Why Physiotherapy is Recommended Both Before And After Surgery

Physiotherapy is usually a prescribed necessity for post-operative rehabilitation due to the pivotal role it plays in the recovery process. This is something that most people expect after specific procedures. However, a less obvious benefit is how it can help patients prepare for an upcoming procedure. In fact, in some cases, it’s a requirement to undergo physiotherapy treatment before an operation can be scheduled. Here’s why physiotherapy is recommended both before and after surgery and what you can expect from it.

Pre-Operative Physiotherapy Treatment

One of the main reasons for prescribing pre-operative physiotherapy treatment to a patient is for them to gain strength. For example, if you’ve sustained an injury and need a procedure done to fix it, you might require therapy if the affected regions are too weak to undergo surgery immediately. Depending on the nature of the injury, different healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, radiologists, sports injury specialists and orthopaedic surgeons) may be brought in to help a patient gain enough strength so that surgery can be scheduled as required. Pre-operative physiotherapy also helps to boost mobility and flexibility, which in turn contributes to improved post-operative recovery results.

Post-Operative Physiotherapy Treatment

As mentioned, post-operative physiotherapy is generally a compulsory requirement ordered by a patient’s doctor or surgeon. Treatment usually starts post-surgery while the person is still in hospital and can continue long after a person is discharged. Here, it will assist with building muscle strength, increasing mobility and promoting flexibility. It can also assist with certain post-surgical situations, such as breaking down scar tissue that may have accumulated during the procedure to relieve spasms or to ease joint stiffness.

Cairnhill Physiotherapy is a leading Auckland based physiotherapy specialist clinic. Our services include pre-operative and post-operative treatment and rehabilitation for replacement surgeries, shoulder surgeries, ACL reconstruction surgeries, foot and ankle related operations and many other procedures. We have an excellent rehabilitation gym conveniently located on-site to help with pre-operative preparation as well as post-operative recovery.

Visit our Remuera physio clinic, which is conveniently located close to Grey Lynn, Mount Eden, Hillsborough, Epsom and Newmarket today.