Post Surgery Rehabilitation
Surgical doctors often advise patients to get physiotherapy and mobility treatment to achieve better surgery results. The rehabilitation process following a surgery varies for each type of surgery and is different from patient to patient. FisioMed‘s mobile physical therapists are familiar with the guidelines that your doctor prescribe and can assist you in regaining your bodily functions after your surgery.
How Rehabilitation Can Help You Recover From Surgery
After your surgery you will need to do rehabilitation to regain your strength so that you can get back to your baseline. With the help of our rehabilitation team, you’ll learn the best and safest way to walk, bathe, get dressed, and take care of yourself. Additionally, we will walk you through light exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and help you improve the way you move.
Why You Need In-home Post Surgery Rehabilitation?
Post surgery rehabilitation will speed your recovery no matter what kind of operation you’ve had – joint replacements, heart surgery, or cancer treatment. You’ll likely begin while you’re still in the hospital. A therapist will help you get out of bed and start to walk again. You’ll also do other exercises to get you ready to go home. After you’re released from the hospital, it is beneficial to plan on starting an in-home rehabilitation program so that you can continue to make progress and get back to your normal activities.
How In-home Rehabilitation Helps You Recover After Surgery?
Rehabilitation takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. Here some of the key goals of your rehabilitation team will help with:
- Improve movement and range of motion in the part of your body where your surgical procedure.
- Strengthen your muscles.
- Reduce pain.
- Help you walk again – first with crutches or a walker, eventually on your own.
- Teach you to do daily activities, such as climb stairs, get up from a chair/bed, get in and out of a car, get dressed, and bathe.
After which surgeries is it common to seek in-home rehabilitation?
After any surgery that causes deterioration in your physical health and impacts your abilities to be independent. Post-orthopaedic surgeries is the most common to seek in home rehabilitation. Here are some of the common surgeries that require in-home rehabilitation:
- Knee Replacement
- Hip Replacement
- Post Hip Fracture Surgery
- Shoulder Replacement
Hip replacement physiotherapy is aimed at helping individuals recover and regain function after undergoing hip replacement surgery. The primary goals of hip replacement rehabilitation are to reduce pain, increase strength and mobility, and improve overall functionality of the hip joint.
Here are some key aspects of hip replacement physiotherapy:
- Early mobilization: Physiotherapy typically begins soon after the surgery, often within 24 to 48 hours. Initially, the focus is on gentle exercises and movements to promote blood circulation, prevent complications like blood clots, and improve joint mobility.
- Pain management: Pain is common after hip replacement surgery, and the physiotherapist will employ various techniques to help manage it. This may include using ice or heat therapy, manual techniques, and teaching pain-relieving positions and movements.
- Range of motion exercises: The physiotherapist will guide you through specific exercises to restore and improve the range of motion of your hip joint. These exercises may involve bending, straightening, and rotating the hip joint in a controlled manner.
- Strengthening exercises: As your hip heals, strengthening exercises become crucial to regain muscle strength and stability. Your physiotherapist will design a personalized exercise program targeting the muscles around the hip joint, including the buttocks, quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors and adductors.
- Gait training: Learning to walk properly after hip replacement surgery is an important part of rehabilitation. The physiotherapist will assist you in relearning the correct gait pattern, ensuring proper weight-bearing and balance while using any assistive devices like crutches or walkers, if needed.
- Balance and coordination exercises: These exercises focus on improving your balance and coordination to reduce the risk of falls and improve overall functional mobility. They may include activities like standing on one leg, using balance boards, or practicing coordinated movements.
- Functional training: The physiotherapist will work with you on activities that mimic your daily life tasks, such as sitting, standing, stair climbing, and getting in and out of a car. The goal is to improve your ability to perform these tasks safely and independently.
- Education and guidance: Throughout the physiotherapy process, your therapist will provide education on proper posture, body mechanics, and precautions to avoid certain movements that could strain the hip joint. They will also guide you on gradually resuming activities and exercises while ensuring a safe recovery.
Remember, every individual’s rehabilitation process is unique, and your physiotherapy program will be tailored to your specific needs and progress. It’s essential to follow the guidance of your physiotherapist, adhere to your exercise regimen, and communicate any concerns or difficulties you may experience during your hip replacement recovery.
Knee replacement rehabilitation is a crucial part of the recovery process following knee replacement surgery. It focuses on restoring knee function, reducing pain, increasing strength and flexibility, and helping you regain mobility and independence. Here are some key aspects of knee replacement rehabilitation:
- Early mobilization: Rehabilitation typically begins soon after the surgery, often within 24 to 48 hours. Initially, the focus is on gentle exercises and movements to promote blood circulation, prevent complications like blood clots, and improve joint mobility. The physiotherapist may assist you with exercises in bed and encourage you to start walking with the aid of a walker or crutches.
- Pain management: Pain and discomfort are common after knee replacement surgery. Your physiotherapist will employ various techniques to help manage pain, such as ice or heat therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and gentle massage. They may also teach you pain-relieving positions and techniques to manage pain during daily activities.
