What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a type of treatment that is used for patients who have a hard time moving around to engage in everyday activities. The goal of physical therapy is to improve mobility and make performing your daily activities easier and without pain. Physical therapy is also used to treat athletes recovering from injuries and those recovering from certain surgeries.
How can physical therapy help me recover?
Physical therapy is going to be different for every patient. It can help improve your range of motion, relieve pain, increase flexibility and more. Starting a physical therapy plan after surgery can actually speed up your recovery time quite a bit.
What can I expect during physical therapy after surgery?
At your first appointment, your physical therapist will do a series of tests to see where you currently stand. They will test your range of motion, level of strength, flexibility and joint stability. They will then come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific goals for recovery. Your physical therapist will give you a series of exercises that are customized to you that will strengthen your muscles, and get you on the road to recovery.
The decision to begin a physical therapy program is ultimately up to you, the patient. It is crucial that you are 100% committed to your physical therapy routine in order to get the most out of it. Make sure you do your research and choose a physical therapist that is experienced in rehabilitation after surgery. Most physical therapists are, but it is a good idea to make sure before you set up your first appointment. There are many resources available to you to help you find a physical therapist and most likely, your doctor can refer you to one.