Post-operative rehabilitation, often referred to simply as post-op rehab, is a structured and customised program of exercises, therapies, and interventions that patients undergo after they have undergone a surgical procedure. The goal of post-operative rehabilitation is to aid in the recovery process, optimise healing, restore function, and help patients regain their strength, mobility, and overall quality of life following surgery. At Movement Therapy our focus will be YOUR goal and what you hope to achieve post surgery. This could be returning to the sporting field.

Here's an overview of what post-operative rehabilitation typically involves:

Assessment and Evaluation

The rehabilitation process usually begins with a thorough assessment by healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists or rehabilitation specialists. They evaluate the patient's overall health, surgical procedure, medical history, and any specific limitations or concerns.

Customised Treatment Plan

Based on the assessment, a tailored treatment plan is developed to address the patient's individual needs and goals. The plan takes into account the type of surgery, the patient's pre-operative condition, and any specific recommendations from the surgical team.

Pain Management

Managing pain and discomfort is often a crucial aspect of post-operative rehabilitation. This can involve medications, modalities like ice or heat therapy, and techniques to reduce inflammation.

Range of Motion Exercises

Gradually introducing controlled movements helps prevent stiffness and promotes healing. Range of motion exercises may start gently and become more challenging as the patient progresses.

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are designed to rebuild muscle strength that might have been lost due to surgery and immobility. These exercises target specific muscle groups to restore functionality and stability.

Balance and Coordination Training

Some surgeries and prolonged periods of immobilization can affect a patient's balance and coordination. Special exercises may be included to improve these aspects and prevent falls.

Flexibility and Stretching

Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and prevent the development of scar tissue or adhesions that might limit movement.

Functional Training

Rehabilitation often focuses on restoring functional activities related to daily life or specific sports/activities, depending on the patient's goals.

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Post-operative rehabilitation is a collaborative effort between patients and healthcare professionals. The specific details of the rehabilitation program will vary based on the type of surgery, the patient's medical history, and other individual factors.

It's important to follow the guidance of the healthcare team to ensure a safe and effective recovery.