The Benefits of Pre-hab and Post-Op Therapy
Bounce Back Faster With PT Before And After Surgery
Have you ever wondered how to ensure a smooth recovery after surgery? Do you want to minimize pain and get back to your normal activities as quickly as possible? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then pre-hab and post-op physical therapy may be just what you need.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“About two months ago, I started having intense low back pain on my left side. I scheduled an appointment at Soleil Physical Therapy, where Dave conducted my initial assessment. He is incredibly knowledgeable and quickly pinpointed the issue. Although I initially thought it was a new injury, Dave explained that it had likely developed over time. He provided me with specific exercises, and I returned for follow-up sessions with Qui and Ron, who were equally skilled and supportive. With their expertise, my back has improved significantly, and I’m back to enjoying my usual activities. I highly recommend Soleil Physical Therapy—they are professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. Overall, it was an excellent experience!”
– S.H.
All About Pre-habilitation
Think of pre-hab as preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and recovery. Just like an athlete trains before a big game, pre-hab prepares your body for the “game” of surgery.
Benefits of Pre-hab
- Improves strength and mobility, making surgery and recovery easier.
- Reduces pain and swelling before surgery.
- Can help shorten hospital stays.
- Decrease the risk of complications.
- Helps you understand what to expect after surgery, reducing anxiety.
What To Expect in Pre-hab
- Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
- Manual therapy to improve circulation and help manage inflammation and reduce pain.
- Exercises to improve range of motion, strength, and overall mobility.
- Education on after-surgery pain management and proper surgical site care.
Post-op Physical Therapy
Post-op physical therapy is all about rehabilitation and restoring your body to its optimal function after surgery.
Benefits of Post-op Physical Therapy
- Reduces pain and inflammation.
- Improves range of motion and overall mobility.
- Strengthens muscles and improves overall function.
- Prevents complications like blood clots and infections
- Helps you regain independence and return to your daily activities.
Common Surgeries Where Pre-hab and Post-op PT Have Great Results
- Joint Replacements: Pre-hab strengthens the muscles surrounding the joint, making surgery and recovery smoother. Post-op PT helps regain range of motion and strength, allowing you to return to your favorite activities.
- Spinal Surgeries: Pre-hab focuses on core strengthening and flexibility, crucial for spinal stability. Post-op PT helps you regain mobility and strength, reducing pain and improving function.
- ACL Reconstruction: Pre-hab reduces or eliminates swelling, improves range of motion, and strengthens the muscles surrounding the knee, preparing it for surgery. Post-op PT is essential for regaining range of motion, strength, and stability, allowing you to return to activities.
- Rotator Cuff Repair: Pre-hab focuses on shoulder mobility and strength. Post-op PT is vital for regaining range of motion, strength, and function, allowing you to return to overhead activities.
Preventing Neck Pain
Proactive Strategies To Keep Neck Pain At Bay
Neck pain can be a major disruptor that impacts our ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and even get a good night’s sleep. Physical therapy is excellent for treating existing neck pain, but proactive measures to prevent it in the first place can save us from discomfort and inconvenience down the line. Here are some key strategies to keep your neck healthy and pain-free:
Postural Awareness
- Be mindful of your posture throughout the day. Avoid slouching or hunching your shoulders, especially when sitting at a desk or using electronic devices.
- You are meant to move, and so is your posture. We’ll teach you how to find the ideal positions and postures for the activities you enjoy most.
- If you work at a computer, ensure your monitor is at eye level, and your keyboard and mouse are within easy reach to avoid straining your neck.
Ergonomics
- Evaluate your workspace and make adjustments to promote good posture and reduce strain on your neck.
- Consider using an ergonomic chair, keyboard, and mouse to support proper alignment.
- Take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around, especially if you have a sedentary job.
Strengthen and Stretch
- Regularly perform exercises that strengthen the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Simple exercises like neck rotations, shoulder shrugs, and chin tucks can make a big difference.
- Incorporate stretching into your routine to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Maintain a healthy diet to minimize inflammation.
- Get regular physical activity to improve overall strength and mobility.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises, as stress can contribute to muscle tension and pain.
Contact us today for personalized strategies to prevent neck pain from starting. A little effort today can go a long way in protecting your neck health for years to come!
Pre-hab and Post-op PT With Soleil
Your first pre-op appointment is an important step toward a successful surgery and recovery. At your first visit, our experienced physical therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation of your current physical condition, including your strength, injury, range of motion, and any existing limitations. We’ll discuss your surgical procedure and recovery goals to create a personalized pre-hab plan tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to optimize your physical preparedness for surgery, setting the stage for a smoother and faster recovery.
Your recovery starts before surgery. Invest in pre-hab and post-op PT, and get back to doing what you love sooner. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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
Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Bites
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
- Mix strawberries, yogurt and honey in bowl. Add to heart-shaped molds or ice cube tray.
- Freeze at least 2 hours, or until set.
Service Spotlight: Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of physical therapy, and it is still widely practiced today. Once a form of Eastern medicine that was unique to physicians who specialized in Asian medicinal practices, acupuncture has grown greatly in popularity, especially over the past century, and has been recognized within Western medical research as being a highly effective tool for supporting injury recovery, mobility issues, and in treating chronic pain.
One highly effective use for acupuncture is the treatment of muscle tension. There are many reasons as to why muscle tension may become a personal health issue. In some situations, muscle tension will develop after extreme bouts of emotional stress, but other causes are more physical in nature. A sports injury or a car accident can cause a muscle to become tense, especially following a larger injury. Other times, repeated motions can cause muscle tension to develop. This includes regular lifting, typing, and other household tasks.
While an especially common complaint in the lower back and neck, muscle tension can develop anywhere. Too many people attempt to turn to medicinal pain management to ease tension in the muscles, but this is not a long-term solution, and many pain management medications have unpleasant side effects that make taking them long-term unwise or even impossible.