Preparing for surgery can be a daunting prospect, and you may wonder if you are ready. One of the keys to a successful surgery and postoperative recovery is pre- and post-surgical strengthening. It is important to remember that the stronger your body is, the easier it will be to recover.
What is Pre- & Post-Surgical Strengthening?
Pre-surgical strengthening consists of a strength training regimen instated prior to the operation. The exercise focuses on toning the muscles and joints in the affected area prior to surgery. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed the effectiveness of strengthening exercises performed prior to cardiovascular surgery. Studies of patients who underwent knee and hip surgery after strength training were equally encouraging.
Pre-surgical strength training helps the patient to recover by improving coordination, assisting with a wider range of motion, and reducing pain after surgery. This "Better In, Better Out" treatment protocol shows that patients who go into surgery stronger are more likely to come out of surgery in good health and recover more quickly.
Post-surgical exercise has been a standard postoperative treatment for decades, and is proven to be an effective means of speeding patient recovery by improving the strength and flexibility of the muscles and joints post operation. Additionally, post-surgical strengthening improves blood flow, speeding up the patient's overall recovery time and reducing postoperative pain and stiffness.
Who Needs Pre- and Post-Surgical Strengthening?
Pre- and post-surgical strengthening are helpful for people of varying ages and physical requirements, from children to the elderly. Depending on the type of surgery, your physical therapy will help you to determine an exercise regimen best suited for your particular needs.
Pre- and post-surgical strengthening has proven to help patients recover from knee and hip surgery and even heart and pulmonary procedures. Because there are a wide variety of procedures and operations for which post-surgical strengthening can be helpful, it is important to ensure that you have a knowledgeable and qualified physical therapist.
Therapist Qualifications and Certification
Surgery, even if it is minor, can place a great strain on the body, and it is vitally important that your physical therapist is well-versed in the specifics of the surgery that you are having performed. That is why you should always look into the education and certifications of your therapist or sports medicine doctor.
Sports Therapy Locations and Services
Luckily, our offices have a wide range of certified specialists, so it is easy for you to find the best therapist for your particular needs. To learn more about our highly-qualified staff of sports medicine and physical therapists, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
We have four locations you can choose from: