, and I can walk long distances in the yard! Using the Back on Trac has helped me get my life back.”
– Google 5-Star Review
The Importance of Mental and Emotional Preparation for Surgery
Calming The Mind, Easing The Journey
Surgery is a major decision, and the days leading up to your procedure can cause anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and a range of other difficult emotions. But did you know that physical therapy at First Choice Physical Therapy can actually help you navigate these mental and emotional challenges?
It’s true! In fact, one of the big benefits of prehab is that it can help alleviate surgery-related concerns, including worries about potential complications, pain management, and the impact your recovery will have on your day-to-day life. Our physical therapists can help you gain the reassurance you need to head to surgery with confidence.
Five Ways We Help Calm Your Mind Before Surgery
- We give you a safe space to openly discuss your anxieties and concerns.
- We provide realistic expectations about your recovery timelines and potential challenges ahead of time.
- We provide strategies for managing pain immediately after surgery, reducing anxiety about the initial phase of recovery.
- We offer emotional support and encouragement so you feel more comfortable with the entire process, including the psychological challenges of surgery.
- We’ll ensure you have reliable information about your procedure, rehabilitation, and pain management options, empowering you to make informed decisions.
The Power of a Prepared Mind
Addressing mental and emotional well-being before surgery is an important part of the prehab program. Just like enhanced strength, mobility, and cardio, a positive mindset and reduced stress can contribute to a smoother and faster recovery process.
We offer calming techniques to lower your stress levels and help you develop the emotional resilience to navigate any challenges that may arise during your recovery.
To learn more about how the First Choice Physical Therapy team helps with physical and emotional readiness before a surgical procedure, schedule an appointment at our clinic today!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10722769
How can therapeutic exercise help relieve my pain?
It is a common misconception that one should constantly rest when one is in pain. However, this can actually cause your muscles to weaken during the healing process, which can lead to decreased functionality and more pain in the long run.
Our Spring Creek, Carlin, Elko, NV and Elko Spine and Rehabilitation physical therapists are movement experts, trained in improving strength, range of motion, and overall function of the body. Our physical therapist will design an individualized treatment plan for you equipped with the therapeutic exercises you need to alleviate your pain, strengthen the weak areas of your body, promote the healing process, and restore function.
At First Choice Physical Therapy, our goal is to help you live a pain-free life with even greater strength and endurance than you had before.
Exercise of the Month
Lunges
(Legs, Glutes, Core)
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Step one foot backward and lower your back knee toward the floor, keeping your front knee aligned over your ankle. Push through your front heel to return to the starting position. Alternate legs with each rep. 3 Sets, 10 Reps (each leg). (Materials needed: none)
Healthy Recipe: Fish Florentine
This easy Fish Florentine recipe, made with a pan seared firm white fish served on a creamy bed of spinach feels like something you would order out in a fancy restaurant!
Ingredients:
- 4 5 oz thick pieces of skinless white firm fish fillet (such as grouper, flounder, bass or halibut)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 9 ounces fresh baby spinach, from two bags
- 2 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese
- ¼ cup half & half cream
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- kosher salt
- fresh black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon of butter, red bell pepper and garlic and cook for about 4 minutes.
2. Add spinach, season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix until the spinach wilts down.
3. Add cream cheese, half & half and parmesan cheese and mix well until cream cheese is melted and resembles creamed spinach.
4. Heat a separate skillet on medium high heat, add remaining oil and butter.
5. Season fish on both sides with salt and pepper and place on the hot pan.
6. Cook 6 minutes on first side and flip fish over and cook other side an additional 5 minutes, until cooked through and browned.
7. Divide the spinach mixture on the bottom of each plate and top with piece of fish.
