For many conditions, surgery is only the first step toward a full recovery.
After surgery, your tissues, muscles and bones go through a period of healing. Because of this, your body needs to slowly return to everyday activities, which is why limiting mobility during recovery can sometimes result in improper healing. Side effects of this can include reduced range of motion, flexibility and functionality.
Post-operative physical therapy is the ideal way to encourage your body to heal. In fact, our orthopaedic surgeons believe that the success of their procedures is highly dependent on a personalized physical therapy plan.
Due to extensive research and experience, physical therapists have a very good understanding of what needs to be done after each surgical procedure to maximize your recovery. It is very important that you adhere to the recommendations and exercises that your physical therapist will teach you in each phase of your recovery.
Overall, physical therapy helps:
- Minimize scar tissue
- Restore strength
- Regain range of motion
- Speed up your recovery
- Maximize return to full function and sport
- Reduce pain
Physical Therapy Exercise & Recovery Guides
If you’re preparing for a surgical procedure or curious about recovery processes, the following physical therapy exercise protocols can help give you an idea of what to expect.
Shoulders
Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery (Acromioplasty)
Lower Extremities
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery (Meniscectomy)
Important Note
Our physical therapy protocols are only for informational use and to give you an idea of what recovery may entail. We advise against performing these physical therapy exercises without instruction or guidance from your physician and/or physical therapist.
Why? Because every injury and surgical procedure is unique to the individual patient. You could have certain restrictions throughout your recovery that others might not have, so performing a customized exercise plan that your physical therapist provides will be the best way to recover successfully.