Three Surgeries That Require A Lot Of Physical Therapy Afterward
Posted on: 3 December 2019
Physical therapy is used to regain and/or maintain one's range of motion and mobility. It is prescribed following sports injuries and car accidents, but it can also be prescribed following major limb surgeries. The following three surgeries are the most common ones where PT is not only recommended, but prescribed if you want to regain full movement of a limb and the joint on which your doctor operated.
Shoulder Replacement
Severe arthritis in the ball joint of your shoulder can make a lot of daily tasks impossible. Getting dressed in the morning alone means that you have to avoid putting on any shirts or bras that have to go over your head. Bras that hook in the back are impossible to close, too. After your surgeon replaces the shoulder joint (and possibly the shoulder girdle), you will need PT to learn how to move and use that shoulder again and ease pain.
Hip Replacement
This is the most common of all joint surgeries requiring PT afterward. Most senior citizens and elderly patients will have at least one hip replacement surgery in their golden years, and when they do, they will not be able to move or walk again without physical therapy. Doctors not only prescribe therapy to regain movement of that hip, but also to speed healing, which slows with the aging process.
Knee Replacement
The second most common surgery in older adults, knee surgery may or may not be followed by physical therapy. Usually it is a good idea since moving the knee removes excess fluid from the surgical site and reduces stiffness and inflammation after the procedure is complete. Even with a partial knee replacement, it is good to learn how to move this new knee, and how to keep it moving freely.
If Therapy Is Prescribed, Do Not Skip Your Appointments with Your Therapist
Do not skip your appointments with your physical therapist. Even if you decide that you do not want to participate in therapy because your surgical site still hurts too much, you can ask the therapist any questions you want about therapy and healing. It is a good time to gather information and learn how therapy can help your new joint function better and without pain. If you cannot make an appointment for any reason, make sure you call in advance to reschedule or cancel your appointment so that your therapist can adjust your treatment plan.
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