Surgery can be a life-changing event, whether it’s a planned procedure or something unexpected. But what happens after the surgery can be just as important as the operation itself. Physical therapy (PT) plays a huge role in getting you back to your everyday life. Skipping this crucial step could mean slower recovery, stiffness, or even more complications down the line. In short, if you’ve had surgery, PT isn’t just a good idea—it’s a game-changer.
Why You Can’t Skip PT Post-Surgery
When your body goes through surgery, it needs help to heal the right way. PT helps to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the affected area. This goes beyond just the part of your body that was operated on—often, other muscles and joints need to compensate while you’re healing. The goal of PT is to get everything working smoothly again so you can move without pain and avoid future issues.
For many, the idea of diving into physical therapy after surgery sounds like another hurdle, especially when you’re dealing with post-op pain or discomfort. But starting early is critical to regain function and mobility. Waiting too long could lead to stiffness and longer recovery times, not to mention an increased chance of re-injury. PT offers a carefully designed plan that gradually increases your strength and helps you move better each day.
The Healing Power of Movement
One of the best things about PT is how it leverages movement to heal. After surgery, your body might instinctively want to take a break, but staying still can actually make things worse. Muscles tighten up, joints stiffen, and before you know it, you’re facing new problems. This is where PT comes in to save the day—by gently introducing movement, your therapist helps you avoid these post-op traps.
Each physical therapy plan is customized to the type of surgery and your unique body. For instance, after a knee replacement, PT will focus on exercises to regain range of motion and build strength in the muscles surrounding the joint. This helps ensure that the new joint doesn’t have to bear the full burden, reducing the risk of damage down the road. On the other hand, if you’ve had shoulder surgery, the exercises will be totally different, aimed at getting your arm moving without putting too much pressure on the healing tissue.
The key takeaway? The more you move (with proper guidance), the faster you’ll heal. PT helps make that movement safe and effective, so you’re not overdoing it but still pushing yourself in the right direction.
Tailored Therapy for Every Surgery
Not all surgeries require the same approach to recovery. Whether you’ve gone through something minor or major, PT is always tailored to your needs. After spinal surgery, gastric surgery, you name it, a physical therapist helps design a plan that fits your specific procedure, body type, and recovery goals.
For example, after a spinal surgery, therapists focus on realigning your posture and stabilizing your core muscles. This not only helps reduce pain but also prevents long-term complications like poor posture or spinal instability. On the flip side, those who have undergone abdominal or gastric surgery may need PT to focus on regaining core strength without putting too much pressure on healing incisions. It’s all about finding the right balance for your body and your particular surgery.
What’s great about PT is that it evolves as you progress. As your body heals and you get stronger, your therapy shifts gears. It’s a dynamic process that keeps you moving forward, minimizing setbacks and helping you reach milestones faster than you might think.
Finding the Right Physical Therapist
Now, this is the section that matters most. Finding the right physical therapist is a bit like finding the right doctor—it’s all about the fit. From physical therapy in Philadelphia, PA, to San Diego, finding the right fit is key. It’s not just about their qualifications; it’s about how they connect with you and understand your needs. A therapist who listens and adapts the therapy to your comfort and progress can make all the difference in your recovery.
It’s important to work with someone who’s experienced in your type of surgery and recovery process. Some therapists specialize in specific areas, so you want to make sure you’re seeing someone who knows the ins and outs of your condition. For instance, if you’ve had a hip replacement, finding a therapist who focuses on joint recovery is going to make your sessions much more effective than someone who doesn’t have that background.
Your therapist should also empower you to take an active role in your recovery. This means not just guiding you through exercises during sessions but giving you stretches and movements you can do at home. Your progress depends largely on the work you put in outside of therapy, so finding a therapist who encourages and educates you on at-home practices is key.
Wrapping Up
Physical therapy isn’t just about rehabbing the body—it’s about rehabbing your life after surgery. Whether you’ve gone through spinal surgery, gastric surgery, or even something like a joint replacement, PT gives you the tools to heal faster and smarter. Finding the right physical therapist can make all the difference from Philadelphia to San Diego. So, as you embark on your recovery journey, make sure PT is part of the plan—because the right moves can put you back on your feet faster than you think.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
