The Role of Physical Therapy in Orthopaedic Surgery Rehabilation

Dr.Minakshi Fullara , 3 mins read

Physical therapy is a critical aspect of recovery post orthopaedic surgery. It involves a holistic approach, including stretching, exercise and techniques designed as per your specific condition to restore mobility, functions and strength to the affected part. 

Being a physiotherapist, I’ve recognized the impressive benefits of physical therapy. The results are really great. We’re able to make thousands of our patients walk independently within a couple of days of surgery with good functional range.

In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the roles of physiotherapy in orthopaedic recovery. Let’s get started.

What orthopaedic surgeries require physical therapy?

There are a range of orthopaedic surgeries that address the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons.  Here are some common orthopaedic surgeries that require physical therapy:

• Arthroscopic surgery
• Trauma
• Spinal surgery
• Ligament reconstruction & Repair
• Joint replacement (knee, hip or shoulder)

What’s the aim of physical therapy post orthopaedic surgery?

As you recover after orthopaedic surgery, it's normal to feel weakness, stiffness, or sore body parts. Inactivity, stress and the operation itself are contributing factors.

Though rest is necessary, too much of it is not good for health. It can cause muscular atrophy, weak muscles, limited range of motion and loss of mobility. Physical therapy is essential for restoring muscular strength while you recover and ensuring that your body is as strong as it can be. Read on to discover additional advantages of physical therapy following orthopaedic surgery.

• Restore range of motion: You may experience stiffness, pain and limited mobility post-surgery. To reestablish a person's natural range of motion and flexibility, physical therapists use exercises, stretches, and hands-on mobilasation methods. In order to progressively increase joint mobility and help patients regain their capacity for everyday activities, a physiotherapist thoroughly evaluates each patient's condition and creates individualised therapy regimens.
• Help manage swelling and inflammation: Swelling and inflammation after the surgery are frequent. To reduce this condition and accelerate recovery, physical therapists use strategies including compression, elevation, and lymphatic drainage. Physical therapists use a variety of treatments, including cold, heat, electrical stimulation, and manual approaches, to assist patients in managing post-operative pain. They could also instruct patients on how to take painkillers safely.'
• Increase muscle strength: Orthopaedic surgery and subsequent immobilisation can result in muscle weakness. To target the muscles near the surgery site, physical therapists create specialised training regimens. They aid patients in regaining strength and stability through functional movements, therapeutic exercises, and resistance training. Muscle development not only speeds up the healing process but also lessens the risk of more accidents.
• Improve functional abilities: Enhancing functional capacities is one of the main objectives of physical therapy following orthopaedic surgery. Physical therapists collaborate closely with patients to develop rehabilitation plans that are particularly tailored to their requirements and objectives. The physical therapist attempts to improve patients’ ability to carry out daily tasks, whether it be walking, climbing stairs, or carrying out complicated motions needed for sports or jobs.
• Amplify balance and muscle coordination: It's essential to keep your balance and coordination to avoid falling and walk safely after surgery. To increase stability and lower the risk of reinjury, physical therapists use coordination exercises, proprioceptive training, and balance sessions. By treating these issues, they enable patients to reestablish trust in their physical prowess and better navigate their surroundings.

Also, Read: Injury Prevention and Recovery: How Physiotherapy Can Help