Be Careful With Your Rehab After Surgery
Surgery, especially joint surgery, is more effective with a detailed rehabilitation plan that is strictly adhered to over several weeks or months. Rehab after surgery is designed to help patients restore strength, regain mobility, and achieve improved function, thereby improving quality of life. A patient will receive a well-structured rehab program completed with exercises and stretches to limit injuries and reduce pain. However, during rehabilitation, patients will experience discomfort when performing these movements. Navigating the fine line between pushing for improvement and overdoing exercises is challenging and can lead to setbacks.
Understanding the discomfort of progress
After surgery, rehabilitation requires exercises and stretches that will challenge the body. For instance, after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, patients will perform exercises to strengthen the knee and all surrounding muscles. Patients will experience stiffness and discomfort during treatment, especially if the patient has not exercised for some time. While unpleasant, discomfort is often a sign of progress. The joint or surgical site is getting stronger while healing. There is a bit of soreness, which is common after someone goes to the gym, for instance. The soreness or discomfort should only last a few hours, not moving into 24 hours. Physical therapy should bring a manageable discomfort that signals the body is adapting and healing.
Your warning signs of overexertion
While some discomfort is expected, sharp, stabbing, or persistent pain is a red flag. Swelling and inflammation around the surgical site are another warning sign, along with pain that persists for 48 hours or more. Stop any activity immediately and report to the therapist or doctor. Some patients may notice regression in the next therapy session. For instance, moving through certain ranges of motion, which was easier before, is now extremely painful. These symptoms are signs of overexertion, with the patient consistently pushing past the recommended threshold. Over time, pushing past this kind of pain in the name of progress can lead to further injury, prolonging recovery. Some may even require additional medical intervention. Pay attention to significant changes that can help differentiate between the discomfort of progress and the pain of overexertion.
Strategies for pain management and recovery
During rehab, pain and progress go hand in hand. The goal, therefore, is to find the ideal balance while avoiding habits or practices that indicate the patient is hitting rehabilitation too hard. The best strategy is to remain patient and follow the physical therapist’s instructions to the letter. Even if progress feels slow, the process is working. At the same time, adopt recommended habits that can optimize pain management and recovery. Pain management, for instance, can help. Combine medication with ice packs, heat therapy, elevation, and massage. Observe which combination works best and stick to those as much as possible. When at home, perform gentle exercises as recommended by the therapist instead of high-intensity movements. Most of all, do not ignore or hide significant pain. What may be perceived as progress is more severe, and the medical team can adjust the plan accordingly.
It’s all about balance
Rehabilitation after surgery is vital for the success of the procedure. When done correctly, patients heal correctly, reduce pain, restore mobility, and have a better quality of life. During rehab, pain is expected, especially as patients ramp up the intensity of exercise. However, some pain can be incorrectly interpreted as progress. Look for signs of severe discomfort, sharp pain, inflammation, and reduced performance. Should these symptoms continue between sessions, seek help immediately. Follow the personalized plan while listening to the signs the body sends that rehab intensity may be too hard.
