Managing Pain after Surgery: Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery
Are you struggling with discomfort after surgery? You’re not alone. Post-surgery pain affects millions of individuals every year, hindering their recovery and quality of life. Nearly 80% of patients experience moderate to severe pain after surgery. However, there’s good news. Physical therapy can help with managing pain after surgery and accelerating your recovery.
Ready to get started with physical therapy for recovering and managing pain after surgery? Call our team at Kinect Physiotherapy in Knightdale, NC today to learn more!
Understanding Post-Surgery Pain: Exploring the Causes
Post-surgery pain refers to discomfort experienced after a surgical procedure. It can manifest as soreness, stiffness, throbbing, or sharp pain at the surgical site. Common signs and symptoms include inflammation, limited range of motion, swelling, and tenderness.
Several factors contribute to post-surgery pain, including tissue damage during surgery, inflammation, nerve irritation, and changes in posture or movement patterns. Additionally, individual factors such as age, overall health, and pain tolerance can influence the severity and duration of post-surgery pain.
How Physical Therapy Can Alleviate Pain After Surgery
Physical therapy is crucial in managing post-surgery pain and promoting optimal recovery. By addressing muscle weakness, stiffness, and limited mobility, physical therapists can help alleviate pain and restore function.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Pain After Surgery
Reduce Pain
- Manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation, can help reduce pain and stiffness in the affected area.
Improve Mobility
- Therapeutic exercises and stretches target specific muscle groups, improving flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
Restore Function
- Functional training focuses on everyday movements, helping patients regain the ability to perform daily activities with ease.
Prevent Complications
- Physical therapists educate patients on proper body mechanics and posture to prevent future injuries or complications.
Treatment Methods for Post-Surgery Pain Relief
Physical therapy offers a variety of treatment methods and techniques to address post-surgery pain effectively. These may include:
Therapeutic Exercises
- These are specific exercises to target the muscles and joints affected by surgery. Therapeutic exercises help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, aiding pain relief and functional recovery.
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to manipulate soft tissues and joints. Manual therapy may include massage, stretching, and joint mobilization, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Soft tissue mobilization is a manual therapy technique that releases tension and adhesions in the soft tissues surrounding the surgical site. By applying gentle pressure and stretching movements, soft tissue mobilization helps improve blood flow, reduce scar tissue formation, and alleviate pain.
Joint Mobilization
- Joint mobilization techniques aim to restore joint mechanics and mobility. Physical therapists use gentle movements to stretch and mobilize stiff or restricted joints, reducing pain and improving joint function.
These treatment methods are often combined into a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals, ensuring optimal recovery and pain relief after surgery.
Breaking Free from Pain: Embracing Post-Surgery Recovery
If you’re struggling with post-surgery pain, don’t suffer in silence. Physical therapy can provide effective relief and support your journey to recovery. Call our team at Kinect Physiotherapy in Knightdale, NC to learn more about managing pain after surgery. Learn if this treatment is suited for you.