Most people look forward to going home immediately after surgery and resuming their usual activities. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Whether you underwent a simple operation or are recovering after a traumatic accident, it will take some time before you resume your usual functions. In most cases, patients recovering from surgeries need post-surgery rehab to speed up recovery and ensure the procedure’s success.
What is Post-Surgery Rehabilitation?
The success of surgical procedures largely depends on the level of care provided during the recovery period, especially for older adults. Surgery patients can easily overexert or develop atrophy due to inactivity. Post-surgery rehab programs are specially designed to balance exertion and rest to facilitate a smooth recovery.
Post-rehab activities allow your body to regain strength while healing. These activities are designed to improve joint function and muscle strength, increase mobility, and prevent vascular and respiratory complications. Depending on the surgical procedure, post-surgery rehabilitation can take several months to years.
Common surgeries that require post-surgery rehab include:
- Orthopedic surgeries – surgical procedures of the muscles, joints, and muscles
- Spinal and neurological surgeries, such as disc replacement or repair, spinal and brain surgery
- Abdominal and thoracic surgery
- Urological surgeries involving the bladder and prostate
- Obstetric and gynecological procedures, such as hysterectomy
- Breast reconstruction and resections
You’ll most likely start post-surgery rehabilitation while in the hospital. Most facilities have therapists who help patients get off their beds and start walking. The therapist may also include other exercises before discharge.
Types of Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
You may require different post-surgery rehab procedures after your operation. Common procedures include:
- Physical rehab – required after hip replacement or knee replacement surgery. Physical activities improve muscle strength surrounding the joint. A physical therapist can help recovering patients improve their range of motion and ease pain and swelling.
- Occupational therapy – depending on the surgery, you can experience difficulties resuming certain tasks, like walking and house chores, after surgery. Occupational therapists help patients modify their environment and adapt to previous activities.
- Speech therapy – head and neck surgeries significantly affect the patients’ communication abilities. During recovery, intensive speech therapy helps resolve speech, cognition, swallowing, and voice issues.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation – helps patients recovering from lung surgery. Respiratory therapists help recovering patients learn effective breathing techniques and exercises to improve endurance and increase blood oxygen levels.
Benefits of Short-Term Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
Most patients mistakenly push their limits fast after surgery. You should consider recovering in a rehab center with a safe and supportive environment. The benefits of staying in a residential rehab center during recovery include:
- Decreased Risk of Injuries
Staying in a nurturing environment surrounded by health and wellness professionals decreases injury risks and improves your quality of life. Since you won’t have to worry about various activities of daily living and pushing yourself beyond limits, you can recover faster.
- Around-the-clock Care
Patients require close monitoring post-surgery in case of pain and infections. Surgical patients also need professional wound care. Short-term rehabs have registered nurses and other health professionals who can monitor your recovery progress, administer medication, and handle other health concerns.
- Emotional Support
Undergoing surgery is emotionally and mentally draining. Most post-surgery rehabs have psychiatrists who help patients heal emotionally and mentally.
- Improved Blood Circulation
Most patients recovering from surgeries spend days, weeks, or months lying in bed. Ensuring that blood circulation is not impaired during this period is important. Proper circulation speeds up recovery, as blood carries the much-needed oxygen and nutrients.
Improve Your Speed of Recovery with Post-Surgery Rehab
Recovering from surgery takes weeks or months. While this depends on the procedure, working with the rehab team can shorten the recovery period. The Arbors in Amarillo, Texas, has a team of occupational therapists, nutritionists, nurses, and psychologists to better your recovery journey.
