Millions of Americans undergo eclectic surgery each year. Whether they are hoping to fix a bunion, replace a degenerative joint or repair an injured rotator cuff, many people plan out their surgeries months in advance. If you have an elective surgery on the books, don’t just lay in bed waiting for the big day to arrive. Use this time before surgery to connect with a physical therapist. In today’s blog, we explore all the benefits of connecting with a physical therapist prior to your elective surgery.
Starting PT Before Elective Surgery
You’re going to need some physical therapy after your elective procedure, but that doesn’t mean that you need to wait until the surgery is complete in order to connect with a physical therapist. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of starting physical therapy before your elective operation.
- Strength Improvements – The stronger your body is prior to your operation, the strong you will be after the operation is complete. Yes, some tissues and structures will be cut or replaced during surgery, but if tissues that support these areas have been strengthened during physical therapy, your body will be better able to handle the trauma of surgery. You don’t need to wait until your artificial knee has been inserted to start strengthening the nearby tissues that will help to support your new knee!
- Reduced Risk For Complications – Physical therapy has been shown to help make you stronger and healthier prior to your operation, and that can actually help to reduce your risk of certain surgical complications. Becoming healthier with the help of a controlled physical therapy regimen can improve your circulation and boost your immunity, which can help protect you during and after surgery.
- Faster Recovery – Studies have also found that patients who participate in pre-surgery physical therapy are more likely to experience a faster recovery than those who wait until after surgery or don’t pursue PT at all after their operation. Your familiarity with the exercises and the fact that you’ve already developed a healthy routine can help your body recover faster from the trauma of surgery.
- Reduce Anxiety – Beginning a physical therapy routine prior to surgery can also help to control fear and anxiety about your operation and recovery. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re working to reduce your risk of surgical complications, and you’re strengthening your body so that it can bounce back faster after the operation. Knowing that you’re doing your part to help your body handle the stress of surgery can help to mitigate some of the anxiety you may have about your upcoming operation.
- Routine Familiarity – Finally, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with your physical therapy routine before your operation so that you’re not taking on a new challenge right after the operation is complete. If you already know what exercises you’ll need to perform or you’ve developed a regular daily routine, it will be easier to complete your exercises and keep your recovery on track. If physical therapy has become a habit before surgery, it will be easier to maintain that habit after your operation.
Don’t wait until after your elective surgery to connect with a physical therapist in your area. The work you put in before surgery will pay off after the operation, so let us help you become the most physically fit version of yourself. For more information, or to talk to a physical therapist about scheduling an appointment, reach out to our team today at (612) 339-2041.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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