Post-Operational Therapy in Bedford and Fort Worth, TX

Post-Operational Therapy in Bedford, Fort Worth & Irving, TX

Surgery is an excellent step in healing and wellness. However, you must actively work beyond the surgery to become stronger and recover. The period after surgery can determine how well you heal or if you must undergo another surgery.

Post-operational therapy is designed to help you heal faster, recover your range of motion, and limit the risk of re-injury. Fortunately, physical therapists in Bedford, TX, craft customized plans for your healing journey. Although your physical therapist may push you to your limits, you should be able to recover and fully gain your strength within a few weeks or months.

This article discusses everything you need to know about post-operational therapy in Bedford, TX. Kindly read along

What Is Post-Operational Therapy?

Physical therapy after surgery is necessary to regain mobility and strength. A physical therapist in Bedford works with your physician to help control pain and limit re-injury risk. In addition, we follow a customized protocol to help you heal and regain your range of motion, coordination, strength, and balance.

Who Is A Physical Therapist?

A physical therapist is a trained medical professional who specializes in helping patients regain their range of motion and strength. Through special exercises, equipment, techniques, and stretches, a physical therapist can help patients recover fully. Furthermore, because of their extensive medical knowledge, physical therapists can craft customized treatment plans to help patients recover.

Physical therapists in Bedford, TX, understand the body's limits. And although we may push patients to exercise more, we won't force you to perform exercises that may likely worsen your condition.

Why Is Post-Operational Therapy Essential?

Post-operational therapy is essential for many reasons, including the following;

Faster healing: Post-operational therapy retrains muscles and minimizes scar tissue. Therefore, the treatment helps with proper healing in a short time.

Improved mobility: Surgery may reduce mobility, making simple activities like walking difficult. Physical therapy after surgery targets surgical areas to reduce swelling and increase the range of motion.

Improved flexibility: Staying in bed after surgery can lead to weak muscles and increased injury susceptibility. Post-operational therapy includes stretching exercises that keep the joints flexible and aids movement.

Reduced complications: Post-operational therapy reduces the risk of surgical complications, including blood clots and infections.

Types Of Physical Therapy After Surgery

There are different types of post-operational physical therapy. The best type for a patient depends on the physical condition and the needs of the patient. Generally, the following are some rehabilitation methods for patients following surgery;

Stretching

Post-surgery, the soft tissue contracts which forms scar tissue. Scar tissue affects flexibility and limits movement. Regular stretching is a post-operational exercise that increases joint flexibility and range of motion. In addition, stretches minimize immobility caused by scar tissue. Stretching also helps with other activities, including walking and reaching over your head.

Other benefits of stretching include improved balance and reduced pain. Stretches ideal for patients who have undergone back surgeries include abdominal, lower back, and hip muscle stretches.

Range Of Motion Therapy

Range of motion (ROM) therapy focuses on how far you can move your affected limbs in any direction without strain or pain. ROM exercises and stretches are part of the first stages of post-operational therapy, helping patients regain their joint functionality.

Range of motion exercises includes circling joints and knee extensions beneficial to joint and soft tissue recovery and mobility. Usually, ROM therapy includes passive routines with guided movements, interactive routines between you and your therapist, and active routines where you exercise independently.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises help to improve muscle function. This type of exercise is usually done alongside ROM exercises to prevent injury. After increased joint movement, it is essential to have an equal increase in strength for the best results.

Another benefit of strengthening exercises is improved core strength. The core is a source of stability. Therefore, core strengthening exercises improve stability and mobility. Leg raises, squats using a chair, and quadriceps and hamstring contractions are examples of strengthening exercises. In addition, these exercises help you increase the load you can handle without injuring or overexerting yourself.

Other strengthening exercises include ball bridge and bridge exercises. These exercises suit the back, buttocks, pelvis, and hamstring. It is best to do these exercises in a pain-free range, and after you must have mastered them, you can move to more advanced exercises

Gait Training

Gait training is used primarily for neurosurgery patients. This therapy helps to rewire and train the brain to control muscles used for walking. In addition, the brain can form and reorganize synaptic connections. Therefore, walking regularly post-surgery helps the brain create and strengthen neural pathways involved in walking.

