Having Surgery?
Bounce Back Faster With Pre- and Post-Rehab
If you’re scheduled for an orthopedic surgery (such as a total joint replacement or an ACL repair), you probably already know you’ll need to undergo rehabilitation afterward with a physical therapist. But have you considered working with a PT before your surgery, too?
Pre-rehabilitation, sometimes called “prehab,” is a little less common than rehab, but it’s still an important part of the surgical process. Together, a structured pre- and post-surgical physical therapy program can help you maximize the benefits of your surgery.
We offer pre- and post-rehab here at Soleil Physical Therapy & Wellness Inc, and today, we want to explore both programs in detail. And if you’d like more personalized guidance, just contact our clinic to speak to our friendly staff!
Our Patients Get Great Results
“David and Ron helped me with my dislocated shoulder, which was caused by my workout routine. I worked with these folks for about 10 sessions, and I am very impressed by their work. They were very professional and helped me recover. This is their new location and everything seems so new and clean. I used their massage chairs, arm machines and other equipment, and could not be happier. Overall, I was happy with my treatment here and would highly recommend others to check them out as well.”
-T.L.
What You Need to Know About Pre-Op Physical Therapy
Surgery can be incredibly tough on the human body. It’s a highly invasive procedure that brings with it a host of complications, such as blood clots, post-surgical pain, and more.
Standard rehabilitation works to minimize these risks after the fact. However, prehab takes a proactive approach, allowing you to improve strength, fitness, and pain levels before you have your procedure.
Think of it this way: No athlete goes into a big game unprepared. They spend time training to ensure their strength, endurance, and performance are the best they can possibly be. Prehab is the same way–you’re preparing your body for the “big game” of surgery.
What Are Some Benefits of Prehab?
- Improves strength and mobility, making surgery and recovery easier
- Reduces pain and swelling before surgery
- May help shorten hospital stays and overall recovery times
- Decreases the risk of complications
- Helps you understand what to expect after surgery, reducing anxiety
What Can I Expect During Prehab?
- A detailed overview of what you can expect after your surgery, including training on mobility aids and rehab exercises
- An initial evaluation in which one of our physical therapists assesses your strength, range of motion, balance, and pain level
- Various pain management techniques, including manual therapy, ice/heat, or electrical stimulation, to help reduce discomfort
- A therapeutic exercise program consisting of specific exercises to target weak or stiff areas, improve circulation, and support surrounding joints
- Personalized endurance training consisting of low-impact cardiovascular activities to increase overall stamina
What You Need to Know About Post-Op Rehabilitation
Most orthopedic surgeries aim to correct whatever dysfunction is causing pain (for example, replacing an arthritic joint with a prosthesis). The results can be life-changing, but they don’t occur overnight. It takes time to restore your body to its optimal strength, mobility, and function.
That’s what post-surgical rehabilitation focuses on. A structured physical therapy program helps you recover from the surgery itself and work to get back to the activities that matter most to you.
What Are Some Benefits of Rehab?
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Improves range of motion and overall mobility
- Strengthens muscles and improves overall function
- Helps you regain independence and return to your daily activities
- Lowers the risk of long-term complications, such as chronic pain
What Can I Expect During Rehab?
- Functional training that helps you relearn everyday movements like standing, walking, or climbing stairs
- Techniques to help manage acute pain and swelling, such as ice, compression, manual therapy, and assisted stretches
- Guided mobility work to help restore movement in the affected joint or area without stressing healing tissues
- Scar tissue management using hands-on therapy or tools to reduce the risk of long-term pain or stiffness
- Targeted, progressive strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle at an appropriate pace
- Balance or gait training to help restore stability in surgeries that affect your movement patterns
Going Into Surgery? Soleil Physical Therapy & Wellness Inc Is Here to Help!
If you have surgery scheduled, now’s the time to contact our clinic and learn more about how our pre- and post-op rehabilitation programs can help you make the most of your procedure. Remember, your recovery starts before you ever head into the operating room. Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.
Meet Our Team
Shannon Paisley
Office Manager
Wernjane Yue
MS, MAOM, Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist
Ron Maciel
B.S., PTA
Dave Bacani
PT, DPT, MSPT, MTC, Cert. DN Clinical Director
The Importance of Mental and Emotional Preparation for Surgery
Calming The Mind, Easing The Journey
Surgery is a major decision, and the days leading up to your procedure can cause anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and a range of other difficult emotions. But did you know that physical therapy at Soleil Physical Therapy & Wellness Inc can actually help you navigate these mental and emotional challenges?
It’s true! In fact, one of the big benefits of prehab is that it can help alleviate surgery-related concerns, including worries about potential complications, pain management, and the impact your recovery will have on your day-to-day life. Our physical therapists can help you gain the reassurance you need to head to surgery with confidence.
Five Ways We Help Calm Your Mind Before Surgery
- We give you a safe space to openly discuss your anxieties and concerns.
- We provide realistic expectations about your recovery timelines and potential challenges ahead of time.
- We provide strategies for managing pain immediately after surgery, reducing anxiety about the initial phase of recovery.
- We offer emotional support and encouragement so you feel more comfortable with the entire process, including the psychological challenges of surgery.
- We’ll ensure you have reliable information about your procedure, rehabilitation, and pain management options, empowering you to make informed decisions.
The Power of a Prepared Mind
Addressing mental and emotional well-being before surgery is an important part of the prehab program. Just like enhanced strength, mobility, and cardio, a positive mindset and reduced stress can contribute to a smoother and faster recovery process.
We offer calming techniques to lower your stress levels and help you develop the emotional resilience to navigate any challenges that may arise during your recovery. To learn more about how the Soleil Physical Therapy & Wellness Inc team helps with physical and emotional readiness before a surgical procedure, schedule an appointment at our clinic today!
Recipe of the Month: Easy Grilled Veggie Portabella Pizzas
Ingredients:
- 2 large Portabella Mushroom Caps
- 3 cloves garlic chopped (or minced)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 wedges Laughing Cow – Light Garlic & Herb Cheese
- 1 cup Red Peppers Chopped
- 1 cup Green Peppers Chopped
- ½ cup Onion Chopped
- 1 cup baby kale chopped
Instructions:
- In a saucepan on your stove, heat the olive oil on low.
- Pop your portabella mushrooms in there and saute for 1-2 minutes. Flip them over and saute the other side for about 1-2 minutes, or just until they are slightly softened. Remove the mushrooms to a baking pan lined with tin foil.
- Add the garlic, onions, kale and both peppers to the oil
- Saute for a few minutes or until onions are translucent. Stir around frequently.
- Remove from heat when done.
- Add two wedges of laughing cow light garlic and herb cheese to each Portabella cap.
- Divide the veggies from the saucepan between the two portabella mushrooms.
- Broil the mushrooms for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove, eat & enjoy!