Physical Therapy Benefits Before Your Surgery
Physical therapy treatments often play an important role in post-surgical care as part of a holistic recovery plan. Physical therapy is undeniably helpful for the healing process.
However, it is not widely known that there are great benefits to engaging in a pre-surgical rehabilitation plan.
Do you have an upcoming surgical procedure? Naturally, many people worry about a positive surgical outcome or if you will need to undergo a long recovery period.
Fortunately, our physical therapy team at Progressive Medical Fitness can help ease your mind. Contact us today about the benefits of pre-surgical physical therapy!
Getting started with pre-surgical physical therapy treatments
Pre-surgical physical therapy provides a number of benefits for surgical patients. By consulting with our certified physical therapists at Progressive Medical Fitness, you can learn which treatment plan will allow you to achieve optimum results as part of a pre-surgical program.
A pre-hab program allows you to have an established training routine prior to surgery. By beginning your recovery before surgery, you will have improved chances for a better outcome.
When entering into your surgical procedure as strong, flexible, and healthy as possible, normal function will be regained much more quickly, following surgery.
Pre-surgical physical therapy Facts
Preparation for surgery can create undue anxiety, and a pre-hab program may play an important role in relieving your anxiety.
Pre-surgical rehabilitation, also referred to as pre-hab, is increasingly recommended by surgeons, due to improved patient outcomes. Studies have shown that recovery time can be decreased by beginning physical therapy a month or so before surgery.
You can meet your upcoming procedure physically and mentally prepared through a pre-surgical rehabilitation plan.
Benefits of a pre-surgical physical therapy treatment plan
Post-operative outcomes can be greatly improved and recovery time lessened by participating in exercise/physical therapy before a surgical operation, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Due to the traumatic nature of surgery, it is generally the final alternative when all other options have been investigated.
Pre-hab is able to speed up your recovery time by improving your range of motion and movement mechanics through exercises performed both before and after your operation.
Pre-hab also prepares your body physically and mentally for your procedure. By improving strength and lessening pain before surgery, your body is preparing to the upcoming operation. You will achieve an overall sense of well-being that helps prepare you mentally and can help reduce your anxiety.
Pre-surgical physical therapy prepares you for a positive surgical outcome by improving your physical health and promoting a general sense of wellness.
Reasons to try pre-surgical physical therapy
Pre-surgical rehabilitation is able to increase your chances of success through 6 key metrics:
- Improved outcomes
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) states that the overall outcomes of surgery can be improved by pre-hab, and if the surgical plan proceeds smoothly, can even save money. The stronger you are going into surgery, the greater likelihood of a positive surgical outcome.
- Shortens recovery
A pre-operative physical therapy program increases the likelihood that your recovery will be quicker and proceed more smoothly, than without a pre-hab program. You are able to get back to your regular routine much more quickly by having strong and toned muscles prior to surgery.
- Pain reduction
Pre-hab is able to reduce your experience of pre- and post-operative pain – for nearly any surgical procedure. Your physical therapist will use a variety of methods, such as exercise and stretching, massage, manual therapy, or ice and heat therapies.
- Reduced complications
Building your strength and endurance has the added benefit of improving your immunity. Improved immunity means a decreased risk of post-surgical infections developing. Physical therapy, particularly a targeted exercise program, is a good way to build your strength and endurance.
- Increases stamina
Surgical operations often result in a loss of strength following the procedure. You can counteract this loss by increasing your stamina before your procedure. A pre-surgical physical therapy exercise plan improves stamina and can ease your recovery after surgery.
- Possibility of avoiding surgery
There is the possibility that the pre-hab treatments will improve your pain and condition to such a degree that surgery is no longer necessary. Many patients have found great success in their pre-surgical physical therapy treatments such that they were able to cancel their scheduled procedure. If you experience considerable improvement of your condition as a result of pre-hab physical therapy, you may want to consult with your physician to reassess your future treatment options and the possibility of avoiding surgery.
Begin your path toward relief
For the best results, it’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible. If you are scheduled to have surgery, contact Progressive Medical Fitness today to consult with one of our certified physical therapists.
Our Progressive Medical Fitness physical therapy team is dedicated to providing you with the best treatment options for your condition. Schedule an appointment to start down the path of your recovery.