The world of recovery after surgery is all new. Physical therapy techniques no longer involve weeks of bed rest. No more extended time off work. These days, doctors want you up and moving with physical therapy. Because studies show that it leads to faster healing.
Doctors used to tell us to wrap an injury and stay still. Years of research now tell us that the opposite is better. Activity during recovery leads to a speedier recovery. A shoulder surgery used to keep you in a sling for up to 8 weeks. Physical therapy started after week 4. Now, physical therapy sometimes will begin after the first week. And patients are out of the sling right away.
Doctors are seeing the benefit of building muscle strength right away. Without activity, muscle is lost, which impairs recovery. Therefore, these new physical therapy techniques.
Also, see: How A Physical Therapist Can Help You Recover
Hands-On Techniques
Electrical stimulation ultrasounds and iontophoresis were used in the past. Today, physical therapy uses different techniques. Because the old methods were not really solving the problem. A hands-on approach is better. And physical therapists use massage to manipulate joints and muscles. Careful, controlled movements stretch and strengthen muscles. Therefore, an improved range of motion is achieved. Sometimes the goal is to push yourself. And feel some pain, rather than avoiding it. It leads to faster recovery and better healing.
What About Assistive Devices?
Braces and other assistive devices have a palace. In fact, with certain strenuous activities during recovery, a wrap is best. But you are not mowing a lawn every day. Today, canes, crutches, braces, and walkers are only used when necessary. These are no longer the go-to items for recovery. Relying on these actually make the recovering area weaker.
Get Back To Your Life
Physical therapy will help you reach your overall movement goal. After a shoulder injury, you get to a 180-degree movement. However, this does not mean you have healed, activities will still be restricted. The best way to do what you want is to return to daily life. Even if you don’t have full motion right away. Doing the activities you need and want to do gets your muscles back in shape. Start off small, like brushing your hair. Then, you can climb stairs or start lifting things in no time.
If you are looking for top physical therapists, call Spine & Orthopedic Center Physical Therapy at 888-409-8006. Offices located throughout South Florida.
