What is the Value & Purpose of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists use precise exercises and specialized equipment to help rehabilitate your physical abilities. They routinely start treatment with an intake appointment. At this time your physical therapist will assess your condition and create a plan for rehabilitation. You may need physical therapy after an injury, because of aging, or due to some birth defects. Doctors also usually recommend physical therapy after orthopedic surgery.
Purpose of physical therapy after surgery
During the healing period following surgery, it is essential that you follow your physical therapy plan. This will include a combination of office visits and exercises to perform at home. When you faithfully complete your physical therapy recommendations, you give your bones, muscles, and soft tissues the best opportunity to heal properly. Disregarding the recommendations of your physical therapist can:
- Limit your range of motion
- Lessen your flexibility
- Inhibit proper joint function
- Affect your surgical outcome
The purpose of physical therapy after surgery is to give you the best possible outcome in your activities of daily living.
Is seeing a physical therapist necessary?
With the availability of information on the internet, is it really necessary to see a physical therapist? You may be tempted to figure it out on your own. Physical therapists have extensive training in the musculoskeletal system and human movement. They are able to customize a treatment plan for your precise needs and watch to ensure you are completing the exercises correctly. Failure to do so can cause your healing to progress more slowly. In a worst-case scenario, you may injure yourself by trying to work out a physical therapy plan on your own.
How often will I need to go to physical therapy?
Since the purpose of physical therapy is to rehabilitate after surgery, the frequency of your visits will vary depending on what type of surgery you have had. At first, you should expect to have office visits 1-3 times per week. These visits will be coupled with exercises for you to complete at home. Depending on what part of your body is being rehabilitated, physical therapy treatment can last 6-8 weeks. It comes to an end whenever you have reached your treatment goals. Our physical therapists at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group will help you in creating the best plan for healing and rehabilitation after your surgery.
