Recovery After Surgery: Don’t Skip the Rehab!

As modern medicine improves and we have more information to help us make good lifestyle choices, we are living longer. As we age, our bodies suffer wear and tear and can be more susceptible to injury. Why is it important to participate in rehabilitation?

• Healing and faster recovery: If you do need to undergo surgery, the chances are that following the procedure you’ll have some pain, swelling, loss of motion and bruising. Getting moving after surgery is one of the most important things you can do for healing. Moving can help you return to your previous activity level, and by improving the blood circulation to your injury, you will heal faster. The exercises provided in physical therapy will help you increase your strength and reduce the likelihood of re-injury.
• Regain mobility: After surgery, there is a good chance that you will suffer from swelling and a limited range of motion. You may also experience severe pain and a decreased ability to use the part of your body that was affected. Exercises help you to gradually move the limb as far as possible, which can improve your healing time while increasing your ability to move your injured/affected limb.
• Reduce stress: The prospect of surgery can be a stressful event in your life, and your anticipated recovery can also result in stress and worry about your future. The exercises in physical therapy may not only restore you to your previous activity level, but can help restore your self-confidence by showing you that you can do more than you thought was possible. Being an active participant in your rehab is proven to provide a more positive outcome to recovery.

You may be offered rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility or go straight home and continue physical therapy on an outpatient basis or with a home exercise program; wherever you receive it, the aim is to enhance your health and quality of life.

And remember: physical therapy isn’t just about injury or surgery rehabilitation. It’s also about injury prevention, so you don’t wind up back in the hospital again.

If you have concerns about managing at home or with your care after surgery, Eldercare Services can help! Click here to contact us -- we are eager to assist.
By Gillian Notman, CMC