The Important Role of Manual Therapy in Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Mar12th 2024

Undergoing surgery, whether for injury, illness, or medical condition, marks the beginning of a journey toward restoring function and recovery. Post-surgical rehabilitation is vital in this journey, optimizing recovery, restoring mobility, and enhancing overall well-being. Among the various modalities used in post-surgical rehabilitation, manual therapy can be a practical course of treatment, offering personalized care and hands-on techniques to promote healing. 

Accelerated Healing and Tissue Repair with Manual Therapy

Following surgery, manual therapy procedures such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and manual stretching are essential for accelerating healing and tissue restoration. Physical therapists can lower inflammation, increase blood flow, and encourage scar tissue remodeling by gently pressing, manipulating, and moving injured tissues and joints. Speeding up the healing process, these therapies enable patients to restore mobility and function.

Restoration of Joint Mobility and Range of Motion Through Manual Therapy

While necessary to address underlying problems, surgery can cause the afflicted joints to become stiff, immobile, and have less range of motion. Manual therapy procedures such as joint mobilization and passive and active range of motion exercises can restore joint mobility and flexibility. Physical therapists can help patients regain their optimal range of motion with targeted manipulation and movement, enhancing their comfort and ease of everyday tasks.

Manual Therapy Offers Pain Management and Symptom Relief

Pain and discomfort are typical issues after surgery that make it difficult for patients to participate in rehabilitation exercises and activities. For patients recovering from surgery, manual therapy methods like trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and massage are beneficial in controlling pain and relieving symptoms. Physical therapists ease discomfort, enhance tissue mobility, and encourage relaxation by focusing on areas of tension, muscular tightness, and pain. This allows patients to take a more active role in their rehabilitation regimen.

Promotion of Functional Strength and Stability with Manual Therapy

In addition to treating pain and increasing range of motion, manual therapy helps patients recovering from surgery develop functional strength and stability. Physical therapists assist patients in regaining the core stability, muscular strength, and motor control necessary for everyday tasks and avoiding re-injury through therapeutic exercises, proprioceptive training, and neuromuscular re-education. These exercises are customized to meet the patient’s specific demands and functional objectives, enabling them to restore their independence and self-assurance.

For post-surgery rehabilitation, manual therapy offers a holistic approach to healing and recovery. The expert team at Evolve Physical Therapy in Baton Rouge is here to help.