Post-Surgery Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Surgery is hard enough, as is the condition that led to the surgery in the first place. After a difficult series of events, you probably want an easy recovery more than anything else. If the operation went well, you may assume you’re in the clear. Sometimes that is what happens, which is always a relief.
But sometimes the universe has other plans. Often, what happens post-surgery influences how well your recovery goes and what kind of shape you are in longer-term. One’s recovery depends on the person, the surgery, and the particulars of the situation.
With an inadequate post-operative rehabilitation plan (or with none at all), often the wheels can pop off the wagon and either you stop making progress or new problems emerge.
Physical therapy can help, especially the kind we practice here at Greendale Physical Therapy. With experienced therapists and 4 locations (Shrewsbury, Worcester, Clinton, and Marlborough), we can help make your post-surgery recovery as full and easy as possible. We can help whether you’ve already had your surgery and are concerned about your recovery, or you haven’t had your surgery yet and want to get the post-op figured out now. You can contact Greendale Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment, or read on to find out more about post-surgery physical therapy.
Why you might need post-surgery physical therapy
Post-operative rehab can help patients recover from a range of surgeries and other operations, including (but not limited to):
- Back surgery
- Knee surgery
- Hip surgery
- Shoulder surgery
- Neck surgery
- Ankle surgery
- Elbow surgery
- Wrist surgery
- C-section (Caesarean section)
How post-surgery physical therapy can help
Every patient’s situation is different, but most patients want or need to accomplish several things in the course of a recovery. A customized physical therapy regimen may help you to:
- Regain strength
- Restore mobility, balance, and range of motion
- Reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation
- Reduce dependency on medication
- Improve mental and emotional wellness as you heal
- Minimize your chances of getting the same injury or condition again
- Minimize your chances of a secondary injury or condition
- Form and reinforce habits that help you feel back to normal
What kinds of physical therapy can help one recover from surgery?
Every patient is different, and your situation is unique, and your needs likely will change as time goes on and as you progress. In any event, most patients benefit from one or more of these basic types of physical therapy
- Strengthening exercises, which often help to offset imbalances or weaknesses that may have led to the injury
- Flexibility exercises, which restore or improve range of motion
- Balance exercises, which often overlap with strengthening exercises
- Aquatic therapy, which can provide low-impact exercise and improve circulation
Start your post-surgery recovery today
Contact Greendale Physical Therapy today to discuss your needs and goals. We have 4 convenient locations, in Shrewsbury, Worcester, Clinton, and Marlborough.
“After an injury to my hip I began therapy at Greendale PT in Worcester. They helped me get through a tough time that led to surgery then continued to work with me to get me back walking pain free. They are experts at what they do, they listen to what you’re concerns are and address the problem with persistence until you have a resolution. I highly recommend all the therapists. I wouldn’t go anywhere else after my experience.” Janet Lapointe (see this review and others on Google Maps)
Shrewsbury Clinic
280 Boston Turnpike
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
T: 508-753-7780
F: 508-459-5900
Worcester Clinic
120 Gold Star Boulevard
Worcester, MA 01545
T: 508-459-5000
F: 508-459-5900
Clinton Clinic
145 Church Street
Clinton, MA 01510
T: 978-598-3155
F: 508-459-5900
Marlborough Clinic
435 Lakeside Avenue
Marlborough, MA 01752
T: 508-488-4110
F:508-459-5900
Fitchburg Clinic
28 Ashby State Road,
Fitchburg, MA 01420
T: 978-400-3690
F:508-459-5900
Aquatics
766 Main Street Worcester,
MA 01610
T: 508-459-5000
F: 508-459-5900
Physical Therapist Assistants
Kim Barrow
MS, BS, PTA, Aquatics Director
Education
Southern Connecticut State University, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Science
MassBay Community College, Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
lower back pain and disk conditions, aquatics, chronic pain, post surgical rehab, balance issues
Certifications + Trainings
Certified ACE Personal Trainer, Craniosacral Level I, Graston Technique Levels I & II.
Trained in Burdenko Method, Aquatic Therapy Rehab Institute (ATRI), Kinesiotaping, Biosynchronistics, Maitland Technique, Mulligan Concept, Functional Movement Assessment (FMA), Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), Muscle Energy Techniques of the Spine and Extremities
Ross Beaudette
BA, PTA, CSCS, Worcester Clinic Manager, Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE)
Education
Worcester State University, Bachelor of Education
New England Institute of Technology, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
sports rehab, injury prevention, ergonomics, post-surgical, footwear assessment and prescription
Certifications + Trainings
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Matheson Functional Capacity Evaluation certification, Matheson work hardening certification, ACE personal trainer, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Active Release Technique (ART), Mulligan technique, McKenzie Technique, myofascial release, Muscle Energy Techniques of the Spine and Extremities
Nicolette Bender
BS, PTA
Education
University of Massachusetts, Bachelor of Exercise Science
Becker College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
Rehab Pilates, pre and post natal, postural re-patterning, injury prevention, stability training
Certifications + Trainings
STOTT PILATES, NSCA-CPT, TRX, Biosynchronistics, Core Integration, Craniosacral therapy (CST Level 1 & cervical spine), Total Barre, CORE Athletic Conditioning, Diaphragm Release Techniques, Myofascial Release Therapy, Mulligan Techniques for the Extremities, Muscle Energy Techniques for the Spine and Extremities. ISP (injury and special population) focus that includes pre and post natal, scoliosis programming, & breast cancer rehabilitation.
Alexandra "Allie" Hagan
PTA
Education
Salem State University, Bachelor of Athletic Training
Bay State College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
John Hannon
PTA
Education
New England Institute of Technology, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
Back pain, footwear/gait assessment, balance/fall prevention, total joint replacement, workplace ergonomics/postural re-ed, injury prevention, aquatics
Certifications + Trainings
Summit certification in evidence-based assessment and treatment for TMJ, Blood Flow Restriction Training, cervical spine dysfunction, and headaches/post concussion
Katharine Osborne
PTA
Education
Mount Wachusett Community College, Associates Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant
Areas of Clinical Interest
Manual therapy, myofascial release, lower back pain, shoulder and knee injuries, neck pain, kinesiology, trigger point therapy, patient education
Certifications + Trainings
Graston Technique M1-Basic Training