Key points 

• Physiotherapy post-surgery aids in healing and returning to daily life by minimising discomfort and ensuring a safe return to normal activities. 

• Personalised treatment plans help mitigate complications and restore mobility. 

• Benefits may include improved mobility, strength, balance, pain relief, and prevention of re-injury 

• Physiotherapy also enhances flexibilityand addresses secondary issues. 

• It typically spans 6-8 months and can be conducted in various settings with personalised home exercises. 

• Active+ offers personalised physiotherapy support post-surgery around New Zealand.  Click here to find your nearest location. 

Introduction 

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in a patient’s post-surgical recovery journey, supporting improved function and the return to daily life.  While the procedure itself is undoubtedly important, the post-operative phase involving physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in facilitating recovery and enabling individuals to resume their daily activities. In this article, we’ll dive into the importance and various benefits of undertaking physiotherapy after surgery. 

The importance of physiotherapy after surgery 

Post-surgery rehabilitation is indispensable for minimising discomfort and facilitating a safe return to normal activities.  Physiotherapy plays an important role in reintegrating patients into their daily routines. 

A comprehensive evaluation by physiotherapists post-surgery leads to the development of personalised treatment plans aimed at addressing surgery-related impairments and restoring optimal flexibility, strength and mobility.   

It's important to note that post-operative physiotherapy is not a quick fix and typically entails several months of treatment. Initiating the process promptly is advised to expedite recovery and restore functional independence. Active+ provides tailored physiotherapy support to assist patients in their healing journey and ensuring timely recovery.  

The benefits of physiotherapy after surgery 

Enhanced mobility, strength, and balance 

Surgery can often impede movement in the affected area or body part. The body's natural response to trauma includes muscle and tissue tightness, swelling, spasms, and restricted range of motion. Physiotherapy interventions such as targeted exercises and movements aid in restoring mobility. Additionally, exercises targeting core, back, and pelvic muscles enhance stability and balance, which proves invaluable in the recovery process post procedures like knee or hip replacements. 

Alleviation of pain and swelling

Post-surgical swelling is a common occurrence during the healing process and varies from person to person. Physiotherapy effectively reduces swelling, thereby promoting healing and enhancing mobility, leading to overall pain reduction. Supervised exercises and mobilisation techniques administered by trained physiotherapists can effectively mitigate swelling and prevent chronic postoperative pain. 

Physiotherapy can assist improved flexibility 

Prolonged inactivity post-surgery can lead to muscle weakness and joint stiffness, hindering individuals from performing daily activities. Physiotherapists incorporate stretching, mobility and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and mobility, ensuring individuals can resume normal activities comfortably and quickly. 

Mitigation of secondary issues  

Following surgery, complications such as stiffness, contractures, and blood clots may arise. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in preventing these secondary issues through tailored movement exercises aimed at reducing the risk of complications. 

What to do if you need physiotherapy support after a surgery 

Do you need physio support, post-surgery? Active+ can help! Our skilled physiotherapists offer personalised care for all needs. Click here to find your nearest physiotherapist. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, given that soft tissue healing typically spans six to twelve weeks plus, participation in rehabilitative activities is essential.  Post-surgery physiotherapy can take anywhere between 6-9 months may be conducted in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, or a combination thereof, depending on the nature of the surgery. Patients are often assigned personalised exercises to continue at home as part of their recovery process. Physiotherapy facilitates healing and enables individuals to resume their normal activities post-surgery.