Pre-Post Surgery
Optimize Surgical Outcomes with Pre-Post Surgery Rehab
Upcoming surgery on your knee, hip, shoulder or spine can certainly feel daunting. But with Alkeme Sports Rx’s prehabilitation and post-op therapy programs, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our advanced physical therapists equip patients with customized strength, flexibility and education protocols both before and after surgery – accelerating recoveries by addressing weaknesses and restrictions proactively.
Restoring Mobility Through Phased Surgical Rehab
Muscles and joints thrive on gentle movement. But without guidance, many patients end up overdoing activity immediately after surgery or immobilizing themselves out of fear of damaging tissues. This significantly impedes optimal recovery. Alkeme Sports Rx’s certified specialists design personalized prehab and post-op rehabilitation regimens catered to your unique procedure and baseline status. We guide you through three integrated phases:
Phase 1: Pre-Surgery Preparation
Weeks to months before a scheduled surgery like knee arthroplasty, our therapists work to resolve:
- Joint/muscle stiffness
- Strength/coordination deficits
- Balance/stability impairment
- Gait abnormalities
Robust pre-op rehab enhances post-surgical outcomes by conditioning the body to better tolerate procedure stresses and maximize the effects of later therapy. Education also prepares patients and caregivers mentally and logistically.
Comprehensive Evaluations – Thorough assessments of current muscle function, joint mobility, neurological status, walking mechanics and more allow us to quantify postsurgical rehab potential and customize prehab interventions.
Insurance Benefits Assistance – We help patients navigate insurance requirements related to surgery approval, durable medical equipment coverage and therapy authorization needs.
Pre-op Joint Mobilizations – Hands-on techniques restore sliding mobility between joint surfaces soon to be replaced. This also desensitizes regions prepping for surgical trauma.
Targeted Strengthening Exercises – We build supporting muscular endurance around surgery sites protecting newly vulnerable joints post-procedure.
Phase 2: Initial Post-Op Healing
Early interventions in the hospital or at our facilities focus on:
- Pain, edema and inflammation management
- Gentle joint mobility and muscle activation
- Safety with movement and weight bearing
- Basic self-care adaptations
These structured acute-stage protocols allow early weight bearing as dictated by surgical guidelines to stimulate healing while preventing negative compensations.
Edema Modalities – Electrical stimulation, compression pumps and manual techniques accelerate fluid drainage from surgically traumatized tissues to alleviate discomfort and enhance repair.
Assistive Equipment Training – We fit appropriate ambulatory devices like walkers or crutches while teaching protected gait to ensure safe mobility and prevent falls.
Home Exercise Introduction – Simple movements that protect the joint while regaining flexibility and strength help patients remain active participants in their healing process between therapy visits rather than passive recipients.
Phase 3: Advanced Functional Restoration
Gradually progressing activity, our outpatient therapists guide patients towards goals like:
- Full range of motion/eliminating restrictions
- Restoring strength and motor control
- Rebuilding endurance for community mobility
- Resuming recreational pursuits and athletics
- Independent home exercise programs
This phased approach optimizes patient outcomes through consistent momentum tailored to evolving individual capacities while avoiding overexertion.
Manual Scar Tissue Mobilization – Hands-on techniques resolve postsurgical adhesions between muscle planes and surrounding connective tissues allowing improved joint mechanics.
Advanced Therapeutic Exercise – Multi-plane functional movements using exercise bands, Pilates equipment and patients’ recovering limbs as resistance progressively build muscle control and flexibility required for community ambulation and daily life without reliance on ambulatory aids.
Simulated Occupational and Sports Specific Drills – We design controlled replications of actions performed at work or in athletics to confirm readiness for safe return while enhancing skills-specific stamina and mobility.
Why Pre-Post Surgery Rehab Matters
Recovering well after surgery depends greatly on following proper protocols under the guidance of a knowledgeable therapist able to identify and address dysfunction early.
Benefits of our pre- and post-op programs include:
Enhanced Surgical Outcomes – Patients demonstrate less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and lower pain medication needs. Optimized pre-op conditioning reduces post-surgical joint trauma and facilitates faster progress in therapy.
Faster Rehabilitation – Early gentle reactivation of muscles protects joint surfaces while preventing adhesions. Strategies like neuromuscular electrical stimulation also accelerate intrinsic strengthening. Patients achieve functional milestones weeks faster through our protocols.
Reduced Pain and Complications – Specialized interventions minimize swelling and discomfort for greater engagement in beneficial movement versus immobilization. This leads to lower risks of stiffness, blood clots and long-term neural hypersensitivity.
Prevention of Reinjury – Education on modifying daily mechanics to protect healing tissues helps integrate movement precautions. Attention towards strengthening stabilizers and correcting deficits minimizes recurrence likelihood.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Alkeme Sport Rehab Rx for my post-surgery physical therapy on my right ankle and foot. From the very first session, I was impressed by their professionalism, expertise, and personalized approach to my recovery. The team at Alkeme is incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to understand my specific needs and goals. They crafted a tailored rehabilitation plan that helped me regain strength, flexibility, and confidence in my mobility. Each session was well-organized and focused, with a perfect balance of challenge and support to my recovery.
This place is phenomenal for everyone seeking to get out of pain, regain movement and strength. I’ve been coming to Alkeme Sports Brikell for almost 3 months after an ankle surgery and it band syndrome. I was struggling with chronic pain and was unable to stand on my feet, drive or do regular house chores without being in pain. Joe helped me regain strength and be out of pain, but most importantly to go back to my sport which is long distance running and strength training. I’m very grateful for his patience and insights. He taught me how to listen to my body and how to adapt certain movements so I could gradually gain back balance, strength and range of motion.
Answering Your Pre- & Post-Operative Therapy Questions
What exactly is involved with pre-op or “pre rehabilitation” therapy?
Prehab focuses on boosting aerobic conditioning, enhancing muscle flexibility/endurance and instilling proper movement patterns through the area slated for surgery via targeted exercises. Manual therapy and modalities also help resolve any tissue restrictions or pains that may hinder rehabilitation.
When should I begin pre-op therapy before surgery?
Ideally 4-8 weeks prior for smaller procedures but up to 8-12 weeks before major total joint replacements. Preoperative conditioning levels correlated closely with functional mobility achieved by 3-month post-surgery milestones in studies. Committing to consistency early is key.
What types of post-op rehab services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive outpatient physical therapy including manual techniques to resolve surgical scar tissue, restore mobility and rebuild strength. Interventions progress patients through self-care, community mobility goals and return to sports/work duties aligned to surgeon directives and timelines.
About The Author
Dr. Sharif Tabbah, a Co-Owner & Physical Therapist specializing in Physical Therapy, puts patients at the forefront of their care. With years of experience, they guide individuals towards achieving their best selves. At Alkeme Sports Rx, Dr. Sharif Tabbah crafts individualized plans using cutting-edge techniques, empowering patients to overcome limitations and thrive.
Trust Your Recovery with Alkeme Sports Rx
At Alkeme Sports Rx, we view surgery preparation and rehabilitation guidance as collaborative partnerships between our compassionate specialists, savvy surgeons and motivated patients. Together we develop integrated plans serving your unique needs all the way from prehab to full function restoration. Don’t leave your mobility up to chance after a complex joint procedure.Get started with pre- and post-surgery programming or call us to discuss your upcoming needs!
Next Steps: Request a Consultation at Our Davie, FL Clinic
Ready to proactively prime your body and mind before surgery while mapping out a recovery plan for after? Request a consultation at Alkeme Sports Rx or call us to learn more about this service and how we can help you today!