EXERCISE FOR PRE AND POST OPERATION REHABILITATION. THE ROLE OF EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST.
Post ACL rehabilitation is key to returning back to sport and quality of life.
Surgery can be a significant event in anyone’s life, whether it's a planned procedure or an emergency operation. One key factor in ensuring a smooth recovery is rehabilitation, both before and after surgery. Exercise plays a vital role in helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and function, and this is where an Exercise Physiologists steps in.
Let’s explore the role of exercise in pre and post-operative rehabilitation and how working with an Exercise Physiologist can optimise recovery outcomes.
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The Importance of Pre-Operation Exercise (Prehabilitation)
Prehabilitation, or pre-op exercise, refers to the exercise program prescribed before surgery to prepare the body for the stresses of the procedure. The goal is to improve strength, flexibility, and overall health to enhance recovery after surgery.
Here are some key benefits of prehabilitation:
Improved Surgical Outcomes: Building strength and endurance before surgery helps the body cope better during the procedure, often leading to faster recovery times.
Increased Resilience: Preparing the muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system reduces the chances of complications during surgery and improves overall resilience to trauma.
Mental Readiness: Pre-op exercises can also improve mental well-being, helping patients feel more confident and empowered going into surgery.
An Exercise Physiologist plays a critical role in prehabilitation by designing a program tailored to the type of surgery, the individual's current fitness level, and any underlying health conditions. Exercises might target specific muscles or joints that will be affected by the surgery, while cardiovascular exercises improve stamina.
The Role of Exercise in Post-Operation Rehabilitation
After surgery, the body needs time to heal, but movement and exercise are key factors in helping restore function, mobility, and strength. This is known as post-operative rehabilitation, which helps the body recover efficiently and reduces the risk of complications such as muscle atrophy, stiffness, or reduced mobility.
Some of the main goals of post-op rehabilitation include:
Restoring Mobility: Surgery often limits movement, especially around the affected area. Exercise helps restore joint mobility and flexibility, allowing patients to return to daily activities.
Regaining Strength: After a period of inactivity, muscles weaken. Post-op exercise targets these muscles, helping rebuild strength and preventing muscle loss.
Reducing Pain: Controlled movement can help reduce pain and stiffness by promoting blood flow, which aids in healing.
Improving Balance and Coordination: Many surgeries, especially orthopedic ones, can affect balance and coordination. Post-op exercises help retrain these skills, reducing the risk of falls or re-injury.
How an Exercise Physiologist Helps in Post-Op Rehabilitation
An Exercise Physiologist is specially trained to create and implement individualised exercise programs based on a patient's specific surgery and recovery needs. Here’s how they support the post-op rehabilitation process:
Tailored rehabilitation plans for every client is unique. An Exercise Physiologist will assess the client’s condition post-surgery and create a customised plan. This plan takes into account the type of surgery, any physical limitations, pain levels, and the client’s goals.
Safe and effective progression after surgery. It’s crucial to follow a safe rehabilitation program to avoid complications or setbacks. Exercise Physiologists ensure that exercises are performed safely, starting with low-impact movements and gradually progressing as the body heals.
Monitoring and adjustments as recovery progresses, an Exercise Physiologist will regularly assess the client’s mobility, strength, and pain levels. Based on these assessments, they can adjust the program to suit the client’s current abilities and needs.
Prevention of secondary injuries after surgery. The body may compensate for the affected area, leading to secondary injuries or imbalances. An Exercise Physiologist focuses on correcting movement patterns and muscle imbalances to prevent further issues.
Holistic treatment plan goes beyond just physical recovery, an Exercise Physiologist considers other factors that impact recovery, such as mental health, lifestyle habits, and overall well-being. They work to ensure a balanced approach to rehabilitation.
Common Surgeries Benefiting from Pre and Post-Op Exercise
While many types of surgeries can benefit from exercise rehabilitation, some of the most common include:
Orthopedic Surgeries: Including knee replacements, hip replacements, shoulder surgeries, and spinal surgeries. Exercise helps restore joint function, strength, and balance.
Cardiac Surgeries: After procedures like bypass surgery, exercise improves cardiovascular function and endurance.
Abdominal Surgeries: Exercise helps restore core strength and mobility, which is essential for overall function.
Respiratory Surgeries: Exercises that target lung capacity and endurance are vital for individuals recovering from respiratory or thoracic surgery.
Prehabilitation is a key to a successful recovery.
The Long-Term Benefits of Post-Op Exercise
Beyond just healing after surgery, post-operative exercise provides long-term benefits for patients. These include:
Improved overall function with regular exercise not only speeds up recovery but also helps patients return to their normal, active lives with improved strength and mobility.
Reduced the risk of future injuries by strengthening muscles and improving imbalances post-op reduces the risk of future injuries.
Enhanced quality of life through restoring physical function and reducing pain, post-op exercise can lead to an improved quality of life and greater independence, especially for older adults.
Take Home Message
Exercise plays a vital role in both pre and post-operation rehabilitation, and working with an Exercise Physiologist can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes. From preparing your body for surgery with prehabilitation to helping you regain strength and mobility afterward, an Exercise Physiologist provides the expertise and guidance necessary for a safe, effective rehabilitation journey.
Whether you’re facing surgery or recovering from one, don’t hesitate to seek the help of an Exercise Physiologist to ensure you’re taking the right steps toward a full recovery. With their tailored exercise programs and continuous support, you’ll be back to your best in no time!
Get in Touch
Contact me today to start your prehabilitation program or post operation rehabilitation and recovery faster.
Located in Upper Mount Gravatt and speak with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist now. Our free consultation provides an opportunity to discuss how I can facilitate your needs.
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