The demand for physiotherapy services is rising in Singapore, driven by the growing frequency of surgical interventions such as orthopaedics, cardiology, and other medical specialities. After all, post-surgical physiotherapy is necessary for facilitating an ideal recovery following various surgical procedures.
Discover the typical post-operative conditions that often necessitate post-surgical physiotherapy.
Orthopaedic Surgeries
Orthopaedic surgeries are among the typical procedures requiring post-surgical rehabilitation. These surgeries include joint replacements, fracture repairs, and ligament reconstructions. After such surgeries, patients often experience stiffness, weakness, and limited mobility, necessitating physiotherapy for sufficient recovery.
a) Joint Replacements (Hip and Knee)
Post-operative physiotherapy is essential after hip or knee replacement surgery. Without proper rehabilitation, patients may struggle with limited range of motion and joint stiffness. Post-surgical physiotherapy typically involves exercises to regain strength and enhance flexibility in the affected joint. Early intervention is vital to help patients regain independence in walking and daily activities.
b) Fracture Repairs
After a fracture is repaired surgically using plates, screws, or rods, physiotherapy is required to rebuild strength in the muscles surrounding the fracture site. Post-surgical physiotherapy helps patients restore normal limb function, reduce swelling, and enhance circulation in the affected area.
c) ACL Reconstruction
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common procedure among athletes and active individuals. Post-operative physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping patients regain knee stability and strength. Rehab focuses on raising joint mobility, strengthening the muscles around the knee, and gradually reintroducing functional activities.
Cardiothoracic Surgeries
Cardiothoracic surgeries, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve repairs, require comprehensive post-surgical rehabilitation to restore normal lung and heart function. Physiotherapy helps patients regain endurance, manage postoperative pain, and enhance respiratory efficiency.
a) Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
After a CABG procedure, patients may face issues such as decreased lung capacity and difficulty breathing. Physiotherapy clinics offer post-surgical rehabilitation programs focused on breathing exercises and mobility training to help restore lung function and enhance circulation.
b) Lung Surgeries
Patients undergoing lung resections or other thoracic surgeries require physiotherapy to prevent postoperative complications such as pneumonia. Post-operative physiotherapy includes deep breathing exercises, coughing techniques, and early mobilisation to prevent respiratory infections and enhance oxygenation.
Spinal Surgeries
Spinal surgeries, such as laminectomy or spinal fusion, often lead to post-surgical stiffness, weakness, and limited mobility. Post-surgical rehab is necessary to restore the patient’s ability to perform daily activities and reduce pain caused by immobilisation.
a) Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion surgery involves the permanent joining of two or more vertebrae, which can result in reduced mobility and stiffness. Post-surgical physiotherapy focuses on maintaining flexibility in surrounding muscles and joints, enhancing posture, and promoting core muscle strengthening.
b) Disc Herniation Repair
Patients undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc benefit from post-operative physiotherapy aimed at reducing back pain and enhancing flexibility. Rehab programs focus on core stabilisation exercises, posture correction, and safe mobility training.
Abdominal Surgeries
Post-operative complications, including decreased mobility and respiratory difficulties, are common after abdominal surgeries. Post-operative physiotherapy is designed to enhance recovery by supporting mobility, breathing, and overall strength.
a) Colorectal Surgery
After colorectal surgeries, patients may experience discomfort and limited movement due to abdominal incisions. Physiotherapy in Singapore is often recommended to encourage early mobility, prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and promote overall recovery.
b) Hernia Repairs
Patients undergoing hernia repair surgeries require physiotherapy to regain abdominal strength and enhance mobility. Post-surgical rehab includes breathing exercises and gradual strengthening programs to prevent recurrence and promote healing.
Neurological Surgeries
Post-surgical rehab is necessary after neurosurgical procedures such as brain or spinal tumour removal. Neurological surgeries often leave patients with weakened muscles, poor coordination, and balance issues, all of which require physiotherapy.
a) Brain Surgery
After brain surgery, patients may experience difficulty with balance, coordination, and movement. Physiotherapists help patients regain functional independence by addressing motor skill deficits through targeted rehabilitation exercises.
b) Spinal Cord Surgery
Surgeries on the spinal cord often affect muscle control, balance, and sensation. Post-operative physiotherapy focuses on enhancing muscle strength, coordination, and mobility, helping patients restore as much independence as possible.
Importance of Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Post-surgical rehab is an integral part of recovery after various surgical procedures. Its goal is to accelerate the healing process, restore normal function, and prevent complications that may arise from prolonged immobilisation. Whether for orthopaedic, cardiothoracic, neurological, or abdominal surgeries, tailored rehabilitation programs are critical for enhancing patient outcomes.
Many physiotherapy services are available for patients recovering from surgery. Physiotherapists work closely with patients to design individualised rehabilitation programs, guiding them through each recovery phase, from early mobilisation to functional training. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients recover properly and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Conclusion
Conditions following surgeries in orthopaedics, cardiothoracic, spinal, abdominal, and neurology frequently necessitate physiotherapy to enhance recovery. Post-operative physiotherapy is necessary for regaining mobility, alleviating pain, and enhancing the overall quality of life post-operation. Through an organised rehabilitation program, patients are able to attain desired results and prompt recovery periods, allowing them to resume their daily routines as swiftly as feasible.
Contact The Home Physio to take control of your recovery journey today!
