Many of us are well aware that going to physical therapy after an orthopedic surgery (e.g., ACL repair) is a part of the recovery process. However, many people don’t know that PT can also help with recovery following non-orthopedic surgeries (e.g., abdominal surgery; pregnancy-related procedures). Post-surgical PT can be really helpful as you navigate your rehab process, both to restore function and efficiency of movement. Read on as today we are focusing on the many ways in which a PT can assist your post-surgical recovery.

• Improve strength and range of motion: Surgery is a form of physical trauma. Our body responds to this trauma by creating inflammation which is critical to protect and heal the involved area. However, when inflammation and immobility last, the muscles surrounding the area begin to atrophy and mobility decreases. Mobility and strength loss can greatly impede our daily function. PTs specialize in restoring range of motion and strength and can help you ameliorate this surgery side effect.

• Improve breathing and lung function: As a result of general anesthesia, the nature of a surgery, or even the incision itself can make it difficult to breathe fully, deeply, and pain free. Breathing is a vital part of living, and impaired breathing can lead to a risk of a chest infection like pneumonia. PTs can improve your surgical outcomes by assisting you in proper and effective breathing practices either before or after your procedure.

• Provide movement modifications to ensure a smooth recovery: In early recovery after surgery, even getting out of bed to walk to the bathroom can be a daunting task. Your PT can provide tools and tactics to improve your mobility while still protecting your incisions. As you heal over time, your PT can then help you wean away from aids or modifications to improve your mobility with everyday tasks.

• Improve scar tissue mobility: Scar tissue will inevitably form after a surgery, but addressing the mobility of that scar tissue is critical as it can also affect the underlying soft tissues and muscles. Scar tissue is a different type of collagen compared to that of uninjured tissues. This type of collagen can be thick and less pliable causing the surrounding tissue to become more bound down and result in mobility loss, pain, and even faulty movement patterns. Your PT can provide tools and manual techniques, including scar tissue mobilization, to improve your pain and movement.

• Structure progressive exercises to return to your specific sport: A post-surgical return to your favorite sport can seem like an impossible journey. Luckily, PTs can create structured and progressive exercises to help you go from point A to point B and help you reach your goals. Your PT can also help you determine when you have the strength and capacity to return to your physical activity passions.

• Restore function: Your PT’s  ultimate goal is to help you improve your function and reach your fullest potential. Post-surgical compensations and abnormal movement patterns are common  and if not recognized these can become habits. Over time, compensatory habits, like a limp, can become problematic and cause other physical issues to arise. PTs have a keen eye for identifying compensations and can help train your brain and body to maximize the efficiency of your movement.

At Beacon PT, we are here to support you before or after all types of surgeries, both orthopedic and beyond. Also, it is never too late to address limitations you may have from a surgery many years ago. If you are having an issue or don’t want an issue to arise while managing your post-op recovery, make an appointment with one of our PTs!

References:
Deflorin C, Hohenauer E, Stoop R, van Daele U, Clijsen R, Taeymans J. Physical Management of Scar Tissue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2020;26(10):854-865. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0109

Hamasaki H. Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Health: A Narrative Review. Medicines. 2020; 7(10):65. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7100065

Hoover DL, VanWye WR, Judge LW. Periodization and physical therapy: Bridging the gap between training and rehabilitation. Phys Ther Sport. 2016 Mar;18:1-20. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2015.08.003. Epub 2015 Sep 9. PMID: 26679784.

Physiotherapy Advice after Abdominal Surgery Information for Patients Physiotherapy Department .https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/62010Pabdominal.pdf