Surgeons and medical experts recommend physical therapy to millions of patients to treat various orthopedic issues. It is an essential aspect of post-operative recovery that helps improve range of motion and general quality of life. Post-operative physical therapy helps to increase mobility.
Unfortunately, most patients are not informed as to what physical therapy does and why it is vital after surgery. This article explains why physical therapy is essential, especially after back surgery.
Physical Therapy Speeds Up Recovery
Physical therapy involves different movements and body exercises that help increase the circulation of blood. Proper circulation is often a vital component of recovery because blood carries oxygen which accelerates the healing process within the repaired tissues.
It Helps Alleviate Pain
Physical therapists are experts at treating pain and its source. Your job is to identify the area of weakness or stiffness that potentially adds stress to the places that hurt. The physical therapist then addresses these areas with the help of exercises, stretches & treatment to alleviate pain and assist you in regaining proper movement.
It Helps in Strengthening your Back and Body
Part of physical therapy includes resistance exercises that help strengthen your muscles. These exercises involve the use of resistance bands, your body weight, or weights which work the core muscles, allowing your back to regain strength.
Physical Therapy Improves Range of Motion
After surgery, your back muscles and joints are likely to be stiff, which can reduce your range of motion, and make daily tasks difficult. Research conducted by experts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) discovered that the lack of movement after surgery leads to muscle weakness and fatigue, loss of motor control, and increases in post-operative complications.
If you choose to recover without undergoing physical therapy after back surgery, you run the risk of a slower recovery. Scar tissue can then interfere with your range of motion. Moreover, atrophy limits your strength and daily comfort.
PT Reduces Reliance on Medication
In 2017, the Physiotherapy Association of B.C stated that they could help eliminate the opioid crisis via physical therapy. Unfortunately, after back surgery, most individuals opt for opioid pain-killers instead of considering the positive impact that physical therapy can have on pain.
Physical therapy helps deal with post-operative back pains without turning to strong medication. Moreover, it has a positive influence on the psychological and mental well-being of a patient. Physical therapy includes exercises known to produce endorphins, “the body’s natural opioid,” that produce a sense of well-being and improve overall moods.
Physical Therapy Improves Balance
By increasing your strength & endurance, you can avoid unnecessary falling due to improved motor control & balance. In addition, therapy is a proactive solution to prevent possible injuries caused by lack of balance after surgery.
Bottom Line
Physical therapy involves different activities intended to speed up recovery and increase range of motion. A physical therapist is trained to listen to you during physical therapy sessions to avoid exceeding your limits.
After back surgery, you will regain your pre-surgery strength, stamina, and range of motion with proper physical therapy. Therapy will also reduce your reliance on medication such as opioids, which tend to be misused by many individuals.