Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: A Guide to Recovery and Restoring Mobility

After any serious injury or surgery, one of the first appointments you’ll schedule will be with your physical therapist. 

Physical therapists work with you during the recovery and rehabilitation to help you regain full mobility using a mix of massage, stretching, and exercises, all customized to assist you to recover faster. Some treatments involve physical stimuli such as heat, cold, and electrical currents.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Your Recovery

Following any significant musculoskeletal injury or surgical procedure, a physical therapy regimen is essential for helping patients recover quickly. 

At its best, physical therapy restores muscular function, mitigates pain, and prevents long-term damage.

Physical therapists possess specialized expertise in biomechanics, kinesiology, and the physiological responses to injury and repair. 

Their initial assessment involves a detailed evaluation of musculoskeletal integrity, neurological function, range of motion, strength deficits, and functional limitations.

By addressing patient impairments proactively and after surgery, physical therapy can prevent chronic pain syndromes, protect patients from compensatory movement patterns that could lead to secondary injuries, and ensure a safe recovery trajectory.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

There are three primary treatments for physical therapy, each serving a different purpose in the rehabilitation process. It’s important to work with a therapist to identify best practices for your recovery.

Exercises

Physical therapists utilize exercise as a therapeutic tool to address musculoskeletal conditions, promote healing, and restore your body to optimal function.

Through a tailored exercise program, physical therapists aim to enhance strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and balance while reducing pain and improving overall mobility.

Unlike traditional workouts, therapeutic exercises prevent further injury, strengthen muscles, and improve mobility. These also include range of motion, coordination, balance, and ambulation exercises.

Stretching

Stretching is the support system upon which all other physical therapy treatments rely. Your physical therapist will likely provide you with a series of at-home stretches to continuously work on your rehabilitation between appointments.

Therapeutic stretching has three benefits: increased circulation, tissue protection, and improved mobility. 

Every time you stretch, your body increases blood circulation to your joints and body, thus providing them with the optimal nutrients to work at peak levels. Therapeutic stretching also allows you to protect the tissues surrounding your muscles, avoiding tightness and rigidity sometimes caused by your injury. 

Mobility is an issue whether you’ve just returned from surgery or dealing with ongoing pain. Daily stretching returns and often increases your mobility, allowing you to return to the activities you love without feeling pain afterward.

External Stimulation

Electrical stimulation, heat pads, and ice packs are treatments physical therapists use to help patients recover from injury. Each  provides different benefits.

If your injury or surgery limits your mobility, your physical therapist may offer electrical stimulation during your appointment. Electrical stimulation helps strengthen muscles, block pain signals, and improve blood circulation. While there is debate over the benefits of e-stim, it is a passive action that could provide immediate relief.

Your physical therapist may bring out the heat pad to loosen up tight muscles. Each practice utilizes a different style of heat pad, but these tools provide quick results within 10-15 minutes.

Alternatively, if your injured body part is swollen or freshly out of surgery, your physical therapist may choose to use an ice pack to help reduce muscle spasms, pain, and inflammation.

What to Look For in a Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation Center

With hundreds of physical therapy facilities across the Chicagoland area to choose from, picking the right one for your needs is a must. Here are the four most important traits you should look for when choosing a physical therapy and rehabilitation center.

Qualifications and Experience

Before setting up an appointment with your physical therapist, look at their website and credentials. They should highlight their qualifications and experience in the field. If you have a specific injury, you may want to look for a therapist with that specialty to provide you with the best service possible.

Patient-Centered Approach

When it comes to your healthcare, you want to find a patient-centered provider. That means every decision they make is intended to help you heal. Always look for a physical therapist who will design a customized recovery and rehabilitation plan for your specific needs.

Communication

During your recovery process, your therapist should clearly communicate what recovery looks like and their expectations for you. Rehabilitation only works if every person involved is on the same page, which means frequent updates and communication.

Collaboration

The best physical therapists have a long list of experienced doctors they collaborate with to ensure your smooth recovery. If you are fresh out of surgery, there are benefits to working with a team that your surgeon trusts. Frequent communication and collaboration provides you with the best team possible.

Tips for Physical Therapy Patients

For physical therapy to be effective, the patient needs to be an equal contributor for the effort.

Here are a few tips and tricks patients can adopt to maximize the benefits of their prescribed physical therapy appointments.

Stretch and Exercise at Home

At some point, your physical therapist will suggest some exercises and stretches to do at home.

Consistent use of your exercise program helps reinforce gains made during therapy, accelerates tissue healing, and strengthens neuromuscular pathways. 

Don’t consider it a supplement; consider it part of your regular routine.

Communicate with your Physical Therapist

Your physical therapist is your primary guide throughout this process. 

If you experience any changes in your symptoms, levels of discomfort, or other concerns, please notify your doctor immediately.

This feedback enables your therapist to adjust your treatment plan to achieve the best possible results.

Have Realistic Expectations

Physical therapy is a dynamic, non-linear process that can sometimes take longer than you want.

Some days, the treatments will feel great, while others may not. It’s essential to remember that the primary goal remains the same: to enhance your daily life and minimize pain as much as possible.

Avoid the temptation to rush your recovery, as pushing too aggressively can impede healing or lead to re-injury. 

Celebrate small victories and maintain a long-term perspective.

Have More Questions about Physical Therapy? Call CORE Orthopedics Today.

Our trained physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons have decades of experience working with injuries like yours. The collaboration between both areas of expertise allows you to customize treatment to help you recover faster and stronger than before.