Rotator cuff repair surgery can come with many benefits. However, undergoing surgery is not necessarily the end of your treatment journey. Physical therapy after your rotator cuff surgery can help facilitate your recovery. Learning about the benefits of postoperative rehab can help you understand the necessity of PT.
The rotator cuff is a set of muscles, tendons and ligaments located around your shoulder. The rotator cuff keeps your shoulder stable and enables rotating motions. Because of the key role the rotator cuff plays in day-to-day functioning, a rotator cuff injury can be debilitating. In some cases, physical therapy can help you recover from your injury without any need for surgery. With more severe rotator cuff injuries, though, surgery may be necessary. Studies show that rotator cuff surgery rates are rising across the world. If you think you might need rotator cuff surgery, starting physical therapy as soon as possible is a great option. Your physical therapist can help you manage symptoms and avoid complications before and after surgery. In the weeks following your surgery, physical therapy can be essential to maintaining your quality of life and promoting recovery.
5 benefits of physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery
Restored mobility — Feeling stiff after your rotator cuff surgery? Physical therapy can play a pivotal role in restoring mobility at your shoulder joint. Improving your range of motion will likely be a central goal of your physical therapy treatment. Your physical therapist may incorporate treatments like targeted stretches into your treatment plan. These stretches can help you gradually build your flexibility. If you’re unable to stretch your shoulder on your own, your physical therapist can assist. Assisted stretches are a form of manual therapy. With manual therapy, physical therapists use their hands to directly manipulate and mobilize tissue. Manual therapy techniques can be customized to your specific needs. When improving mobility after a rotator cuff surgery, for example, your physical therapist can move your upper arm to help rotate your shoulder joint. A combination of active and passive exercises can be key to restoring your full mobility.
Improved strength — After surgery, your shoulder muscles may be weak due to injury and disuse. Regaining strength around your shoulder through physical therapy can improve your shoulder function and reduce pressure on other tissue. Your physical therapist may use a range of treatments for improving strength. Key strategies could include resistance band exercises, isometric exercises and light weightlifting. As you build strength, you can work with your physical therapist to adapt your exercise plan to your changing needs and capabilities.
Pain relief — Pain is a common concern after rotator cuff surgery. Pain and discomfort may linger for an extended period following your operation. Physical therapists use a combination of pain relief treatments. The goal is to deliver relief that's fast acting and long lasting. Specialty services like dry needling can have a major positive impact on your pain levels. Manual therapy can also help you experience relief. With targeted manual techniques, your physical therapist can use their hands to relieve painful tension and reduce your discomfort.
Accelerated recovery — Healing takes time. With PT, however, you can speed up your recovery timeline and cut downtime. Physical therapy treatments work to accelerate recovery by promoting natural healing. Treatments like dry needling and manual therapy can help improve your circulation, which means more nutrients can reach damaged and weak tissue around your shoulder. This in turn means faster natural repair processes. Your physical therapist will work with you each step of the way to make sure your recovery stays on track. At each stage, your treatment can be adapted to optimize your recovery timeline.
Injury prevention — In the weeks and months following a shoulder surgery, you may be at a higher risk for injury. Physical therapy can play an important role in keeping you safe. With targeted exercises, your physical therapist can help you improve your physical resilience. Your physical therapist can also educate you on effective injury prevention strategies. These might include proper lifting techniques and pre-workout warmups. Injury prevention can enable you to keep improving your condition without further setbacks.
Get effective postoperative physical therapy treatment at KC Rehab
At KC Rehab, we offer comprehensive rehabilitative treatment for people recovering from surgery. Our expert team is dedicated to providing quality care tailored to your needs and rehabilitation goals. With our help, you can get a head start on your recovery.
Contact our team today for more information about postsurgical rehabilitation or to schedule an initial appointment.
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