Reduce pain and make the most of your summer!
The unique circumstances of the past year have forced many people to delay their surgery. Now, with a long-awaited return to normal, you may be thinking more about your summer vacation plans than scheduling that surgery. Whether you’re looking to focus on relaxation time this summer or make activity filled plans for your family, optimizing function with a goal to reduce pain should be your focus.
Working with a physical therapist is an excellent way to control or reduce your pain symptoms and improve your function while you enjoy the summer! It can also ensure the best possible outcome for your planned procedure whenever the time finally arrives. Physical therapy combines the latest medical expertise with collaborative knowledge of your unique needs to help you prepare for whatever is on your calendar this year. Our innovative care strategies at MVPT Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief.
What is Prehabilitation and Can It Help Delay Surgery?
Prehabilitation consists of a carefully crafted therapy program that helps your entire body prepare for an upcoming surgery. Working with a physical therapist before surgery, known as prehab, can be incredibly beneficial and may even help you delay surgery!
In the weeks or months prior to surgery, prehabilitation helps improve your:
- Function: Regain functional tolerance so you can stay healthy and active as you prepare for surgery.
- Mobility: Regain range of motion and flexibility that you’ll need after your surgery.
- Education: Learn exercises and other important information about what to expect following your procedure to enhance your recovery.
- Relief: Reduce your pain to manageable levels.
- Strength: Improve strength so you’re stronger coming out of surgery.
With its significant effects on function, mobility, and strength, prehab has been shown to accelerate post-operative recovery and reduce the length of time spent in the hospital after surgery.
In Pain? Physical Therapy May Help!
Yes, many conditions do require surgery. However, if you are dealing with pain or loss of function, ask your surgeon about PT first. Pain relief through physical therapy is achieved through a variety of treatment techniques. When combined, these techniques:
- Reduce inflammation.
- Restore blood flow.
- Promote healing through a return to normal function.
Pain is a symptom of an underlying condition or injury. Opioids used to treat pain are not part of a long-term solution to address the cause of the pain. Additionally, extended use of opioid medications come with huge risks and side effects. In contrast, physical therapy is a movement-based treatment that harnesses multiple modalities (treatment techniques) to address the cause of pain.
During the evaluation process, your physical therapist will take a historical look at the origin of your pain and loss of function. Then, taking into account your functional abilities and lifestyle, will create a completely tailored approach to treating your pain. In many cases, physical therapy can successfully reduce your pain, and in some cases help you avoid surgery, or at least delay it to a time that better suits your needs.
You Might Be Pleasantly Surprised!
Any type of surgery is a major undertaking, but you don’t have to put your life on hold. If you are experiencing pain or considering surgery, try PT first! Working with a physical therapist can reduce inflammation, pain, and reliance on pain medications while also restoring function. Even if you are looking to delay your surgery, MVPT can help you prepare for what may come next. If surgery is still part of your future in the coming months, enlisting the help of your physical therapist now can help you achieve the best success later!
Don’t delay the care you need- submit the form below or call any MVPT location to schedule your evaluation!
