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Physiotherapy for Surgery



What is Surgery?



Surgery is an invasive procedure which is done by a medical practitioner. Surgery involves the incision into part of the body to either remove or repair part of the body or to transplant a new organ. The surgery may be minimally invasive known as ‘keyhole surgery’ which is done through small cameras and instruments which are inserted into the body to perform the procedure through small puncture holes, whereas invasive surgery will involve a larger incision into the body. There are different types of surgery which all come with risks from anaesthesia, the procedure, the physical condition of the patient and many other factors. For the optimum recovery the patient should be as physically prepared prior to the operation. This will assist with a speedy recovery with optimum results post surgery.

Types of Surgery



There are many different types of surgery which include:
  • Urgent
  • Elective
  • Elective cosmetic
  • Amputation
  • Minimally invasive
The patient is able to prepare their body for the stress and trauma of surgery with the majority of procedures which have a planned date. This can be known as prehabilitation. Manchester Physio can assist with prehabilitation to optimise a quick and speedy recovery post surgery. They can then assist with the rehabilitation phase for most surgery.

How Physiotherapy can help pre and post surgery



Physiotherapy can help pre-surgery (dependent upon condition and procedure) by:
  • Increasing strength at specific joints
  • Increasing mobility
  • Optimising lung capacity / exercise tolerance
  • Advising with weight lose
It is important to prepare the body to help reduce the stresses anaesthetics place upon the body, such as losing weight and optimising lung capacity as these factors can increase the risk of complications and side effects during and after the operation. Strength and mobility will also decrease post surgery therefore increasing the baseline prior to surgery can help speed the rehabilitation process.

Physiotherapy can help post-surgery by:

  • Restoring strength
  • Increasing mobility
  • Restoring lung capacity
  • Increasing exercise tolerance
  • Optimising and promoting healing
  • Reducing pain
  • Preventing DVT’s

What Physiotherapy treatments can be expected for surgery (before and after)



Dependent upon the type of surgery will depend upon the treatments received. Treatments prior to surgery can include:
  • Electrotherapy (LIPUS, PSWD, Interferential, TENS)
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Range of movement exercises
  • Mobility encouragement
  • Advice and technique education on chest health
  • Weight loss guidance
  • Pain management strategies
  • Breathing exercises
Post surgery treatments which are likely to be received (dependent upon type of surgery) are:
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Balance exercises
  • Proprioception exercises
  • Range of movement exercises
  • Electrotherapy (LIPUS, PSWD, Interferential, TENS)
  • Mobility encouragement
  • Pain management strategies
  • Self-management strategies
  • Ice Therapy
  • Breathing exercises

Summary



Physiotherapy can be a vital part of recovery starting before the surgery has taken place and during the rehabilitation phase post surgery. Early intervention can help speed the recovery time and optimise healing. For an appointment with an experience physiotherapist from Manchester Physio please contact us or call 0161 883 0077.

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