Pre & Post Operative Care
Common surgeries that require post-operative physiotherapy
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Hip arthroscopy
- Knee arthroscopy
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair
- Shoulder replacement – reverse or anatomical
- Shoulder rotator cuff repair
- Spinal fusion surgery
- Spinal discectomy and decompression
- Ankle and foot surgery
- Achilles tendon repair
Why is physiotherapy important before surgery?
Physiotherapy before joint replacement surgery, also known as “prehabilitation,” can reduce the need for post-operative care by nearly 30%. This translates into significant cost savings!
Pre-operative physiotherapy can reduce hospitalisation time
Patients who are prone to difficulties following surgery or who are at high risk of being transferred to a rehabilitation facility can benefit from pre-operative physical therapy.
Low-intensity exercise under the supervision of a physiotherapist enhances blood circulation, which in turn speeds the body’s healing process, from joint replacement to cardiothoracic surgery.
Similarly, patients who strengthen their core, arms, legs, and back are less likely to develop significant muscle atrophy during their rehabilitation. Muscle atrophy frequently delays a patient’s return home, even if they are recovering well.
Even a patient’s balance can be improved before surgery, reducing the likelihood of a subsequent fall, which could result in a lengthier hospital stay.
Why is physiotherapy important after surgery
Physiotherapy has been shown to help with pain relief, muscle strengthening, overall function, and movement.
Getting patients moving is critical to a successful recovery post-surgery. Improving circulation not only allows for faster healing but also minimises the likelihood of a blood clot forming.
Post-operative physiotherapy assists patients in regaining mobility and recovering more quickly, as well as ensuring that any replacements or repairs made during surgery heal completely.
The appropriate post-surgical treatment can help you feel less pain and swelling following your surgery. One of our physiotherapists may employ both icing and ultrasound to relieve localised swelling and pain.
Physiotherapy is also an excellent option for pain management, allowing many patients to avoid or limit their use of opioid medications.
What is the purpose of post-operative exercise?
- Improved spinal mobility after spinal surgery
- Early discharge from total hip and knee replacement surgery
- Increased cardiovascular fitness after colorectal surgery
- Reduced side effects after breast surgery.
- Reduced risk of blood clots in many surgeries
Improved respiratory function and reduced hospital stay in post-cardiac surgery patients.