Rehabilitation After Surgery: Accelerate Post-Op Recovery
Recovering from surgery can be a long and challenging process but with the right rehabilitation plan in place you can significantly speed up your recovery and return to your normal activities faster. Whether you’ve just undergone joint surgery, soft tissue repair or any other type of surgical procedure, sports therapy can play a crucial role in accelerating your recovery.
Sports Therapy involves the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. It focuses on improving mobility, strength and flexibility, helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries and preventing future injuries.
For post operative recovery, Sports Therapy is centered around rehabilitating the injured area, restoring function and guiding the patient through a structured program to ensure they can safely and effectively return to their pre surgery level of activity.
A variety of different techniques are used to aid recovering, including rehab and hands-on techniques.
After surgery your body undergoes a healing process that requires careful management to ensure the best possible outcome. Surgery often leads to muscle weakness, stiffness and loss of range of motion. This happens because of prolonged inactivity, tissue healing and surgical trauma.
Sports Therapy helps by:
Restoring mobility and flexibility
After surgery it’s common to experience a decrease in range of motion, especially in the joints or muscles that were operated on. Scar tissue can form, which leads to stiffness and can limit movement. Sports therapy works to break down scar tissue, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. Helping you regain functional mobility and reduces the likelihood of long-term restrictions.
Reducing pain and swelling
Swelling and pain are natural parts of the healing process but can slow down recovery if not managed properly. Sports therapists employ techniques such as lymphatic drainage, soft tissue massage and cryotherapy to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Strengthens Muscles and Restores Function
After surgery, muscle strength often diminishes due to inactivity. The area surrounding the surgical site may also become weak or imbalanced, which can affect posture and movement. Sports therapy programs often include strength-building exercises that are tailored to the individuals needs and the specific surgery. These exercises help rebuild muscle strength, restore functionality, and improve endurance so that you can return to your everyday activities safely and confidently.
Prevents complication and reduces the risk of re-injury
If the rehabilitation process is not managed properly, you may be at risk for complications like muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or re-injury. We aim to restore proper movement mechanics and strengthen surrounding muscles to provide stability and support to the area that underwent surgery
A Sports Therapist is a critical part of your rehabilitation after surgery. But how do they support you?
Personalised rehab programs
Every surgery and recovery process is unique. A Sports Therapist will assess your specific needs and create a personalised rehab program that aligns with your surgery type, goals, and progress. This tailored plan will focus on rebuilding strength, improving flexibility, and restoring functionality at a pace that’s appropriate for your body.
Progressive exercises
A Sports Therapist will guide you through progressive exercises that increase in difficulty as your body adapts. Early in the recovery process, exercises may focus on improving flexibility and reducing swelling. As you regain strength and mobility, we will introduce more challenging exercises to rebuild muscle strength, improve coordination, and restore normal movement patterns.
Hands on techniques
In addition to exercises, Sports Therapists use hands-on techniques. These techniques help release muscle tension, reduce scar tissue formation, and improve joint function. Manual therapy plays a vital role in enhancing circulation and flexibility, which are key to the healing process.
Pain management
Pain management is an integral part of post-operative rehab. Sports Therapists use various modalities, such as ice, to help manage pain and reduce inflammation. By keeping pain under control, you can focus on rehabilitation and recovery without the hindrance of discomfort.
Education and lifestyle advice
A Sports Therapist doesn’t just treat the physical aspects of recovery – they also educate you on proper body mechanics, posture, and lifestyle changes that support your healing process.
Post operative surgeries than can benefit from sports therapy:
Joint Replacement Surgery (e.g. hip, knee, shoulder)
Ligament Reconstruction (e.g. ACL reconstruction)
Rotator Cuff Repair
Meniscus or Cartilage Repair
Fracture Recovery
Tendon Repair
Recovery time frame
The timeline for recovery varies depending on the type of surgery, the patient’s health, and their adherence to the rehabilitation program. However, in general, patients who undergo Sports Therapy post-surgery tend to recover faster than those who rely solely on rest. We will regularly assess your progress and adjust your program as needed to ensure you’re on the right track.
While some individuals may experience significant improvements in a matter of weeks, others may require months of therapy, particularly after major surgeries like joint replacements or ligament repairs. It’s important to stay committed to your rehabilitation plan and be patient as your body heals.
Rehabilitation after surgery is essential for restoring strength, mobility, and function, and Sports Therapy plays a critical role in accelerating this process. By working with a qualified Sports Therapist, you can enhance your recovery, improve your overall quality of life, and return to your regular activities sooner.
If you’ve recently had surgery, incorporating Sports Therapy into your rehabilitation plan can make all the difference.
Have questions? Email me at gabby@tivolichiropractic.co.uk or book online today!