- Range of motion exercises: Restoring and improving the range of motion of the knee joint is a primary goal of rehabilitation. The physiotherapist will guide you through specific exercises to gently bend, straighten, and rotate the knee joint. These exercises are essential for preventing stiffness and improving mobility.
- Strengthening exercises: As your knee heals, strengthening exercises become crucial to regain muscle strength and stability. Your physiotherapist will design a personalized exercise program that targets the muscles around the knee, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip abductors, and adductors. These exercises help support the knee joint and improve functional movements.
- Balance and proprioception exercises: Improving balance and proprioception (the sense of joint position) is important for stability and preventing falls. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that challenge your balance, such as standing on one leg or using a balance board. These exercises help train your muscles and improve joint stability.
- Gait training: Learning to walk properly after knee replacement surgery is a significant part of rehabilitation. The physiotherapist will assist you in relearning the correct gait pattern, ensuring proper weight-bearing and balance. They may also provide guidance on using any assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, during the initial stages of walking.
- Functional training: Rehabilitation will focus on restoring your ability to perform daily activities and tasks, such as sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of a car. Your physiotherapist will work with you on specific exercises and techniques to improve your functional mobility and independence.
- Education and guidance: Throughout the rehabilitation process, your physiotherapist will provide education on proper posture, body mechanics, and precautions to avoid movements that could strain the knee joint. They will also guide you on gradually resuming activities and exercises while ensuring a safe recovery.
It’s important to note that knee replacement rehabilitation is a gradual process, and individual progress may vary. Following your physiotherapist’s instructions, being consistent with your exercises, and communicating any concerns or difficulties are key to a successful recovery. Rehabilitation duration can vary, but most people continue with exercises for several months to optimize their knee function.
Rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery is imperative for optimizing recovery, restoring mobility, and regaining independence. The specific rehabilitation plan may vary depending on the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the individual’s overall health and functional goals. Here are some key aspects of post-hip fracture surgery rehabilitation:
- Early mobilization: Rehabilitation usually begins soon after the surgery, often within 24 to 48 hours. The focus is on gentle movements and exercises to promote blood circulation, prevent complications like blood clots, and maintain joint mobility. The physiotherapist may assist you in bed exercises, transfers, and gradual weight-bearing activities.
- Pain management: Pain and discomfort are common after hip fracture surgery. Your healthcare team will help manage pain through medication, ice or heat therapy, and positioning techniques. The physiotherapist may use gentle manual techniques and teach you pain-relieving positions to make exercises more tolerable.
- Range of motion exercises: Maintaining and improving the range of motion in the hip joint is crucial during rehabilitation. The physiotherapist will guide you through exercises to gently move and stretch the hip joint. These exercises aim to prevent stiffness and improve flexibility.
- Weight-bearing exercises: Gradual weight-bearing activities are introduced as tolerated and based on the surgeon’s recommendations. The physiotherapist will guide you in learning to walk with assistive devices such as crutches, a walker, or a cane. The goal is to regain full weight-bearing ability and promote safe mobility.
- Strength and balance exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the hip joint and improving balance are important for stability and preventing falls. Your physiotherapist will design a personalized exercise program that targets the hip, thigh, and core muscles. These exercises will help restore strength, improve balance, and enhance overall stability.
- Functional training: Rehabilitation will focus on improving your ability to perform daily activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs. The physiotherapist will guide you through exercises and techniques specific to your functional goals. They may also provide training on using assistive devices and modifications to support safe and independent functioning.
- Home exercise program: To facilitate continued progress, your physiotherapist will provide you with a home exercise program. These exercises will allow you to continue strengthening and maintaining mobility between therapy sessions. It is important to follow the prescribed exercises consistently and report any difficulties or concerns to your physiotherapist.
- Education and support: Throughout the rehabilitation process, education is provided on proper body mechanics, joint protection techniques, and fall prevention strategies. Your healthcare team will also provide guidance on modifying the home environment to enhance safety and prevent future injuries.
Remember, the duration and progression of rehabilitation may vary depending on individual circumstances. It’s crucial to follow the guidance of your healthcare team and maintain regular communication with your physiotherapist to ensure an optimal recovery after hip fracture surgery.
Shoulder replacement rehabilitation is an important component of the recovery process following shoulder replacement surgery. The main goals of rehabilitation are to reduce pain, restore range of motion, improve strength and stability, and regain functional use of the shoulder joint. Here are some key aspects of shoulder replacement rehabilitation:
- Early mobilization: Rehabilitation often begins shortly after the surgery, usually within a few days. Initially, the focus is on gentle movements and exercises to promote blood circulation, prevent stiffness, and maintain joint mobility. Your physiotherapist will guide you through passive and active-assisted range of motion exercises.
- Pain management: Pain and discomfort are common after shoulder replacement surgery. Your healthcare team will manage pain through medication and other techniques as needed. The physiotherapist may use modalities such as ice or heat therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and gentle manual techniques to help alleviate pain.