Ultrasound And Electrical Therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves on deep tissue to retrain nerves and improve blood flow. In addition, this therapy reduces pain and inflammation in soft tissues and accelerates healing. Fortunately, because the high-frequency sound waves are low, the human ear cannot pick them up.

On the other hand, electrical therapy uses low electrical current—the treatment involves sending small electrical currents to targeted areas and the nerves surrounding them. As a result, electrical therapy helps to increase blood flow and manage pain.

Surgical Operations That Require Post-Operational Therapy

Post-operational therapy is essential after the following surgical operations;

Brain Tumor Surgery

Post-operational therapy can help improve the quality of life of a patient after a brain tumor surgery. A brain tumor surgery patient may have difficulty in their day-to-day activities. But with intensive rehabilitation, these patients have improved cognition and motor function. Physical therapists in Bedford focus on gait, balance, and endurance training to help you recover after a brain tumor surgery

ACL And Meniscus Repairs

Athletes are more prone to ACL and meniscal tears. With post-operational therapy, there is a faster recovery process and reduced risk of re-injury. Our physical therapists usually focus on building hamstring and quadricep strength during the recovery process.

Heart Attack/Bypass Surgery

Patients who undergo a heart attack or bypass surgery are at risk of developing cardiopulmonary complications. However, with physical therapy, there is a reduced risk of complications. In addition, our physical therapist may recommend low-impact exercises to speed up the recovery rate, prevent the risk of complications, and shorten your stay in the hospital.

Back And Spine Surgery

Back and spinal surgeries are delicate. Our licensed physical therapists can help you with back exercises that won't pressure your spine. These exercises may include stretches that improve blood flow. Furthermore, if your back surgery is more invasive, we will monitor your progress and update your doctor.

Achilles Tendon Release

Achilles tendon release is also known as tenotomy. This surgery is done to fix a contracted or damaged Achilles tendon. Consequently, patients are expected to have a better range of movement post-surgery. In addition, patients with spinal cord injuries are prone to shorten and stiff muscles that can affect their ability to stand if not corrected.

Post-operational therapy for Achilles tendon release includes straight leg raises, light dorsiflexion of the ankles, and straight leg bridges.

Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery repairs degenerated and diseased joints and restores motion and function in a damaged shoulder. The surgery is also used if you have dislocations or tears in your rotator cuffs. Some common shoulder procedures include arthroscopy, arthroplasty, tendonitis, and rotator cuff repair.

Post-operational therapy for shoulder surgery includes stretching and strengthening exercises. These exercises restore function, strength, and flexibility and reduce shoulder pain.

Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee replacement surgery is used to resurface an arthritis-damaged knee. Osteoarthritis, knee tendonitis, and rheumatoid arthritis affect the knee's mobility. After a knee replacement surgery, you may feel as if the knee is not yours. Physical therapy helps you adjust to the new knee while improving flexibility and strength.

Ankle Or Foot Surgery

Ankle or foot surgery is necessary if there is severe pain in the area and conservative methods cannot treat it. Common ankle or foot surgeries include heel surgery, tendon surgery, bunion surgery, and metatarsal surgery.

Post-operational therapy helps to condition the foot and ankle after surgery. The treatment also helps strengthen the joints to regain stability and prevent re-injury in the future.

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgeries replace damaged or worn-out hip joints. This surgery is used for patients with hip fractures or severe arthritis-caused pain. Because the surgery requires the use of a prosthesis, it may be difficult getting used to your new hip.

Your physical therapist in Bedford can help you get used to the new joint and alleviate pain. Other benefits of post-operational therapy after a hip replacement include relieving stiffness and soreness and improving mobility.

How Long Does Post-Operational Therapy Take?

The length of post-operational therapy differs for patients. For example, some surgeries may take as short as a few weeks for recovery, while some can take up to a year or longer. Fortunately, we can work with you to develop a home exercise program for speedy and complete recovery.

Conclusion

Physical therapy after surgery is essential, especially after undergoing brain, spinal, ankle, or shoulder surgery. Your physical therapist in Bedford, TX, works with your doctor to create the best treatment plan to aid your healing after surgery.

Contact us today for post-operational therapy that helps you regain mobility, strength, and range of motion in no time.

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