If you have a scheduled surgery coming up then you are likely looking for physiotherapy options in Lithia Springs near you. When it comes to preparing for and recovering from surgery, scheduling time with a physical therapist can help impact the success of the surgery and improve the time period for recovery. You may wonder whether you should schedule physiotherapy or physical therapy, but thankfully these actually refer to the same things! Physiotherapy and physical therapy are terms used interchangeably to refer to the healthcare profession of a physical therapist.
Becoming a Physical Therapist
Students interested in becoming physical therapists must first complete an undergraduate degree in a science or related field before applying to physical therapy school. Physical therapy programs are highly competitive and take 3 years to complete on average. After successful completion of an accredited physical therapy program, students will earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and can then sit for the state licensure exam where they wish to practice. Physical therapists are then able to practice physiotherapy in a hospital or private practice settings.
Reasons for Seeing a Physical Therapist
There are many reasons why you might want to see a physical therapist. Physiotherapy may come as a recommendation by your doctor, like an orthopedic doctor who has performed a surgical procedure on your knee. In this example, a physical therapist may work with you to further reduce your pain and improve your mobility and stability in the knee. The recovery period after a surgery can cause weakness and may temporarily limit your mobility, which was likely already compromised by the pain you were experiencing. Physical therapy can help you recover from surgery and improve your chances for a successful recovery.
Physical therapy is also beneficial in many pre-operative cases to help your body prepare for a significant surgery. Your physical therapist may work with you to improve your stamina, focusing on healthy cardiovascular functioning and strengthening your muscles. If your mobility is affected before the surgical procedure then your physical therapist may want to help maintain your range of motion so you can then begin to improve it after the surgery and in the recovery phase. Developing a stretching and exercise routine before the surgery can help make it easier to get moving again afterward.
Key Aspects of Physiotherapy
Physical therapists are experts in how movement can positively impact the body’s healing and recovery processes for illness, injury, and disease. Here are some major ways physical therapy treatment can help you.
Pain Management
The first thing you may think of when it comes to recovering from an injury or surgery is how much pain you might be in. Physical therapy offers a natural, gentle, and non-invasive approach to pain management. Your physical therapist will talk you through slowly re-introducing movements into your recovery process so as not to cause any more pain or re-injure the area. Once your initial swelling and inflammation go down, you can start taking a more active approach to your healing and recovery under their care. Gentle stretches and therapeutic massage can help to restore healthy blood flow to the affected area.
Strengthening Muscles
Stretches and exercises with your physical therapist can help strengthen muscles that may have weakened due to injury or illness. Even if your specific injury was to a bone or joint, it is also important to strengthen the muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues that support your bones and joints so you can have more stability and support.
Improving Range of Motion
Physiotherapy stretches and exercises also help to recover and improve your range of motion after an injury or surgery. Your mobility may have been impacted due to a combination of injury and avoidance of painful stimuli, so your physical therapist can help you start moving around again without pain.
Increasing Flexibility
Your physical therapist will also use stretches and exercises that increase flexibility in your muscles and joints. You don’t have to turn into a professional gymnast to enjoy the benefits of improved flexibility. Flexibility and range of motion go hand in hand when it comes to increasing your mobility in the long term.
Promoting Healthy Habits
Physical therapy can also help promote healthy habits in your future, like incorporating regular exercise into your daily routines. Regular exercise has many health benefits, including improved circulation, strength, and stamina. Your specialist should let you know how long you should go to therapy.
Look no further than AICA Orthopedics in Lithia Springs for all your physiotherapy needs. Our team of physical therapists is here to help you through the healing and recovery process no matter what brings you in.