Hearing that you have to undergo surgery for conditions such as knee arthritis or injuries like an ACL tear is understandably worrying. However, if your doctor firmly recommends that surgery will help to improve your symptoms and quality of life significantly, it is definitely worth a try.
You may also know that physical therapy is usually required following surgery to help you regain strength and mobility, but what you may not know is that it can benefit you tremendously pre-surgery too.
Here is what you need to know about rehabilitation that will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of why seeing a physical therapist in Singapore before and after surgery is highly advocated.
Read on to find out more.
Pre-surgery rehabilitation
The recovery period after surgery is oftentimes one of the biggest concerns for many patients but pre-surgery physical therapy is just what you need to gear you up for the procedure.
Rehabilitation exercises suggested and taught by your physical therapist are typically aimed at keeping the surrounding tissues healthy and strong. This helps to improve your stamina, restore your range of motion quicker, reduce surgery complications and most importantly, shorten your recovery time.
For instance, sports physiotherapy for injuries like an ACL tear includes getting full extension and flexion in the knee back, have a normal gait pattern, strength of quads, calves and hamstrings as much as possible, managing swelling and pain.
Studies have also shown that working with a physical therapist for pre-operative strengthening and stretching exercises results in better outcomes and shorter recovery times for most patients. Just like how people who regularly exercise before surgery tend to have fewer complications, going for pre-surgery rehabilitation will also decrease the risk of post-surgery complications.
Post-surgery rehabilitation
Post-surgery physical therapy is essential in not just helping you regain strength and mobility, but also to improve the flexibility and function of the affected joint or muscle. This is a crucial step for getting back to performing your daily activities with ease and athletes especially can benefit greatly.
As the muscles surrounding the incision site often become tight following surgery and can lead to scar tissues and joint stiffness, a physical therapist will utilise various techniques to decrease your muscle tightness and break down the scar tissue to allow it to move freely.
Post-surgery physical therapy is also great for reducing the risk of secondary issues such as infections, blood clots and other complications that will only impede your recovery. If feeling immense pain after surgery is your concern, you will be glad to know that rehabilitation exercises can reduce swelling and prevent surgical pain from becoming chronic as well.
Each individual’s condition and body is different, hence, every exercise program prescribed by a physical therapist will be personalised to ensure optimum results. The rehabilitation period will naturally differ case-by-case too and your physical therapist will discuss the specific plan of care as well as short and long-term goals with you.
Private physiotherapy in Singapore
Consider Edge Healthcare if you are planning to book an appointment for private physiotherapy sessions in Singapore for both pre and post-surgery rehabilitation.
Our physical therapists are highly trained and experienced in providing a range of tailored treatments for patients looking to prepare for surgery or quicken healing following the procedure.
We are also committed to maintaining communication with your surgeon throughout the entire process to ensure both physical therapy and doctors’ appointments work hand in hand for the desired results.
