Post-surgery rehabilitation is an important part of recovery. Its main goal is to restore a patient to their pre-surgery condition. Postoperative patients often experience pain, weakness, stiffness, and mobility issues. Rehabilitation can help all of these issues and gradually improve a patient’s health until fully recovery is achieved.
If you want to know more, here are some of the most common questions Core Medical Center receives about post-surgery rehabilitation, along with responses from our experts.
How Long Does Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Take?
Post-surgery rehabilitation is highly individualized. Factors that affect the length of recovery include the type of surgery performed, any complications that occurred during the procedure, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s ability to keep up with their rehabilitation program. Physical rehabilitation can take several months to a year to complete for most patients. Most patients are able to return to somewhat normal life within a few months. However, rehabilitation must continue in order to ensure a full recovery is accomplished and the patient is back to full strength. Patients must take their time with rehabilitation. A gradual increase in activity is necessary in order to prevent injury.
What are the Benefits of Post-Surgery Rehabilitation?
Post-surgery rehabilitation offers a lot of benefits to the patient. It can bolster the positive effects of surgery and help the patient feel better faster. Post-surgery rehabilitation offers:
- Less pain and swelling
- Reduced scar tissue formation
- Better circulation (avoid blood clot formation)
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Stronger core
- Greater flexibility
- Reduced muscle stiffness, better muscle function
- Improved balance (prevent falls and accidents)
- Enhanced mobility
- Reduced risk of complications
- Better mental health
- Shorter recovery time
Patients who are committed to and actively participate in rehabilitation have a more comfortable and speedy recovery. Some surgeries, such as total joint replacement, can take their toll on the body. Rehabilitation helps patients regain strength, mobility, and flexibility that is lost due to the procedure and immobility immediately following surgery.
Does Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Hurt?
Rehabilitation aims to reduce pain, not increase it. While rehabilitation immediately following surgery is likely to cause some pain, the goal of rehabilitation is to gradually increase movement and exercise intensity. If your rehabilitation activity causes pain, your therapist will not force you to continue. Instead, they will readjust your rehabilitation plan, so that you can comfortably participate in it. Rehabilitation plans are designed to go at the pace of the patient, not the other way around. Your plan will be customized and designed to maximize your comfort and experience.
Where Does Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Take Place?
In some cases, post-surgery rehabilitation begins as soon as the patient wakes up from surgery. The following sessions usually take place in an outpatient rehabilitation facility, but the patient is empowered to do some exercises where they live, be it at home or an assisted living facility. Your therapist will schedule the frequency of your visits based on your recovery speed and rehabilitation needs.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation in Blue Springs, MO
The healthcare team at Core Medical Center specializes in the rehabilitation of patients who are recovering from surgery. We have extensive experience treating patients who are coming out of major surgeries, such as joint reconstructions or joint replacement, fusions, discectomies, and laminectomies. We also specialize in pain management and interventional pain procedures. We have the knowledge, skill, and experience to assist you with having a comfortable and successful recovery.
If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation, call us now at (816) 427-0201 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
