Surgery can take a major toll on your body, not just for the obvious reasons. Even a minor surgical procedure requires your body to heal, expending energy and invoking immune responses that can tax your musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary systems.
The more intensive the procedure, the more difficult your recovery may be. Spending time in the hospital can be draining itself. Many people find it difficult to sleep well in a clinical environment, and certain medications and anesthesias can affect sleep quality. Plus, having to remain in bed or physically inactive for extended periods of time causes changes in your body, and you may find yourself easily exhausted, even months after being released from the hospital.
What can you do to recover more successfully and rapidly? Above all, make sure to prioritize sleep. Surgery is an ordeal, so take it easy. Rest when you are tired, eat well and get as much gentle exercise (such as walking or swimming as directed by us or your physician) as possible. Physical activity helps combat fatigue.
Each type of surgery requires a different rehabilitation effort, and what works for one person may not work for the next. A rehabilitation program designed for your specific needs will
- focus on the parts of your body most affected by your surgery
- help you regain full energy and function
- manage your pain
The latter is an essential part of successful postsurgical rehabilitation. If you are in pain and exhausted, you cannot perform the physical work necessary to attain a full recovery.
We can determine specific exercises to help you feel better. Together with your physician, we can formulate a stretching, strengthening and exercise plan to speed your recovery and minimize future discomfort. This, along with staying patient and optimistic, will enable you to resume your regular activities sooner than you think.
Schedule your physical therapy appointment today at any of our 21 locations throughout Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
*Some restrictions apply.
