Bounce Back from Surgery Faster With Pre- and Post-Operative Physical Therapy
If you’re scheduled for an orthopedic surgery (such as a total joint replacement or an ACL repair), you probably already know you’ll need to undergo rehabilitation afterward with a physical therapist. But have you considered working with a PT before your surgery, too?
Pre-rehabilitation, sometimes called “prehab,” is a little less common than rehab, but it’s still an important part of the surgical process. Together, a structured pre- and post-surgical physical therapy program can help you maximize the benefits of your surgery.
We offer pre- and post-rehab here at Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services, and today, we want to explore both programs in detail. And if you’d like more personalized guidance, just contact our clinic to speak to our friendly staff!
What You Need to Know About Pre-Op Physical Therapy
Surgery can be incredibly tough on the human body. Standard rehabilitation works to minimize surgical risks after the fact. However, prehab takes a proactive approach, allowing you to improve strength, fitness, and pain levels before you have your procedure.
Think of it this way: No athlete goes into a big game unprepared. They spend time training to ensure their strength, endurance, and performance are the best they can possibly be. Prehab is the same way–you’re preparing your body for the “big game” of surgery.
What Are Some Benefits of Prehab?
- Improves strength and mobility, making surgery and recovery easier
- Reduces pain and swelling before surgery
- May help shorten hospital stays and overall recovery times
- Decreases the risk of complications
- Helps you understand what to expect after surgery, reducing anxiety
What Can I Expect During Prehab?
- An initial evaluation in which one of our physical therapists assesses your strength, range of motion, balance, and pain level
- Various pain management techniques, including manual therapy, ice/heat, or electrical stimulation, to help reduce discomfort
- A therapeutic exercise program consisting of specific exercises to target weak or stiff areas, improve circulation, and support surrounding joints
- Personalized endurance training consisting of low-impact cardiovascular activities to increase overall stamina
- A detailed overview of what you can expect from post-surgical physical therapy, including training on mobility aids and rehab exercises
Exercise of the Month
Dead Bug
(Core, Lower Back)
Lie down on your back with your arms by your sides, your knees bent to 90-degrees, and your feet on the floor. Raise one arm up straight and one knee up towards the ceiling at the same time. Your arm should stay straight and be pointing straight up at the top and your knee should be at 90-degrees and be pointing straight up at the top. 3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Therapeutic Exercise and You
Relieve Your Pain and Move with Ease – Give Therapeutic Exercise a Try!
Are you looking to improve your physical activity and relieve your pain? Therapeutic exercise is a safe and easy way for people of all ages to find pain relief!
Therapeutic exercise is a great way to restore function and live a pain-free life. Many people assume that anyone participating in physical therapy treatments is recovering from recent surgery.
However, that is not always the case. Physical therapy provides a multitude of benefits for anyone wishing to restore their strength, endurance, flexibility, or stability.
In fact, physical therapy is used as a treatment for any pain, injury, or ailment someone may be facing.
How Will Therapeutic Exercise Relieve My Pain?
It is a common misconception that one should constantly rest when they are in pain.
However, this can actually cause your muscles to weaken during the healing process, which can lead to decreased functionality and more pain in the long run.
Our physical therapists in Stevenson Ranch, CA are movement experts, trained in improving strength, range of motion, and overall function of the body.
Our physical therapist will design an individualized treatment plan for you equipped with the therapeutic exercises you need to alleviate your pain, strengthen the weak areas of your body, promote the healing process, and restore function.
At Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services, our goal is to help you live a pain-free life with even greater strength and endurance than you had before.
Discover the Benefits of Pre- and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation For Yourself!
If you have surgery scheduled, now’s the time to contact our clinic and learn more about how our pre- and post-op rehabilitation programs can help you make the most of your procedure.
Remember, your recovery starts before you ever head into the operating room. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.
Get a Head Start on New Year’s Resolutions
Who said you had to wait until January to make healthy changes? While December is a busy time of year, it also offers that glorious week between Christmas and New Year’s Day when work is slow (if not non-existent). Why not use that time to consider how you might incorporate new health routines in the new year?
You could…
- Incorporate a few minutes of jogging on your walks.
- Try out a fitness class you usually can’t take because of work.
- Perfect a few new healthy recipes.
- Experiment with meditation.
The post-holiday slump is also a great time to schedule an appointment with the team at Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services. We can help you resolve any lingering pain or help you plan out a new exercise program–just in time for the new year.
The Benefits of Choosing Physical Therapy Over Surgery and Medication
Physical therapy at Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services is a cost-effective way to manage injuries and chronic conditions, as compared to the more expensive and invasive options of surgery and long-term medication use.
Cost Comparison: Physical Therapy vs. Surgery and Medication
While the immediate costs of physical therapy sessions might appear significant, they generally amount to much less than the combined expenses related to surgical interventions.
Surgery not only includes the cost of the procedure itself but may also include a hospital stay, post-operative care, and the rehabilitation process. These procedures also introduce risks such as possible infections, complications, and the need for additional surgeries if outcomes are not as expected. The recovery from surgery can extend over a long period, necessitating time away from work and accruing costs for follow-up treatments.
In contrast, managing a condition with medication might seem economically viable in the short term but can lead to considerable expenses over time. Medications typically address symptoms rather than the root cause and can result in side effects or dependency.
Key Benefits of Physical Therapy:
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Physical therapy focuses on enhancing mobility, reducing pain, and treating the underlying issues through exercises and treatments, avoiding the risks associated with surgery.
- Cost-Effective: Avoiding surgery and minimizing medication can lead to significant financial savings and better health outcomes.
- Preventative Care: Physical therapy can reduce the likelihood of conditions worsening to the point where expensive and invasive treatments become necessary.
Physical therapy at Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services not only aids in immediate recovery but also promotes long-term health, potentially saving patients from the high costs and risks associated with surgery and ongoing medication. By investing in physical therapy, individuals can enjoy a cost-effective path to recovery, emphasizing improved function and preventative care for a healthier future.
Cinnamon Apple Bake
Ingredients
- 4 apples, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Small handful of chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon
Steps
- Heat the oven to 375.
- Toss the apple slices and cranberries in a bowl with maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and lemon if using.
- Spread the mixture in a small baking dish.
- Sprinkle nuts on top.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until the apples are soft and the cranberries burst.
