Undergoing surgery can be a daunting experience, but with the right support and preparation, it can lead to a successful recovery. One crucial aspect of this journey is physiotherapy, which plays a vital role both before and after surgery. In this blog post, we’ll explore the myriad benefits of physiotherapy in optimising outcomes for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
Pre-Surgery Physiotherapy:
Preparing the body for surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. Physiotherapy before surgery, also known as prehabilitation, offers several significant benefits:
- Strengthening: Pre-surgery physiotherapy helps strengthen the muscles around the affected area. This not only aids in supporting the joint or body part undergoing surgery but also facilitates a faster recovery post-operation.
- Improved Range of Motion: Physiotherapy exercises can enhance flexibility and improve range of motion in the joints. This can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing joint replacement surgeries, such as knee or hip replacements.
- Pain Management: By incorporating techniques such as manual therapy, massage, and specific exercises, physiotherapists can help alleviate pre-existing pain and discomfort. This not only improves the patient’s quality of life before surgery but can also reduce the intensity of post-operative pain.
- Mental Preparation: Surgery can be stressful, both physically and mentally. Physiotherapy sessions offer a supportive environment where patients can ask questions, address concerns, and mentally prepare for the upcoming procedure. This can significantly reduce anxiety levels and promote a more positive surgical experiences.
Post-Surgery Physiotherapy:
Once the surgery is complete, the journey towards recovery truly begins. Post-operative physiotherapy is instrumental in helping patients regain function, mobility, and independence. Here are some key benefits:
- Faster Recovery: Engaging in physiotherapy shortly after surgery can accelerate the recovery process. Through tailored exercises and rehabilitation techniques, physiotherapists help restore strength, mobility, and function, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Immobility following surgery can increase the risk of complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers. Physiotherapy interventions, including early mobilisation and breathing exercises, help mitigate these risks by promoting circulation, lung function, and overall well-being.
- Scar Management: Surgical incisions can lead to scar tissue formation, which may limit mobility and cause discomfort. Physiotherapists employ various techniques, such as scar massage and stretching exercises, to promote tissue healing and prevent adhesions, ensuring optimal recovery outcomes.
- Functional Independence: Post-surgery physiotherapy focuses not only on physical rehabilitation but also on empowering patients to regain their independence in performing daily tasks. Through functional exercises and adaptive strategies, individuals learn how to safely navigate their environment and regain confidence in their abilities.
Conclusion:
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in optimising outcomes for patients undergoing surgery, both before and after the procedure. From prehabilitation to post-operative rehabilitation, physiotherapists provide personalised care aimed at maximising strength, mobility, and overall well-being. By incorporating physiotherapy into the surgical journey, patients can experience faster recovery, reduced complications, and improved quality of life. It’s not just about the surgery itself; it’s about the comprehensive care and support that pave the way towards a successful recovery.
How can we help at KPC:
We appreciate that getting a date for your knee or hip replacement can be a bit of a lottery but let us help you get into the best shape possible to increase the likelihood of your post-surgery recovery being smooth and successful.
We offer a package aimed to help prepare you before and speed up your recovery time after the op. To see you pain-free and back doing the activities you love is our goal. In an ideal world we’d like to see you once or twice before your op so we can carry out some baseline testing and identify any areas of weakness for you to work on before the operation. Then post-op 7-8 sessions at regular intervals with one of our therapists should see you back to where you want to be.
Cost for this 9-session pack with one of our qualified therapists is £486 (£531 with a senior therapist)
If you are waiting for surgery and would like to speak to one of our therapists about how best to prepare, we offer a free 15-minute discovery session which may help put your mind at rest.
Contact us now for more information or to book an assessment or discovery session.
