Your real healing and return to function begin once your surgery is over and rehab begins. Initial rehabilitation involves recovering from anesthesia and the immediate trauma of surgery. Then, you need to focus on learning how to do simple tasks, such as getting dressed and caring for yourself. 

Over time, you’ll learn how to move and strengthen the muscles around the joint that underwent surgery. The exact rehab therapies you undergo following surgery depend on the goals of your surgery, the area treated, and your body’s personal healing capacity.

At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we understand the importance of post-surgery rehabilitation in achieving real healing and returning to full function. Our team of highly skilled surgeons and therapists is dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopedic care and guiding you through the rehab process.

Goals Of Rehabilitation

  • Restore Normal Function: The primary goal of rehabilitation is to restore as much normal function as possible, focusing on improving movement and range of motion at the surgically treated joint.
  • Improve Strength and Mobility: Strengthening the muscles around the joint is crucial for providing optimal support and regaining strength. Through targeted exercises, our therapists will help you improve mobility and regain functional abilities.
  • Minimize Pain: Managing pain is another key objective of rehabilitation. Our team will work with you to develop strategies to minimize post-surgical pain and discomfort.

Post-surgery rehabilitation is beneficial for patients undergoing any type of surgery. Here are some common surgeries where patients often benefit from post-surgery rehabilitation:

  • Orthopedic Surgeries: These surgeries involve bones, joints, and muscles, such as joint replacements, fracture repairs, ligament repairs, and tendon surgeries. Rehabilitation helps restore normal function, regain strength, and improve mobility.
  • Obstetric and Gynecological Surgeries: Women who undergo surgeries related to childbirth (postnatal) or gynecological procedures like hysterectomy can benefit from post-surgery rehabilitation. It focuses on recovery, pelvic floor strengthening, pain management, and restoring daily activities.
  • Spinal and Neurological Surgeries: Surgeries such as disc repairs and replacements, brain surgery, and spinal surgeries require specialized rehabilitation. The goal is to optimize mobility, manage pain, improve coordination, and enhance overall neurological function.
  • Abdominal and Thoracic Surgeries: These surgeries involve organs in the abdomen and chest, including the lungs, heart, liver, and gastrointestinal system. Post-surgery rehabilitation helps improve breathing, regain muscle strength, and restore functional independence.
  • Breast Surgeries: Patients undergoing breast surgeries, such as resections for cancer or breast reconstruction procedures, may benefit from rehabilitation. It focuses on restoring range of motion, managing scar tissue, and improving functional abilities.
  • Urological Surgeries: Surgeries related to the bladder and prostate, such as prostatectomy or bladder repair, may require a post-surgery rehabilitation program. It aims to restore bladder function, strengthen pelvic floor muscles, and manage any urinary symptoms.

Post-Operative Care

Right after surgery, the team at Barrington Orthopedics may offer rehab in the form of simple wound care management and getting you up and moving as soon as possible. They’ll offer recommendations as to how to reduce scarring and post-surgical swelling. Braces, splints, and specialized bandaging are also key in the first stages of rehab.

Often, you’ll be assigned to a CPM – or continuous passive motion machine. This device moves the affected joint while you remain in bed. This keeps your blood flowing and discourages swelling. It’s often used for knee surgeries.

Returning To Function

You’ll be encouraged to move your joints soon after surgery. This helps you regain strength, discourage atrophy, and promote healing. Post-surgery rehab may also include a Back-to-Function rehab seminar. This interactive session helps you learn how to manage daily tasks, perform work responsibilities, and undergo a fitness routine to support healing and optimal health.

At this seminar, the physical therapist explains proper body mechanics – including spine anatomy and posture – as well as proper lifting techniques. You’ll also learn flexibility exercises for your spine, arms, and legs to support healthy function well after your surgery has healed.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is key in helping devise a program of certain exercises you can do in the office and at home to improve your strength and range of motion. You may need to learn new patterns of movement to help heal and prevent recurrence of joint pain.

The therapists at Barrington Orthopedics may use state-of-the-art modalities, including ultrasound and electrical stimulation, to help your rehab process once the initial surgical site has healed.

Home Prep

Prior to your surgery, it’s a good idea to prep your home for your rehab period. Since your movements will likely be compromised, place important items within easy reach. Prep some meals or enlist cooking help from friends and family. Make necessary accommodations to ensure your bathroom, sitting areas, bedroom, and kitchen are accessible if you’re on crutches or have a walker.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation with Barrington Orthopedic Specialists

Surgery can help you regain function in failing joints, but it comes with considerable healing time. Rehabilitation in the hours, days, and weeks post-surgery can make all the difference in your outcome and return to a healthy and normal life.

At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we understand the importance of personalized and comprehensive orthopedic care. Our team consists of experienced surgeons and therapists who are dedicated to providing exceptional treatment plans and support throughout your post-surgery rehabilitation journey. With cutting-edge modalities, state-of-the-art facilities, and a patient-centered approach, we strive to optimize healing and help you regain function effectively.

Start your post-surgery rehab journey with Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today! Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in achieving a successful recovery and returning to a normal, healthy life. 

Contact us now to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward your optimal healing and functional restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can physical medicine and rehabilitation help in everyday life?

Physical medicine and rehabilitation can improve the overall quality of life by helping individuals regain or improve their daily activities such as walking, cooking, getting dressed, and participating in hobbies or sports. It can also help manage pain and prevent future injuries or disabilities. 

Do I need a referral to see a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist?

While some insurance plans may require a referral from your primary care physician, it is not always necessary. You can contact our office directly to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. 

What should I expect during my first visit with a speech therapist?

During your initial visit, a speech therapist will evaluate your communication skills and any related difficulties. They may ask you to perform certain tasks or answer questions to better understand your needs. From there, they will devise an individualized treatment plan based on their findings. 

Can occupational therapy help with managing pain?

Yes, occupational therapy can be effective in managing pain caused by injuries or chronic conditions. By addressing the root cause of the pain and incorporating therapeutic exercises, occupational therapists can help individuals build strength and improve their ability to perform daily activities without experiencing discomfort.