When facing surgery, whether its for a soft tissue repair, shoulder stabilization, or spinal procedure, recovery doesn’t just start after the operation-it begins before. Physical Therapy plays a critical role in both pre-surgical (“prehab”) and post-surgical rehabilitation, setting patients up for the best possible outcomes.
Why Physical Therapy Before Surgery Matters (Prehab)
Many patients don’t realize that strengthening the body before surgery can significantly improve recovery time and reduce complications. This is where pre-surgical physical therapy, often called prehab, comes in.
Benefits of Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy:
- Improves strength and mobility: Preparing muscles, joints, and soft tissues for surgery helps the body withstand stress and bounce back faster.
- Enhances circulation: Promotes better healing by increasing blood flow.
- Teaches proper movement patterns: Patients learn safe techniques for walking with crutches, getting in/out of bed, and protecting the surgical area.
- Shortens hospital stays: Studies show patients who complete prehab often experience quicker recovery timelines.
- Boosts Confidence: Patients feel more prepared and less anxious heading into surgery.
Common Surgeries that Benefit from Prehab:
- Total knee or hip replacements
- ACL reconstruction
- Spinal surgeries
- Rotator cuff repairs and shoulder procedures
The Role of Physical Therapy After Surgery (Rehabilitation)
After surgery, the body needs structured guidance to restore function safely. Post-surgical physical therapy is tailored to each patient’s procedure and healing timeline.
Goals of Post-Surgical Physical Therapy:
- Restore range of motion: Gentle stretching and mobility exercises help prevent stiffness.
- Rebuild strength: Gradual strengthening improves stability and prevents future injury.
- Reduce pain and swelling: Modalities like ice, heat, or electrical stimulation ease discomfort.
- Improve balance and coordination: Essential for regaining normal movement patterns.
- Return to daily activities: From walking and climbing stairs to returning to sports, therapy bridges the gap from recovery to normal life.
Why Choose our San Diego Multidisciplinary Clinic
Working with a multidisciplinary team of physical therapists and chiropractors ensures that your recovery is well rounded and tailored to your body’s need. At our clinic, we offer:
- Customized exercise and mobility programs
- Pain management strategies
- Guidance for safe at-home exercises
- Long term prevention to avoid re-injury
Whether you’re preparing for a knee replacement, spinal surgery, or shoulder repair, physical therapy at the Carbon Co. is one of the best investments in your recovery. Starting pre-surgical therapy builds strength and confidence, while post-surgical rehabilitation ensures you heal safely and fully.
If you’re scheduled for surgery in San Diego, contact our clinic today to schedule a pre-surgical physical therapy consultation and set yourself up for a faster, smoother recovery.
Call or text 619-333-9909 or visit this link to schedule an appointment.
www.thecarboncollective.janeapp.c
SAN DIEGO CHIROPRACTOR PHYSICAL THERAPY SAN DIEGO POINT LOMA PERSONAL TRAINING THE CARBON CO SAN DIEGO CHIROPRACTIC CARE
