What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Physical Therapist Before Surgery?
Whether chronic knee pain has been causing you grief for years or you’ve just torn a ligament through playing a sport, you may be facing the imminent need for surgery.
What if you could improve the success of your surgery and speed up your recovery process?
This is possible through physical therapy.
In fact, one study found that as little as 1 to 2 sessions of pre-surgery physical therapy can reduce the amount of care needed post-operation by nearly 30%. This saves around $1,000 per patient.
Let’s explore the benefits of seeing your physical therapist in more detail below.
Getting to Know Your Physical Therapist
Prehabilitation (also known as prehab) occurs when you undergo physical therapy before your surgery.
Not only does it give you the chance to improve the outcome of your surgery but it’s also the perfect opportunity to get to know your local physical therapist.
Why is this important?
Because they’ll be the ones helping you through your rehabilitation post-surgery.
In most cases, you’ll be referred to your therapist within 2 weeks of your surgery, when you’re in pain, on strong painkillers, and frightened about feeling more pain in the area that’s been operated on.
However, when you’ve visited your therapist prior to your surgery, you already know what to expect and have built a trust with them. They can answer any questions you may have and will already know how they will be able to help you recover fully and quickly.
Why is Pre-Surgery Physical Therapy Good for You?
Prehab is renowned for being able to not only improve surgical outcomes but to prevent the need for surgery entirely by reducing the risk of injuries before they happen.
Ultimately, physical therapy helps you enjoy the healthy, active lifestyle you deserve, by:
- Increasing the outcome of your surgery
- Reducing your stay in hospital
- Helping you gain strength faster
- Making you feel mentally prepared for your surgery
- Avoiding complications from your surgery, e.g. infections
Physical therapists are also able to complement your treatment with other recommendations, such as lifestyle changes, diet changes, and exercises you can do at home – all of which help put you on the right step toward full, healthy recovery.
Overall, prehab gives you the chance to take a proactive stance in your surgery and recovery, before it has even taken place.
For physical therapy you can trust, look no further than our team at PT Concepts. Contact us today to book your appointment at your nearest clinic in North Texas.
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Physical Therapy
