How Professional Physical Therapy Helps Patients Regain Mobility and Holistically Manage Their Pain
One of the biggest concerns that patients have before undergoing surgery is whether they will be the same after they fully heal. Baseball players, for example, undergo shoulder surgeries with the expectation that they will return to the diamond able to pitch at full strength again.
So, how exactly does a person go from surgery to having a fully healed joint after an operation?
In the realm of injury rehabilitation and surgery recovery, professional physical therapy is a tried-and-true solution for restoring mobility, strength, and overall function. Although the process is by no means quick or easy, the investment patients make into their recovery pay significant dividends on the backend.
This blog delves into the benefits of physical therapy and rehabilitation, offering insights into what patients can expect and how committing to the process fosters joint function and pain management. We’ll also discuss some of the advantages of having your physical therapist and orthopedic doctor under one roof.
Understanding Professional Physical Therapy
Physical therapy, sometimes called physiotherapy, is a specialized form of healthcare that focuses on promoting, restoring, and maintaining physical function, strength, and mobility. It encompasses a variety of therapeutic techniques, exercises, and modalities tailored to address individual patient needs.
For example, a person recovering from knee surgery will not have the same physical therapy regimen as a person recovering from a rotator cuff injury. Physical therapy is customized to the patient with the goal of optimizing movement, alleviating pain, and enhancing their quality of life.
Who Delivers Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is administered by licensed healthcare professionals known as physical therapists or physiotherapists. These experts hold advanced degrees in physical therapy and undergo rigorous training to assess, diagnose, and implement personalized treatment plans. Physical therapists work collaboratively with patients to address specific impairments, enhance flexibility and strength, and facilitate their gradual return to optimal physical function.
Benefits of Professional Physical Therapy
The advantages of physical therapy for patients recovering from surgery cannot be overstated, especially for those who want to reduce their recovery timeline and reliance on pain medications. When evaluating doctors who provide physical therapy near you, expect:
Personalized Treatment Plans
Physical therapists conduct thorough assessments to identify the unique needs of each patient. This individualized approach allows for the creation of tailored treatment plans that address specific challenges and goals.
Holistic Pain Management
Effective pain management is a key focus of physical therapy and rehabilitation. Therapists employ a combination of manual techniques, therapeutic exercises, and modalities to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall comfort during the recovery process. This approach enables patients to decrease their reliance on prescription and over-the-counter pain medications.
Restoration of Mobility and Function
Physical therapy is designed to restore and improve mobility, flexibility, and function. By employing targeted exercises, patients regain strength, coordination, and the ability to perform daily activities with greater ease.
Prevention of Secondary Complications
Professional physical therapy not only addresses current impairments but also serves to prevent secondary complications. This proactive approach helps mitigate the risk of future injuries or issues related to the initial condition, such as a chronic limp or feeling of instability in the joint.
Enhanced Surgical Recovery and Coordination Among Physicians
For individuals recovering from surgeries, physical therapy plays a crucial role in optimizing the healing process. Therapists collaborate closely with orthopedic surgeons to create comprehensive recovery plans that promote faster healing and reduce the risk of post-surgical complications.
This collaborative approach ensures that everyone involved in the patient’s care is on the same page, reducing the risk of miscommunication during the critical hand-off between surgical and rehabilitation phases. This is one of the main advantages to entrusting your surgery and post-op care to the professionals at Mid-America Orthopedics.
Patient Education
Physical therapists educate patients about their conditions, treatment plans, and strategies for maintaining long-term wellness. Empowering patients with this knowledge enables them to actively participate in their recovery and make informed decisions about their health. Patients are generally more committed to the physical therapy process when they understand how it works and its intention.
Exploring Physical Therapy Near You? Contact Mid-America Orthopedics to Learn More
Professional physical therapy is an integral component of the recovery journey for individuals overcoming injuries and surgeries. It’s arguably as important as the surgery itself, which is why Mid-America Orthopedics has invested in hiring the most experienced and skilled physical therapists in the state.
The collaborative efforts of physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons under one roof provide patients with a seamless continuum of care, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to rehabilitation. Those who are searching for physical therapy near them are encouraged to contact our practice to receive a consultation.
Call Mid-America Orthopedics at (316) 630-9300 to speak with our scheduling department. You can also email us using our website’s contact form. For the convenience of our patients, we can typically offer same-day or next-day appointments.