Pre-Post Surgery in Ann Arbor

Regain Strength and Function Before and After Surgery with On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor

Have an upcoming surgery? Or recovering from a recent procedure? On Track Physiotherapy’s customized pre-post-surgery physical therapy can help you achieve the best possible outcome. As your personal guides through the surgical journey, our experienced physical therapists empower patients with personalized care – before, during, and after surgery.

Who Can Benefit from Pre-Post Surgery Rehab?

Pre-post-surgery physical therapy is designed for patients preparing for or recovering from:

• Orthopedic procedures like knee, hip, or shoulder surgery
• Spinal procedures like discectomy, spinal fusion, or laminectomy
• Neuromuscular procedures
• Cancer-related surgeries
• Organ transplants and other major operations

Whether you’re an athlete eager to return to sports after an injury or an active adult hoping to get back to gardening and playing with your grandkids, pre-post rehab is essential to:

• Optimizing strength and function before surgery
• Speeding up recovery afterward
• Reducing reliance on pain medication
• Regaining flexibility, range of motion, and quality of life

An Expert Guide Through Every Phase

Before Surgery – Prepare and Empower
Think of pre-surgery rehab as getting your body and mind primed for the big event. Our licensed physical therapists create customized treatment plans to:

• Improve strength and range of motion
• Enhance cardiovascular endurance
• Increase balance and coordination
• Educate on what to expect during and after surgery so you can mentally prepare
• Provide post-operative recommendations for optimal healing

This pre-hab and education eases anxiety while allowing you to actively participate in your recovery from day one.

After Surgery – Heal and Regain Function
Once you’re home and healing begins, our therapists help you through every stage:

• Assist with pain management, wound care, and regaining mobility
• Guide scar tissue and post-surgical swelling reduction
• Restore strength, flexibility, coordination, and cardio function
• Re-train the neuromuscular system
• Advance activity level and train muscles to better support surgical sites long term
• Provide home exercise programs and education for continued progress

The goal? To surpass your pre-surgery level of function, activity, strength, and endurance.

The Benefits of Pre-Post Surgery Rehab

Dedicated pre-post-op rehab delivers tangible benefits compared to just ‘winging it’ alone:

1. Optimized Pre-Surgical Condition and Faster Recovery
Pre-hab exercises can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance endurance, preparing your body for the demands of surgery and promoting faster healing and tissue repair afterward.
This leads to:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Less reliance on pain medication
• Quicker return to daily activities

2. Reduced Post-Operative Pain and Complications
Pre-hab can also decrease pain and inflammation after surgery, making recovery more comfortable. Additionally, strengthening specific muscles pre-operatively helps stabilize the surgical site and minimize the risk of post-op complications like scar tissue adhesions.

3. Improved Range of Motion and Function
Post-surgical therapy focuses on regaining strength, flexibility, and movement in the affected area. This customized program helps you achieve optimal function and prevent stiffness or scar tissue formation, leading to a smoother and more complete recovery.

4. Increased Confidence and Reduced Anxiety
Pre-operative education and support from the therapist can alleviate anxiety and fear associated with surgery. Knowing what to expect and having a personalized recovery plan can empower you to actively participate in your healing process and boost confidence throughout the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Haven’t had physical therapy before? It’s normal to have questions if you’re considering pre-post-surgery rehab.

Here are answers to some of the most common patient FAQs:

What is pre-surgery physical therapy?
Also called ‘prehab’, this is physical therapy done before a scheduled surgery to optimize your functional baseline. Exercises can target strength, flexibility, range of motion, and cardiovascular endurance. This pre-surgical ‘training’ better prepares both body and mind to handle surgery.

What is the role of physical therapy in pre and post operative surgical cases?
Physical therapists play an essential role in the entire surgical arc – from pre-op preparation to post-op rehabilitation. Prehab readies the body for surgery while post-op PT facilitates healing. This speeds recovery, reduces complications, manages pain, and helps patients achieve optimal function after surgery.

Is rehabilitation done before or after surgery?
Ideally, rehab includes BOTH pre and post-operative therapy. While prehab readies the body, post-op rehab facilitates healing and faster recovery. The most successful surgical outcomes always include physical therapy before AND after surgery.

How soon should you start physical therapy after surgery?
Most patients can begin gentle physical therapy within days or weeks after surgery, under their doctor’s guidance. Early mobility and gradual strengthening help facilitate healing. Your surgeon and physical therapist collaborate to determine the appropriate PT timeline based on your procedure.

Meet Your Pre-Post-Op Rehab Team

Dr. Morgan Kennedy, PT brings years of experience guiding patients’ surgical journeys. Skilled in orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, she creates customized prehab and post-op programs to help patients achieve strength, mobility, and the highest level of function after surgery.

Take the First Step Toward Surgical Success
Are you planning for surgery, or recovering from a recent procedure? Prioritize your health and wellness by including pre-post-op physical therapy with your treatment plan.

On Track Physiotherapy empowers patients with personalized care across the entire surgical timeline – from prehab preparation to post-operative healing. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and evaluation. Let our experienced physical therapists guide you on the path toward optimal surgical results and a smooth recovery.

About The Author

Dr. Greg Schaible, a licensed Physical Therapist, empowers patients to unlock their full potential in Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Sports Rehab. Years of experience fuel their passion for helping individuals reclaim vibrant lives. At On Track Physiotherapy in Ann Arbor, Dr. Greg Schaible combines innovative techniques with personalized care, tackling a broad spectrum of physical challenges.