04/04/2023
Physiotherapy Post-Surgery
All types of surgeries can have a number of post-operative complications or consequences which can be prevented or helped through physiotherapy. Post- Surgery physiotherapy concentrates on rehabilitation to get your body to function and perform tasks optimally. A variety of surgical procedures can benefit from post surgical rehabilitation, such as orthopaedic, cardiac, thoracic, neurological and abdominal surgery.
Physiotherapists have experience working in hospitals and are knowledgeable about the rehabilitative needs after many varieties of surgeries. We are even able to start your rehabilitation before you have even been admitted to the hospital prior to your surgery!
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions about what your rehabilitation may entail.
There are many complications that may arise after a surgery. Some complications can apply to almost all surgeries, such as pain, and other complications are specific to the type of surgery that has been performed.
The following is a brief list of complications that may occur:
● Orthopaedic (such as joint replacements or fracture repairs)- pain, swelling, decreased strength and range of movement, poor balance and coordination and altered posture or gait.
● Neurological (such as cerebrovascular, neuro-oncology, or craniotomies)- muscle shortening and atrophy, decreased mobility, sensation loss and difficulty with breathing.
● Thoracic (such as cardiac surgery, lobectomy, or lung decortication)- pain, difficulty with breathing, decreased lung capacity, decreased exercise tolerance, altered posture.
● Abdominal (such as appendectomy, hernia repair, or bowel resections)- pain, difficulty with breathing, decreased mobility, incontinence.
What Could Rehabilitation Entail?
Physiotherapists are able to treat you in the hospital immediately after your surgery to kick-start your recovery. Once you have been discharged, we are able to come to you and treat you within the comfort of your own home to help you achieve the best possible recovery as quickly as possible.
The first session will include education on what your rehabilitation will aim for, such as strength of specific muscles or increased lung function, to help you understand what all of the exercises are for. An exercise program will be specifically tailored to suit your individual needs and will start with simple exercises that will be progressed to ensure that you regain your optimal function.
There are many benefits of physiotherapy post-surgery, which include:
● effectively managing pain levels
● stretching and strengthening of affected muscles
● increase the range of motion available at affected joints
● improved posture when relaxing and when participating in activities
● improved lung volumes and exercise tolerance
● prevent chest infections and clear any secretions that are present
● improve self-confidence and decrease anxiety
● regain your independence and ability to do activities of daily living
How to schedule an appointment
MAIN BRANCH (GILLITTS):
Book an appoint via:
Phone: 031 764 2750 (preferred)
Email: info@rileyphysios.co.za
KLOOF BRANCH:
Book an appoint via:
Phone: 031 767 3989 (preferred)
Email: jariley@mweb.co.za
HILLCREST BRANCH:
Book an appointment via:
Phone: 031 3550030
Our location
MAIN BRANCH (GILLITTS):
The Gillitts Medical Centre, 15 Old Main Rd, Gillitts, 3610. Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.
KLOOF BRANCH:
Femina Health, 75 Old Main Rd, Kloof 3610, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
HILLCREST BRANCH (LE DOMAINE):
Le Domaine Health, Le Domaine Estate, 100 Acutts Dr, Hillcrest, 3610. South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be referred by a doctor?
Physiotherapists are considered first-line practitioners, which means that you can come to us directly without having to consult a doctor first.
How Long will My Appointment be?
The first session may take 45 minutes to an hour as the physiotherapist will do an assessment before beginning treatment. Subsequent sessions will be a minimum of 30 minutes
What Should I Wear to My Appointment?
The best clothes to wear would be loose comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. The physiotherapist will want to look at the body part that has been operated on or affected, so ensure that your clothes expose this area or are easily moved out the way.
