No one likes surgery, but did you know that you can have a BIG impact on its
results by doing just a few things?
For the most part, simply getting your injury operated on isn’t as easy as A +B = C and many times it can be a multiple month recovery. Considering these 5 things will allow you to have the best outcomes and get you back to what you love doing as soon as possible.
1) Prehab – There will be a reduction in strength after every surgery. Seeing a PT even just once prior to your surgery (at least 3-4 weeks before if possible) to get a set of exercises that will allow you to safely target muscles and tissues involved will allow you to mitigate this strength loss as much as possible. Prehab is encouraged by most top rated physicians as it is well documented as one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to ensure a better outcome.
2) Multiple Opinions – We always recommend getting multiple opinions about your surgery. As in any profession there will be differing opinions on what needs to be done and you need to feel comfortable with the plan as well as the one who is doing it. Your PT should have a good network of people and trusted doctors to talk to about options for your injury.
3) Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) – BFR is now the gold standard of post-operative rehab. This method of rehab allows patients to make changes in strength without the need for heavy weight training. It’s used by nearly all professional and collegiate sports teams to reduce post-op muscle atrophy quickly and get you on the fast track to more advanced stages of rehab. Make sure your therapist will be using this with you!
4) Does Your PT Communicate? – We call it the “Dream Team.” Since you spend the most amount of time with your PT after a surgery, your PT should feel comfortable quarterbacking this team. Your PT should be in communication with your doctor, your coach, your trainer and anyone else involved in your recovery and your sport. Having everyone on the same page is a MUST to ensure the best results and avoid conflicting directions or confusion during your return to activity. Make sure your PT has the time and willingness to communicate with these people.
5) Does Your PT Understand Your Sport? – Last but certainly not least, if you are trying to return to a specific sport or activity, your PT needs to know the requirements of your sport. The later stages of rehab is typically what can make or break your return to sport rehab and knowledge of your sport’s requirements and programming is key. What is required for training? What does the programming typically look like? How do you progress back into that program safely? What positions are required and what strength requirements are needed for you to do that safely and on a consistent basis? Without knowing and training these variables you’re just guessing that you’re ready to get back to your sport and re-injury rates may be higher.
If you are having surgery, are considering surgery or are just looking for advice on your injury we would be more than happy to talk with you about it. Simply set up a no-cost consult call with us and we’ll connect you to one of our doctors ASAP.