Why Post-Surgery Physiotherapy is Crucial for Fast Recovery

Healing after a surgical procedure can sometimes be a long and arduous journey that can take weeks or months. Patients may face lingering pain and swelling, limited mobility or weakness. Complications may also occur, which can hamper and lengthen the healing process.  

Post-surgery physiotherapy can help you heal faster, fully, and with minimal or no complications. It may also help reduce pain and inflammation, making recovery smoother and more comfortable.   

At Ace Sports Clinic Malvern, we use a variety of therapies, including physiotherapy, osteopathy, and massage therapy, to support clients in their recovery. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or are scheduled for one, consider including physio as part of your rehabilitation and recovery plan.   

What is Post-surgery Physiotherapy?

Post-op physio involves careful restoration of movement, strength, and function to the affected areas. Initially, gentle and assisted movements are used. They then progress to increasingly challenging and independent movements and exercises as your capability improves.  

Post-operative physio is particularly important after orthopedic surgeries such as joint replacements (e.g. knee or hip replacement), ACL reconstructions, spinal injuries, and other musculoskeletal operations that affect various movements like walking and lifting. Physiotherapy is crucial in restoring as much function as possible, so you can return to your normal life.  

That being said, there is no standard post-surgery physiotherapy plan. Each program will differ depending on the type and location of surgery, how extensive it was, and your body’s healing rate. At Ace, we create a tailored care plan that maximises positive outcomes and speeds up recovery. 

The Importance of Physio After an Operation

Here are the biggest benefits of physio post-operation. 

1. Speeds up Recovery

Post-op physio can significantly reduce how long you take to recover from surgery. The movements and manual therapies involved in physio increase blood circulation, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the injury for faster healing. 

Post-surgery physio also reduces inflammation, allowing tissue to heal and repair faster and more effectively. 

There’s also a psychological effect. Post-surgery physiotherapy gives individuals a sense of control and optimism over their recovery, which reduces anxiety and stress. Less stress means faster healing. 

2. Restores Mobility and Strength

Surgery causes major tissue trauma, which leaves the joints and muscles in the affected area stiff and weak. In addition, most people move around a lot less during recovery, which can cause muscle atrophy and further weakening. The formation of scar tissue as you heal also restricts joint movement and can cause chronic pain and inflammation even after healing. 

Regular physiotherapy after surgery gradually rebuilds strength and mobility, ensuring that as the injured tissue heals, you also regain most or all of your flexibility and function.   

3. Reduces Pain and Inflammation During Recovery

Physiotherapy makes recovery easier and more comfortable by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. It is particularly helpful if you want to reduce your reliance on painkillers after surgery. 

Our physiotherapists at Ace use a variety of techniques such as massage therapy, scar mobilisation, and targeted exercises to improve blood circulation, break up scar tissue, and release stiffness. These approaches help relieve pain without the potential side effects associated with long-term medication use.  

4. Lower Risk of Complications

Complications after orthopaedic surgeries often arise when mobility and strength are neglected during recovery. This leads to issues such as: 

• The injured area becomes stiff, leading to more pain, inflammation, and limited range of movement. 
• Muscle wasting affects independent movement, and can lead to long-term mobility problems. It can also cause secondary issues in other areas as they compensate for the weaker muscles. 
• Higher risk of falling, which can worsen the existing injury or cause new ones. 
• Other complications include chronic pain, formation of clots, excessive scar tissue, and low blood pressure (causing dizziness when you stand). 

Rehab physio reduces the risk of these complications.  

5. Reduces Chances of Re-injury

The risk of re-injury after surgery is high because muscles and joints around the affected area are stiff and weak. By increasing strength and flexibility, Post-op physio protects you from new injuries during recovery and after.  

How Soon After Surgery Should You Start Physio?

This will depend on a number of factors, including how well the operation went and how safe it is to start gentle movements and manipulations of the injured area. 

Your doctor will advise you on how soon you can start physio after surgery. This can be as soon as 24-48 hours after the operation, or your doctor may recommend that you wait a few days. Generally, you shouldn’t go beyond 1-2 weeks after surgery if you want to maximise the outcomes of the physio. 

How Long Does Post-Surgery Physio Last?

How long you should keep up with post-surgery physiotherapy depends on the type of injury, your rate of healing, and how quickly you rebuild your strength and mobility.  

Your physiotherapist, in consultation with your medical professional, will advise when you can start tapering off your sessions and eventually stop them. You may need to continue with home exercises after you complete your physiotherapy. 

Speed Up Your Recovery With Tailored Post-Surgery Physiotherapy at Ace

When you come to us, we create a tailored post-surgery physiotherapy plan that’s based on the nature of your injury, your physical requirements, and consultation with your doctor. We monitor your progress and adjust the plan if necessary to ensure you make a full recovery. 

Contact us today at 03 9824 8001 to find out how our team of certified physios can help you recover faster and more effectively after surgery. 

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified professional for personalised guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances.