Post-Surgical Rehab
Post-surgical physical therapy, or post-surgical rehab, helps you recover from an operation, and prehab is the therapy you start before it. We guide you through both, from learning to stand and walk safely again to rebuilding strength, in Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho. Your plan follows your surgeon's guidelines, and Jared Pugmire, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, Dip Osteopractic, Cert. SMT/DN/VCS leads your care.
Why surgery needs rehab, even a small procedure
Every surgery affects the body differently, and even fairly minor procedures can have a major effect. Most leave some pain, inflammation, swelling and limited movement. Common operations include full or partial knee replacement and ACL repair, and the same approach helps after hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, spinal fusion and many others.
Afterward you may need to relearn simple things the right way: dressing, walking, sitting and standing. Your therapist teaches you how to do them safely and without pain.
Rehab for common surgeries
The details change by operation. These are the ones we are asked about most.
Knee replacement rehab
Regaining bend and straightening, then strength and walking. Your surgeon may limit weight on the leg at first. See Knee Pain.
Hip replacement rehab
You may be given hip precautions to follow. We explain them and teach safe ways to move. See Hip Pain.
ACL surgery rehab
A long, staged return to strength, balance and sport. See Sports Injury Rehab.
Rotator cuff repair rehab
Rehab after shoulder surgery is paced to protect the repair. See Shoulder Pain.
Spinal fusion rehab
Rebuilding safe movement, posture and core strength. See Back Pain.
Other surgeries
Heart surgery, meniscus, foot, ankle and hand procedures all have their own timelines.
Following your surgeon's rules, in plain English
After surgery your doctor gives you guidelines, and some seem impossible or confusing. If you are told to put no weight on a knee, or to follow posterior hip precautions, it helps to have an expert in recovery beside you.
Your plan is built to take you through every part of recovery, from understanding unfamiliar medical terms to learning the right exercises to bear weight safely when you are cleared. We follow the protocol your surgeon sets and keep the surgeon in mind as you progress.
What rehab gives you
Recovery looks different at each stage, and your therapist adjusts as it changes.
Less reliance on pain medicine
Physical therapy gives your body the tools to support its own healing, so you may need less medication.
A new normal for movement
You learn how to stand, walk and do other basic things without risking re-injury.
Strength
Specific strengthening builds better muscle support. Swelling and scar tissue also get attention, with manual therapy and blood flow restriction training where they fit.
Prehab before surgery, and choosing where to do therapy
Starting therapy before an operation can make recovery faster and easier. See Pre-Surgical Rehab. If you are weighing surgery for a worn joint, Arthritis & Joint Pain explains what therapy can do first.
You can usually choose where you go for therapy afterward, and you are welcome to ask for us in Chubbuck, Idaho. Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan.
Post-surgical rehab in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
Physical therapy after surgery is easier to start well when you call before or just after your operation.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.