- Range of motion exercises: Restoring and improving the range of motion in the shoulder joint is a primary goal of rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will guide you through specific exercises to gently move and stretch the shoulder joint. These exercises will aim to regain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Strengthening exercises: As the shoulder heals, strengthening exercises become important to improve muscle strength and stability around the joint. Your physiotherapist will design a personalized exercise program targeting the muscles of the shoulder girdle, including the rotator cuff muscles, deltoids, and scapular stabilizers. These exercises will help improve strength, endurance, and functional movements.
- Joint protection techniques: Your physiotherapist will educate you on proper body mechanics and joint protection techniques to minimize stress on the replaced shoulder joint. This may include instructions on proper posture, avoiding excessive loads or repetitive motions, and modifications to daily activities to prevent strain or injury.
- Functional training: Rehabilitation will focus on restoring functional use of the shoulder joint. Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises and activities specific to your daily life tasks, such as reaching, lifting, and performing overhead movements. The goal is to improve your ability to perform these activities safely and independently.
- Gradual return to activities: Your physiotherapist will provide guidance on gradually returning to more demanding activities, such as sports or recreational activities. This will be based on the healing progress of your shoulder and your individual goals. They will work with you to develop a plan for safely resuming these activities while minimizing the risk of re-injury.
- Ongoing home exercise program: To maintain and continue progress, your physiotherapist will provide you with a home exercise program. It is important to follow this program consistently to promote further improvement and maintain the gains made during rehabilitation.
Regular communication with your physiotherapist is important throughout the rehabilitation process. They can monitor your progress, adjust the treatment plan as needed, and address any concerns or difficulties you may have. Adhering to the prescribed exercises and guidelines, as well as maintaining a positive attitude and patience, will contribute to a successful recovery after shoulder replacement surgery.
How long will my rehabilitation take?
The duration of a post-surgery rehabilitation is a tough nut to crack and has many variables depending on severity of your surgery and your overall physical condition. It’s not an easy question as each patient is different, and each situation is respectfully different. It may take anywhere from 4 months to 24 months for a full recovery.
The coverage of post-surgery rehabilitation costs may vary depending on various factors such as your insurance coverage, the type and duration of rehabilitation required. It is important to check with your insurance provider the level of coverage. For those who have had a total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR) through the UBC hospital, they are eligible for either 3 physiotherapy visits (THR) or 12 physiotherapy visits (TKR), paid for by Vancouver Coastal Health.
Occupation Therapy services provided to private patients or clients with Extended Health Benefits:
- Wheelchair/power mobility/scooter assessment and prescription (some extended health providers require an OT assessment for coverage for a wheelchair).
- Home safety assessment/falls prevention
- Adaptive equipment prescription
- Ergonomic assessment (home/workplace)
- Concussion management/therapy
- Return to work support/planing/GRTW
It is common for patients have an in home assessment done by one of our Physiotherapists (PT) or Occupational Therapists (OT). They assess your physical abilities as well as your environment and make recommendations that will make it easier for you to come home to after surgery.
Here are some areas that our team focuses on when assessing your home and preparing you for coming home after surgery:
- Set up your home. Move any items that could make you trip (e.g. area rugs, cords) as you move through your home with your walking aid. Ensure that your stairs have railings. Prepare your meals in advance; stock up on instant, easy-to-prepare food, or arrange for meal delivery
- Raise sitting surfaces to 2″ above the height of your knee. For hip surgery patients with precautions, sitting on a higher surface is essential.For people having knee surgery or hip surgery without precautions, a higher surface makes it easier for you to get up and down.
- Measuring Optimal Dimensions of Equipment Before Surgery. The following equipment can be rented at the local Red Cross Centre, where one of our therapists can help fill out the form for the equipment that you need. –https://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/How-We-Help/Community-Health-Services-in Canada/RC-Referral-Form_FINAL.pdf
- Recommended Equipment for Walking: 2 wheeled walker (No 4-wheeled walkers), crutches
- Recommended Bathroom Equipment: Raised toilet seat or commode, shower chair or tub transfer bench, non-slip bath mat
- Recommended Equipment for Dressing (especially for those with hip precautions): Extra-firm cushion (4” x 16” x 18”), long-handled shoe horn, long-handled reacher, sock aid
- Recommended cold therapy for total knee replacements: Ensure you have one of the following: Crushed ice, gel packs, frozen peas or a cryotherapy machine
The Recovery Process
Anyone who has gone through an operation, either for joint replacement or general surgery, can benefit enormously from treatment by a qualified physical therapist. During the recovery period after your procedure, it is imperative to keep moving to avoid losing general function and conditioning. Having a physiotherapist guide you during this time is essential to help prevent complications arising from doing too much too soon, or not enough at all.
Multiple studies have found that patients who are up and moving right after surgery have faster recovery times than those who are rested for a prolonged period before rehabilitation. Often times, a patient is able to begin therapy as soon as they are discharged from the hospital. The sooner you begin rehabilitation after surgery, the faster your recovery, the better your outcome.
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