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Physical Therapy After Surgery: What Patients Should Expect Guide

To effectively recover after a hospital stay, a rehabilitation plan may be necessary. Physical therapy after surgery combines a mixture of exercises and movement to reduce pain and increase strength and mobility. 

\Most physical therapy begins right after surgery, either in the hospital, at home, or at a post acute facility. A professional will work with the individual to ensure safe progress through the recovery journey.  

Here’s what you can expect from physical therapy after surgery at Three Meadows Post Acute.  

Why Is Physical Therapy Important After Surgery? 

While surgery may only affect a certain area of the body, it can lead to stiffness or challenges doing everyday activities. Physical therapy leverages certain exercises and other therapeutic activities to address these difficulties. 

The therapy team will create a treatment plan. This plan will be crafted based on the individual’s current abilities. As the person progresses through the therapeutic exercises, the plan will be adjusted, and exercises will become more challenging. 

Therapy goals may focus on: 

  • Improving strength, flexibility, and mobility 
  • Improving balance, coordination, and range of motion 
  • Ensuring residents can walk safely 
  • Getting in and out of chairs and cars 
  • Restoring independence 

What Can Patients Expect? 

Recovery will be gradual. Initially, exercises may be challenging, and some days will be better than others. Progress may be slow, and therapy will take as long as needed. 

As the individual gets stronger, the therapy plan will be adjusted. Your therapist may introduce new exercises and different goals. 

First Step: Physical Therapy Evaluation 

Post-surgery physical therapy will begin with evaluating the individual. Once the evaluation is complete, a therapist will create a rehabilitation plan. 

The assessment typically involves assessing: 

  • Mobility 
  • Balance 
  • Strength 
  • Range of motion 
  • Walking ability 
  • Current pain levels 
  • Ability to transfer between furniture or cars 
  • How well they perform everyday activities 

From this information, your therapist will create a plan that best fits your needs. 

What’s Involved with Post-Surgery Physical Therapy? 

While every therapy plan is unique to the patient, most treatment plans will include the following: 

Exercises 

Therapists will use a mix of exercises to help individuals rebuild strength and improve range of motion and flexibility.  

Training 

Training can focus on walking, mobility, functional, and balance improvement. Many people may need to relearn how to walk or improve their balance. Functional training will involve activities to ensure the individual can do everyday activities. 

How Long Will Physical Therapy Take? 

The length of post-surgery therapy will differ based on the individual. Factors that could affect length of therapy include: 

  • How complex the surgery was 
  • Any preexisting conditions 
  • The person’s age and ability 
  • Progress during the rehabilitation plan 
  • The patient’s doctor’s recommendation 

Most therapy will only last for a few weeks. Some people, however, will need more time. 

What You Can Expect from the Three Meadows Post Acute Team 

Physical therapy after surgery is critical for ensuring that our residents can restore strength, mobility, and endurance. Our team at Three Meadows Post Acute will work closely with you or your loved one to develop a comprehensive plan to restore independence. 

Our team will help our residents work toward their individual recovery goals. Trust us with your care needs. Contact us today or schedule a tour today!