Do You Have a Surgery Approaching?
Our Physical Therapists servicing the areas of New Jersey Can Help!
Preparing for surgery can feel daunting, but with the dedicated team at Bens Total Wellness Therapy, we’re committed to easing your journey. Our expert physical therapists leverage an evidence-based approach to help you maximize your recovery and regain your mobility.
Physical therapy can play a pivotal role in your health trajectory, whether you’re experiencing chronic pain, injury, or a condition requiring orthopedic surgery. Pre-surgery therapy, known as prehabilitation, strengthens your body, improves function, and enhances your overall wellness, setting you up for a smoother surgical experience and postoperative recovery.
Some of the most common conditions we treat in New Jersey that are associated with or require surgery include:
- Osteoarthritis (i.e., hip and knee replacements)
- Rotator cuff tears
- ACL injuries
- Meniscus surgery
These conditions exhibit varying degrees of severity and progression. The common goal of pre- and post-surgery physical therapy remains to restore function, reduce pain, and improve the patient’s quality of life.
At Bens Total Wellness Therapy, our physical therapists provide personalized treatment plans supported by the latest peer-reviewed research. Our goal is to get you back to your routine, empowering you to live a healthier, pain-free life. We’re here to support you before, during, and after your surgery, equipping you with the tools and strategies to navigate your recovery path confidently.
Total Hip Replacement
The importance of preventative rehabilitation or “prehab” for Total Hip Replacement
Did you know that physical therapy before surgery is essential too?
Working with a physical therapist before surgery can help you prepare for the changes you’ll have to adjust to after your operation. For example, your therapist can prepare you for driving, moving around your house, your eventual return to work, and a post-operative exercise plan that won’t jeopardize your recovery.
Your therapist can also recommend assistive devices, such as a cane or walker, that you may require after surgery.
Prehab with a physical therapist may include recommendations for establishing a “recovery zone” in your home. If your bedroom is on the second floor of your home, for example, you might want to set up a bedroom or resting area on the first floor to avoid having to use the stairs frequently after surgery.
Items in the kitchen that you may need to reach should be placed on lower shelves ahead of time, where they are easily accessible. Physical therapy will be invaluable to your recovery, but therapeutic rest will also be beneficial. Prepare a space in your home where you can comfortably sit, rest, and relax.
Exercise will also be a part of your pre-surgery physical therapy plan. Strength training, stretching for flexibility, and aerobic exercise to improve oxygen flow will all aid in your recovery from surgery. Prehab has been proven to improve surgical outcomes and shorten recovery times.
Total Knee Replacement
How to tell when you need a knee replacement
If you have tried treatments including medication, physical therapy, and activity modifications without relief, you may be a candidate for a total joint replacement.
The most common reasons for a joint replacement include:
- Severe joint damage. This is typically due to advanced/end stages of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Severe trauma to the joint(s). Fractures and dislocations often lead to joint replacements. Some injuries can only be addressed through surgical treatment, depending on how critical the damage was.
- Chronic pain. If your pain constantly affects your daily life and no other treatments have seemed to help, your doctor may suggest surgery.
If you believe you may require knee replacement surgery, it is essential to prepare yourself for the process.
What can you do to prepare for knee surgery?
Consulting with one of our physical therapists can help prepare you physically, mentally, and emotionally for your upcoming surgery. Understanding what to expect has been shown to help achieve post-operative goals faster.
Our pre-operative assessment and treatment session helps decrease the length of stay postoperatively, reduces anxiety before and after surgery, improves self-confidence, and establishes a relationship with your physical therapist.
You can help ensure a smooth surgery and speedy recovery by planning. You can also ensure an early return of your function by learning what to expect and what exercises to perform. In addition, you can take steps to manage your first weeks at home by arranging for help and preparing assistive items, such as a shower bench or a long-handled reacher.
Total Shoulder Replacement
How physical therapy can help
To ensure the best results following shoulder replacement surgery, it would be in your best interest to participate in both “pre-hab” physical therapy (therapy before surgery) and post-op physical therapy.
The more you prepare before your procedure, the better your recovery. Our therapists can provide you with exercises to ensure you go into surgery with the healthiest shoulder possible.
Your physical therapist will create a customized program for you. This may include strengthening of the shoulder, neck, and back muscles. Mobility exercises and posture training may also be part of your pre-surgery program. We will also educate you about what to expect after surgery to prepare you for the procedure.
Preparing before surgery will help keep your shoulder functioning the best you can, so the procedure and the recovery are much smoother.
Boost Your Surgical Success with Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy in New Jersey
At Bens Total Wellness Therapy, we believe preparation is the key to achieving optimal surgical results. Our dedicated team of physical therapists performs comprehensive evaluations to design personalized pre-surgical (pre-hab) programs tailored to your needs. We base our strategies on the latest research and our expert knowledge.
Our first step in the pre-hab journey is a thorough understanding of your medical history and specialized testing. We’ll review your health records and conduct specialized tests to gauge your current physical status and develop an effective pre-hab plan. This process ensures our interventions are safe, suitable, and result-oriented.
- Enhancing Surgical Outcomes – Pre-hab Advantage: Pre-hab can address discomfort, reduce swelling, and improve joint and soft tissue mobility. Our pre-hab programs are structured with a strong focus on the preventive approach.
- We work on improving your overall well-being through strategies around adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and mental preparation. By bolstering your physical strength and mental resilience before surgery, we aim to enhance your post-surgical recovery.
- Reducing Post-Surgical Complications: Our pre-hab program also addresses potential post-surgical challenges such as swelling and limited range of motion. Our therapists guide you to recognize early signs of complications like blood clots or infections and empower you with knowledge for timely intervention. Moreover, our program is designed to improve your strength, mobility, and balance before surgery, thus reducing complications.
The potential of pre-hab is immense, and the benefits are tangible. Trust our team at Bens Total Wellness Therapy to guide you through a proactive journey toward surgical success and overall well-being.
What Are the Advantages of Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy isn’t just for recovery; it’s a potent tool to set you up for surgical success. Pre-surgical, or “prehab” physical therapy, is becoming an increasingly popular strategy that healthcare professionals recommend. The numerous benefits of prehab therapy can lead to less time in the hospital, a faster return to activity, and improved overall outcomes.
Common Types of Surgery Benefitted by Physical Therapy in New Jersey:
- Joint Replacement Surgery: Whether it’s your hip, knee, or shoulder, joint replacements often involve a strenuous recovery. Prehab helps strengthen the muscles around the joint, improving post-surgery mobility and reducing recovery time.
- Spinal Surgery: Pre-surgical therapy can significantly benefit procedures like laminectomy or spinal fusion. Improved core strength and flexibility can make the post-surgery rehabilitation process smoother.
- Orthopedic Surgery: Prehab can be an essential part of preparation from rotator cuff repairs to ACL reconstructions. Strengthening surrounding muscles and learning proper movement mechanics pre-surgery can facilitate a faster return to activity post-surgery.
Research shows that stronger, more flexible muscles can better handle the trauma of surgery. In addition, it helps patients regain mobility faster post-surgery by teaching them exercises and techniques they’ll use during recovery. Lastly, prehab can help improve overall fitness, enhancing the body’s ability to heal and recover.
Remember, every patient is unique, and so should their physical therapy. Working with a skilled physical therapist in New Jersey can provide a customized prehab regimen for your specific surgery and overall health goals.
Imagine confidently walking into surgery, knowing you’ve given your body the best possible chance at a quick and effective recovery. That’s the power of pre-surgical physical therapy.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!
