The post-surgery rehabilitation process can often feel difficult to begin. After surgery,
30–80% of patients experience pain while healing. However, physiotherapy with
specialized techniques can help reduce pain, speed up recovery, and improve mobility.
Are you ready to learn about different physiotherapy techniques for post-surgery
rehabilitation?
What is Post Surgical Rehabilitation?
The goal of post-surgery rehabilitation is to restore joint range of motion and muscle
endurance, minimize vascular and pulmonary complications, improve mobility, and enable
patients to return to normal activities.
The recovery process is generally divided into three stages:
- Immediate or post-anesthetic phase
- The intermediate phase, which includes the hospitalization period
- Convalescent phase
The primary goals during the first two stages are pain management, maintaining
homeostasis, and preventing complications. The convalescent phase is the period between
hospital discharge and return to work. Because of earlier hospital discharges today, much of
this phase now occurs at home.
The phrase “post-op starts pre-op” refers to the idea that postoperative treatment goals
should be discussed and planned with the patient and their family before surgery.
Complications of Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
● Surgical trauma and tissue injury
● Inactivity and muscle stiffness
● Tissue scarring and adhesions
● Infections or nerve impairment
● Slower healing due to past medical conditions
Why You Need Physical Therapy
Whatever the type of surgery, physiotherapy boosts your healing process. More than likely,
you’ll start while you’re still in the hospital. A physiotherapist will assist you in moving and
continue your exercise to get you trained to do it yourself. However, a stay at a rehabilitation center may be suggested to complete your recovery after being discharged from the hospital. It depends on the surgery; you could have to be there for
a long time. Also, a doctor can advise you to go to an “outpatient” facility, where you take
therapy once a week or more while living at home. Occasionally, a therapist may visit your
home.
Surgeries That Require Rehabilitation
● Orthopedic: weakness, reduced strength, limited mobility, postural issues, swelling,
balance difficulties, and weight-bearing problems.
● Cardio-thoracic: discomfort, reduced physical activity, breathing difficulties, limited
range of motion, and postural imbalance.
● Neurological: sensory loss, muscle shortening, impaired coordination, respiratory
difficulties, and weakness.
● Abdominal: nausea, breathing issues, urinary incontinence, and restricted motion.
Post-surgery complications may also include deep vein thrombosis, infections, and reduced
lung function.
First Rehabilitation Steps in the Hospital
During the initial stage, doctors and physiotherapists guide you in:
● Using assistive devices: Splints, slings, and other supports to aid movement.
● Breathing exercises: To minimize cardio-thoracic complications.
● Rehabilitation counseling: Explaining the upcoming recovery process and
expectations.
● Discharge advice: Guidance on devices, supplies, and precautions for home care.
● Basic exercises: If medically safe, simple exercises are introduced to maintain
mobility
Post-operative Outpatient Rehabilitation
You may be referred to a physiotherapist after you leave the hospital, but you can also look
for one on your own. The lengthy journey to rehabilitation starts here.
A physical therapist designs a customized therapy program for your fast recovery, fitness,
posture, and mobility. The long-term aim is to return to routine, continue the job, and have a
happy life.
The following are possible therapeutic techniques
● Therapeutic Exercises: A key component of post-surgery rehabilitation is exercise.
The purpose of the exercises is to increase joint mobility, muscle power, and
functionality. Exercises like stretching, strengthening, weight training, and mobility
exercises, according to the surgical procedure.
● Manual therapy: Physiotherapists apply hands-on techniques to mobilize soft
tissues. Manual therapy stimulates tissue repair, increases the joint’s range, and
relieves feelings of discomfort.
● Electrical Stimulation: Electrical stimulation is used to alleviate pain, decrease
muscle tightness, and increase muscle function. Examples include neuromuscular
electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS).
● Heat and Cold Therapy: To control pain, decrease swelling, and facilitate tissue
repair, therapy—like heat therapy and cold therapy are applied.
After surgery, patients may need assistive devices such as walkers, crutches, or canes to
help them move during the recovery period. Physiotherapists guide and support patients in
using these devices safely, while gradually encouraging independence as mobility improves.
Pain Management Strategies:
In addition to therapy sessions, physiotherapists provide patients with daily life tips for managing pain, such as relaxation techniques and posture correction.
Significance of Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Many patients assume that following hospital guidelines is enough. However, true recovery
requires consistent therapy, sometimes for several months.
The following are the benefits of physiotherapy after surgery:
● Pain Relief
One of the most frequent problems throughout the post-operative recovery process is pain.
It’s a frequent misconception that physical therapy aggravates pain, but this is untrue.
Several methods, modalities, and exercises help in pain relief by restoring muscle and joint
mobility.
● Range of motion
After surgery, it can be challenging for patients to move as they did before. Surgery often
reduces the range of motion, making everyday activities more difficult. Physiotherapy helps
restore movement by teaching patients how to use mobility aids effectively and guiding them
through exercises that gradually improve flexibility and function.
● Improved muscle activity
Muscles may become tight and painful since you are inactive for a long time after surgery. A
physiotherapy sessions help you become stronger, more mobile, and more resilient. It can
be achieved by therapeutic modalities, hands-on therapy, and exercises.
● Balance and coordination
Surgery can have a significant impact on the body, and recovery takes time. It is common to
experience a loss of balance and coordination, but post-operative physiotherapy provides
targeted exercises that improve stability and help prevent falls.
● Better blood flow
It is important to ensure that blood flow is not compromised during long periods of bed rest.
Healthy circulation is vital for carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, which are
essential for healing and recovery.
How much time will it take?
The duration of post-surgery therapy is one of the most common questions, but the answer
varies because every patient and condition is unique. Recovery may take as little as one
month, or it may extend to six months or even a year to achieve full function.
Conclusion
The purpose of post-operative rehabilitation is to assist in your recovery. Physical therapists
(as well as occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, and sports trainers)
collaborate with doctors to help recover and prevent the risk of reinjury by applying
post-operative techniques. Your therapist designs a customized treatment plan to support
the healing process and gradually restore your muscle strength, stability, coordination, and
activity.
What is the role of a physiotherapist in rehabilitation?
Physiotherapists help patients recover after surgery by reducing pain and spasms, improving
range of motion, and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle through physical, mental, and
overall wellness support.
What is the rehabilitation program after surgery?
The rehabilitation program includes therapeutic maneuvers, strengthening, weight-bearing,
and range-of-motion exercises, depending on the type and area of surgery. It is carefully
tailored to each patient’s needs to ensure safe and effective recovery.
What are the key components of healthy rehabilitation?
After surgery, post-operative rehabilitation is essential to a successful and efficient recovery.
An organized treatment plan helps recover movement and minimize pain by reducing scar
tissue and inflammation, and retraining muscles, allowing a safe return to regular activities.
Can I recover without going to rehabilitation?
If you skip physiotherapy sessions, you may face ongoing discomfort, muscle or joint
stiffness, and restricted movement. Other risks include reduced endurance and a higher
chance of re-injury.
How long after surgery should you do rehabilitation?
Physiotherapy typically begins as soon as it is medically safe. It often starts with gentle
stretches and exercises that improve blood flow and reduce spasms. Beginning early offers
several important benefits, including managing the recovery process more efficiently.
