At Prince George Physiotherapy, we are well versed in treating all types of pre and post surgical conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Tendon repairs
- Joint replacements
- Ligament repairs
- Spinal surgery
- Abdominal surgery
- Fractures
Physiotherapy is typically required following an orthopedic surgery, such as operations on the hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, hand, foot, ankle and spine, to help facilitate a speedy recovery. Physiotherapy can start anywhere from a few hours to a few days after surgery, although in some cases, your surgeon may require a period of immobilization following surgery.
However, the road to recovery doesn’t have to wait until after a surgery. Both pre and post surgery physiotherapy contribute to a successful recovery.
While most of us are familiar with a comprehensive post-surgical rehabilitation program many are not aware of the benefits of a structured pre-surgical program. This is a program designed by your physiotherapist to help you prior to surgery so that you can have a great outcome after surgery.
The Benefits of pre and post surgical physiotherapy
Pre-surgical physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments that can lead to a faster, more successful recovery. Pre-surgical physio is an exercise-based program designed for individuals who have a major surgery planned in the near future.
The goals of Pre-Surgical Physiotherapy are as follows:
- Mentally prepare for surgery
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Restore range of motion
- Improve muscular control of the injured are
- Normalize movement patterns prior to surgery
- Improved overall well-being and fitness
- Gain a good understanding of the exercises that you will be performing after surgery
Pre-surgical physiotherapy is highly effective and can prepare the body for surgery, while also giving patients the confidence to know that surgery and post-recovery will look like.
After surgery, we will provide you thorough assessment, goals will be determined to minimize the adverse effects of surgery such as pain and swelling as well as to restore normal movement, range of motion and function. We will work with you to establish functional goals related to returning to normal activities of daily living as well as preventing an injury from recurring. The physiotherapist will then develop an exercise program tailored specifically to your needs and abilities.
Post-surgical physiotherapy may specifically include:
- Reduce swelling
- Flexibility exercises to improve range of motion
- Modalities such as ice, heat, electrical stimulation and ultrasound
- Exercises to strengthen muscles
- Posture, balance and coordination training
- Gait analysis and retraining
- Manual therapy techniques
- Self-care training
- Home exercise instruction
