The Top Three Benefits of Physical Therapy After Orthopedic Surgery
After orthopedic surgery, your joints or bones will take time to recover. Recovery will especially be lengthy if you’re over the age of 60. On the road to recovery, you can expect a degree of pain and immobility that can make daily living more difficult. However, the benefits of physical therapy will far outweigh the discomfort of recovery as you will heal faster, be stronger and prevent future injuries.
Read on to learn three benefits of physical therapy after orthopedic surgery.
1. Better Blood Flow and Recovery to Affected Joints
Circulation is essential to your recovery. With physical therapy, you’ll perform movements under the supervision of your physical therapist that can improve blood flow to your affected joint or limb. The improved circulation reduces pain, minimizes joint stiffness, and hastens your recovery.
2. Pain Relief
At a glance, it could seem like physical therapy can aggravate post-operative pain. While this may be true for certain exercises, physical therapists will select movements that you’re capable of performing. As you perform these movements, you’ll preserve muscle tone, improve your circulation, and minimize pain.
3. Reduced Joint and Muscle Stiffness
Recovery can come with some joint and muscle stiffness. However, stiffness is avoidable with physical therapy. Physical therapy exercises can preserve your range of motion in your muscles and joints, keeping them mobile and pain-free.
The Dangers of Not Following Physical Therapy Post-operation
Without physical therapy, you may experience the following:
- Joint swelling, particularly at the operative site
- Reduced mobility, leading to muscle wasting and joint stiffness
- Increased pain
- Prolonged recovery
- Reduced independence
Take Your First Steps to Recovery
Besides the benefits of physical therapy after orthopedic surgery mentioned here, more await you when you choose the right therapy provider. Our team of experts caters a post-recovery plan individualized to you and your specific needs – making sure that you get back to doing the things you love.
Contact us now for physical therapy services right here at Burnett Medical Center that restore, improve, and maintain your movement and quality of life.