Pre & Post-Surgical Injuries: How to Recover and Prevent Complications
Surgery is often necessary to repair injuries, but both pre-existing conditions and post-surgical complications can make recovery challenging.
Whether preparing for surgery or healing afterward, physical therapy plays a crucial role in optimizing mobility, reducing pain, and preventing complications.
A structured rehabilitation plan can improve strength before surgery and accelerate recovery afterward.
Understanding Pre & Post-Surgical Injuries
Pre-surgical injuries refer to the underlying conditions or physical impairments that require surgical intervention. These injuries can include ligament tears, joint degeneration, fractures, or chronic conditions that limit mobility and cause pain.
Often, physical therapy before surgery—known as prehabilitation—can strengthen muscles and improve range of motion to prepare the body for the procedure.
Post-surgical injuries occur as part of the healing process but can sometimes lead to complications. Scar tissue buildup, joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, and inflammation are common concerns that may prolong recovery.
Without proper rehabilitation, patients may experience long-term mobility issues and discomfort, making it essential to engage in structured therapy to promote healing and restore function.
Common Causes of Pre & Post-Surgical Injuries
Pre-surgical injuries are often caused by trauma, degenerative conditions, or repetitive strain. Some common causes include:
Sports Injuries: Torn ligaments (ACL, MCL), rotator cuff tears, meniscus injuries, and stress fractures often require surgical repair.
Degenerative Conditions: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and spinal disc degeneration can necessitate joint replacements or spinal procedures.
Accidents and Trauma: Fractures, dislocations, and severe soft tissue damage can require surgery to restore function.
Chronic Overuse Injuries: Tendinitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome may become severe enough to require surgical intervention.
Post-surgical injuries typically arise due to improper healing, lack of movement, or complications from the procedure itself. These include:
Scar Tissue Adhesions: Excessive scar tissue formation can restrict movement and cause pain.
Muscle Atrophy: Lack of movement after surgery can lead to muscle weakness and imbalance.
Inflammation and Swelling: Post-operative swelling can slow down healing and limit mobility.
Joint Stiffness: Prolonged immobility can cause reduced flexibility and difficulty regaining full function.
Pain Management Challenges: Inadequate rehabilitation can contribute to chronic post-surgical pain syndromes.
Symptoms Associated with Pre & Post-Surgical Injuries
The symptoms associated with pre-surgical injuries vary depending on the condition but may include:
Persistent pain or discomfort in the affected area
Limited range of motion or joint stiffness
Swelling, tenderness, or inflammation
Weakness or instability in muscles and joints
Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain or restriction
After surgery, post-surgical injuries can lead to additional symptoms, such as:
Prolonged pain beyond expected healing time
Reduced flexibility and stiffness in the operated area
Muscle weakness and reduced endurance
Increased swelling or bruising
Difficulty bearing weight or using the affected limb
Nerve pain or numbness in the surgical region
If these symptoms persist, a structured physical therapy program can significantly aid in recovery and prevent long-term issues.
How Physical Therapy Helps with Pre & Post-Surgical Injuries
Physical therapy is a key component in both preparing for surgery and recovering after it. A tailored program can enhance muscle strength, improve joint function, and accelerate healing while minimizing complications.
Pre-Surgical Physical Therapy (Prehabilitation)
Prehabilitation focuses on strengthening the body before surgery to enhance post-operative recovery. Benefits include:
Improved Strength & Stability: Strengthening surrounding muscles can support joints and prevent excessive weakness post-surgery.
Better Mobility & Flexibility: Stretching and targeted exercises maintain joint motion, reducing post-surgical stiffness.
Reduced Pain & Swelling: Manual therapy, dry needling, and laser therapy can help control pain before surgery.
Faster Post-Surgical Recovery: Studies show that patients who undergo prehabilitation recover more quickly and regain function faster after surgery.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
After surgery, physical therapy ensures that patients heal properly and regain strength. The rehabilitation process may include:
Manual Therapy & Myofascial Release: Reducing scar tissue buildup and improving mobility through hands-on treatment.
Targeted Strength Training: Rebuilding muscle strength to prevent compensatory movement patterns.
Pain Management Strategies: Dry needling, soft tissue mobilization, and deep tissue laser therapy to reduce post-surgical pain.
Balance & Coordination Training: Enhancing stability and preventing falls after surgery.
Guided Mobility Exercises: Safely reintroducing movement to restore function and independence.
The duration of post-surgical rehabilitation varies depending on the procedure and the individual’s response to treatment. Some recover in a few weeks, while others may require several months of therapy to regain full mobility.
Recover Faster and Stronger with Professional Physical Therapy
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or recovering from one, expert physical therapy can make a significant difference in your recovery. Our team provides pre and post-surgical rehabilitation in Providence Physical Therapy Clinic and North Logan Physical Therapy Clinic, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
A smooth recovery starts with the right support. If you need pre-surgical strengthening or post-operative rehabilitation, call us today at (435) 535-3677 (Providence) or (435) 213-9268 (North Logan) to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward full recovery.
Don’t Be Passive with Pain. Stay Reactive. Take Control.
Visit our Providence, Utah physical therapy location near you and see how, thanks to Direct Access patient care, you can benefit from our physical therapy services right away!