Most patients believe that the solution to their tendon or ligament injury is either reconstructive surgery or tendon/ligament repair surgery. Period.
They believe that having the surgery is the end of their road to a full recovery where they can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle again. However, tendon or ligament surgery is only one step on that road to recovery. And it’s not even the first step.
Prior to your surgery, your doctor may recommend that you strengthen the muscles around your injured site. How do you do that if you are injured? Well, you certainly don’t do it on your own by going to the gym. Instead, you need a highly qualified physical therapist to create a safe and effective PT regimen that will prepare you for your surgery. Proper preparation will speed your recovery.
After your surgery, you are going to be sore, stiff, weak and swollen. You’ll have difficulty moving around and performing basic daily tasks like getting dressed, driving a car, walking, climbing stairs, or carrying your groceries.
Depending on which tendon or ligament you tore, you may have a leg, foot, arm, or hand in a brace or sling for several weeks. Your muscles will need to be retrained, exercised, and strengthened properly so you can avoid post-operative complications such as chronic stiffness or weakness.
Plus, there are the original physical causes that may have contributed to your needing the surgery in the first place – lack of flexibility, lack of strength, lack of mobility. Avoid re-injuring yourself or tearing a different tendon or ligament during your recovery by rehabilitating under the care of a licensed PT.
Starting a physical therapy routine as soon after your surgery as recommended by your surgeon will help you recover quicker and with greater results. Just imagine a year after your surgery being in better physical shape than you were a year before your surgery. Wouldn’t that be a sign of a full recovery?
Remember, to see a physical therapist, you do NOT need to first see your PCP and receive a referral (unless your specific insurance dictates it). You have the right to see any PT you choose for treatment of your pain and injuries. Feel free to call our office and we can help you determine if a PCP referral is needed. (401) 384-6490
You want to work with the best physical therapist that you can find because your recovery time and results depend on that person’s clinical expertise.
At Specialized Orthopedic Physical Therapy, you will only ever work with a licensed, certified PT who will work with you from your initial clinical consultation to your full recovery. You’ll never be attended by a PT Assistant and you will never be bounced around among the staff. Your full recovery is our top priority.
“I can’t recommend SOPT enough. It’s not the surgeries but the therapy afterward that makes it a success.”
– Wendy
