Medical Rehabilitation for after surgery
Surgery can place tremendous stress on the body. When planning for any type of surgery, it is important to have a well-thought out recovery plan in place to ensure that the body will have ample time to overcome the trauma it underwent. Taking into account what type of surgery will be performed, the expected recovery time, as well as a recommended post-surgery routine that will allow sufficient recovery are all aspects that need to be considered beforehand. Having realistic expectations following a surgery, without planning to assume normal daily activities at home and at work, can make the difference between a safe, speedy recovery and a possible delay in rehabilitation due to complications.
The post-operative recovery period is an important time to help the body heal and regain its pre-surgery strength and agility. Ideally, in cases where more invasive, major surgery is required, the patient will have the opportunity to undergo part of the recovery process in a rehabilitation facility. De Canha Physical Therapy, is equipped to provide specialized post-surgery care.
However, complete at-home recovery will be just as successful, as long as the patient follows the prescribed rehabilitation plan and recognizes his limits in completing normal activities.
When the recovery process takes place primarily at home, it is imperative to establish clear guidelines ahead of time in regards to which types of activities will be okay to perform and which will need to be avoided. Before the patient undergoes any type of surgery, he should have a clear understanding of what he can and cannot do and how he will manage his family, household, and occupational responsibilities. Finding a way to integrate necessary rehabilitation measures into an existing lifestyle will be challenging, but is imperative for successful healing. Without a functional plan in place, normal daily responsibilities will mount and oftentimes require immediate attention, forcing the patient to take on an increased stress load that may in turn delay the recovery progress and possibly cause post-operative complications.
The principal goal of the post-operative rehabilitation period is for the patient to return as quickly as possible to his pre-surgery state. A complete, complication-free recovery is only possible if the patient takes the time to establish a rehabilitation action plan and to follow this plan as succinctly as possible after the surgery has been performed. Keeping the rehabilitation physician and other involved professionals informed about specific rehabilitation needs and meeting with rehabilitation staff prior to surgery to discuss concerns and arising questions will allow for a more successful recovery period.