The Benefits of Pre-hab and Post-Op Therapy
Bounce Back Faster with PT Before and After Surgery
Have you ever wondered how to ensure a smooth recovery after surgery? Do you want to minimize pain and get back to your normal activities as quickly as possible? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then pre-hab and post-op physical therapy may be just what you need.
All About Pre-habilitation
Think of pre-hab as preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and recovery. Just like an athlete trains before a big game, pre-hab prepares your body for the “game” of surgery.
Benefits of Pre-hab
- Improves strength and mobility, making surgery and recovery easier.
- Reduces pain and swelling before surgery.
- Can help shorten hospital stays.
- Decreases the risk of complications.
- Helps you understand what to expect after surgery, reducing anxiety.
What To Expect in Pre-hab
- Manual therapy to improve circulation and help manage inflammation and reduce pain.
- Exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and overall mobility.
- Education on after-surgery pain management and proper surgical site care.
- Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
Post-op Physical Therapy
Post-op physical therapy is all about rehabilitation and restoring your body to its optimal function after surgery.
Benefits of Post-op Physical Therapy
- Reduces pain and inflammation.
- Improves range of motion and overall mobility.
- Strengthens muscles and improves overall function.
- Prevents complications like blood clots and infections
- Helps you regain independence and return to your daily activities.
Common Surgeries Where Pre-hab and Post-op PT Have Great Results
Joint Replacements
Pre-hab strengthens the muscles surrounding the joint, making surgery and recovery smoother. Post-op PT helps regain range of motion and strength, allowing you to return to your favorite activities.
Spinal Surgeries
Pre-hab focuses on core strengthening and flexibility, crucial for spinal stability. Post-op PT helps you regain mobility and strength, reducing pain and improving function.
ACL Reconstruction
Pre-hab reduces or eliminates swelling, improves range of motion, and strengthens the muscles surrounding the knee, preparing it for surgery. Post-op PT is essential for regaining range of motion, strength, and stability, allowing you to return to activities.
Rotator Cuff Repair
Pre-hab focuses on shoulder mobility and strength. Post-op PT is vital for regaining range of motion, strength, and function, allowing you to return to overhead activities.
Patient Spotlight
”When I first came to IMG-PT, I had been in pain for an extended period of time (8 yrs) and had tried going to a chiropractor as well as a massage therapist, neither of which worked for me more than a day. After three visits with IMG-PT, I was feeling 90% better. While I was still being seen for the initial shoulder/neck pain, I had an onset of hip pain that turned out to stem from a degenerative disk. The office immediately transitioned my therapy from shoulder therapy to back/hip therapy, and again, within weeks, I was feeling much better. My mobility increased, and I was able to sleep at night. I would highly recommend IMG-PT to anyone going through chronic pain and appreciate the doctors as well as the staff for their diligence throughout the care program.” —Sharon L.
Pre-hab and Post-op PT With IMG Physical Therapy
Your first pre-op appointment is an important step toward a successful surgery and recovery. At your first visit, our experienced physical therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation of your current physical condition, including your strength, injury, range of motion, and any existing limitations. We’ll discuss your surgical procedure and recovery goals to create a personalized pre-hab plan tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to optimize your physical preparedness for surgery, setting the stage for a smoother and faster recovery.
Your recovery starts before surgery. Invest in pre-hab and post-op PT, and get back to doing what you love sooner. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Free In-Person Workshops
Shoulder Pain Workshop
Thursday, July 24 at 6pm
Knee Pain Workshop
Tuesday, August 26 at 6pm
Contact us for more details. The workshops and consultations are free but space is limited so sign up soon.
Mental and Emotional Preparation for Surgery
Calming The Mind, Easing The Journey
Even when it’s planned and necessary, surgery can trigger a range of emotions. Anxiety, fear, and uncertainty are common companions on the path to the operating room. Acknowledging and addressing the mental and emotional aspects of surgery can significantly impact your overall experience and recovery.
The Emotional Landscape Of Surgery
It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious about the unknowns of surgery. Concerns about the procedure itself, potential complications, pain management, and the impact on daily life are valid. It’s essential to recognize and accept these feelings rather than suppress them. Pre-hab appointments with our physical therapist can provide a safe space to express your concerns and gain reassurance.
Several techniques can help calm your mind and foster emotional resilience before surgery:
Addressing Fears and Concerns
By openly discussing patients’ anxieties and concerns, physical therapists can help alleviate fears and misconceptions.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Providing realistic expectations about recovery timelines and potential challenges can help patients manage their emotions.
Pain Management Strategies
Our PTs can provide strategies for managing pain during and after surgery, reducing anxiety about the recovery process.
Trust and Rapport
A strong therapeutic relationship can provide patients with a sense of support and understanding, helping them feel more comfortable and less anxious.
Emotional Support
We can offer emotional support and encouragement, helping patients cope with the psychological challenges of surgery.
Education
Gathering reliable information about the procedure, recovery process, and pain management options can alleviate anxiety and empower you to make informed decisions.
The Power of a Prepared Mind
Addressing mental and emotional well-being before surgery can yield numerous benefits:
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Calming techniques can lower stress levels, promoting a more relaxed state before, during, and after surgery.
Faster Recovery
A prepared and positive mindset and reduced stress can contribute to a smoother and faster recovery process.
Enhanced Coping Skills
Developing emotional resilience and setting expectations can equip you with valuable tools to navigate challenges that may arise during recovery.
Contact us today and start prioritizing mental preparation alongside physical readiness so you can approach surgery with greater confidence.
Happy Independence Day!
“Hope everyone is enjoying the weather now that summer is in full swing. This month is the month when everyone typically takes vacation. The weather gets hot, schools are closed, and many businesses shut down for maintenance. My family will be at Disney World this July for their vacation. I will be at home with the dog. It is tough to watch your family go on amazing trips and not get to experience the fun and memories, but when you pick a profession that continues to be reimbursed at 1994 levels, this is the cost of doing business.
One aspect that nobody wants to deal with while on vacation is an injury. But they do happen, and they can be a limiting factor. Something that I want to go over in this month’s issue is the importance of doing therapy prior to having surgery. We are lucky that 80-85% of our patients get better without needing surgery, but that means 15-20% will need care beyond therapy. It is important to note that doing therapy ahead of time prior to surgery has been proven in the literature to speed up your recovery after surgery and give you a much better chance of success after surgery. Improving strength, motion/flexibility, balance, endurance, and stability prior to surgery puts the body in the best shape possible to quickly recover after surgery. Obviously, the laser helps to speed that up too! If your insurance company does not limit the number of visits in a year, then you and your loved ones should be asking your doctor for a month of therapy to better prepare for an upcoming surgery.
My son has now left for dental school. It already is starting to feel empty at home. It was nice having him there for his gap year between college and dental school. Before you know it, my 2 daughters will be leaving for school. And it will be just my amazing wife and dog at home waiting for me. They always say the years go faster the older you get. I never doubted them. Enjoy your time with your family this holiday season. Make some memories. And as always, if we can be of help at the office, please feel free to reach out to us. Happy 4th!”
July Is…
