Why is Post-Surgery Rehabilitation so Important?
After any medical procedure, it is critical to take proper care of the body. This speeds up the healing process and prevents further injuries/complications. It also helps regain mobility and strength. Always start by talking with your doctor about post-surgery rehabilitation methods that best fit your needs.
What are my Rehabilitation Options?
There are many different types of post-surgery treatments that are unique to each patient. A few of the more common examples include:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Regenerative Therapy
Physical Therapy
The single most important component of healing after a surgerical procedure is physical therapy (PT). Failure to work the muscles for extensive periods of time after surgery will restrict blood flow to the affected area. This in turn will weaken the unused muscles. The process of this therapy involves trained professionals assisting patients with a variety of stretches, movements, and exercises so they can to return to their everyday activites. More specifically, it helps patients:
- Safely manage pain / reduce pain
- Maximize full bodily function
- Improve overall physical and mental well-being
Occupational Therapy
This is another important treatment that will lead you one step closer to recovery. Occupational therapy (OT) is similar to physical therapy, but the main difference is the focus of the practices. PT focuses on optimizing patients’ mobility to enhance their life performance. Opposingly, OT focuses more on changing / adapting to daily activites that patients want or are required to do, such as fine motor skills. Although PT can improve patient mental health, it is limited to treating physical challenges. In contrast, OT can treat mental health challenges. Occupational therapy particularily helps patients:
- Reduce scar tissue from surgery
- Move safely and comfortably
- Boost motivation, confidence, & well-being
- Regain skills for activities they love / daily roles
Regenerative Therapy
One final option for post-surgery care is regenerative medicine. This procedure is done by injecting one’s own stem cells into the body. Both stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are similar in that their injections evict signaling properties within the body. This influences positive changes within the body such as regenerating tissues. As a result, these methods have been clinically proven to help patients with factors like:
- Immensely speeding up recovery process
- Repairing joints & tissues
- Restoring function (disease, damages, aging)
How Can I Prevent Future Surgery?
Sometimes surgery is absolutely necessary. But in a lot of instances, there are plenty of alternatives. All of the post-surgery rehabilitation methods discussed are excellent examples of things that you can be doing right now to lower the risk of surgery.
- Continue building muscles & increasing flexibility as much as possible (stretching, exercising, and moving throughout daily life)
- Take daily vitamins and supplements
- Maintain a healthy weight
In conclusion, these things will not only help to prevent surgery, but will also help maintain healthy physical & mental health as you progress through life.
Sources:
Mackinaw Surgery Center
Mercy College
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