Transform Your Recovery With Pre- and Postoperative Physical Therapy
One of our patients, who we’ll call Michael, was a middle-aged teacher with a passion for hiking. He faced an unexpected challenge when a sharp pain in his knee turned into a persistent problem, affecting not only his favorite outdoor activities but also his ability to stand comfortably in front of his classroom.
After several consultations, an MRI revealed a torn meniscus requiring surgery. The prospect of surgery was a big concern to Michael, who had never faced such a significant medical procedure. However, his orthopedic surgeon recommended a comprehensive approach to ensure the best possible outcome: engaging in pre- and postoperative physical therapy.
We’re Hiring
Interested in joining Amber Hill Therapy Centers? Visit our careers page to see current openings.
The Road to Surgery: Preoperative Physical Therapy
Understanding the importance of being in optimal physical condition for the surgery, Michael was referred to Amber Hill Therapy Centers for preoperative care. Our goal was to maximize his range of motion and strengthen his knee as much as possible before the surgery to aid his recovery.
Michael met with one of our physical therapists, who explained how pre-surgical physical therapy could make a significant difference in his recovery process. His therapist tailored a program focusing on building strength, improving his mobility, and getting him as prepared as possible for surgery and the recovery afterward.
Preoperative physical therapy sessions included a variety of exercises designed to enhance the stability of Michael’s knee alongside manual therapy techniques to free up restrictions, mobilize his knee, and help manage his pain.
His therapist also educated Michael about how to best prepare mentally and physically for post-surgery rehabilitation. This proactive approach helped Michael enter the surgery with a stronger knee and equipped him with the knowledge and confidence needed to face his recovery.
Navigating Recovery: Postoperative Physical Therapy
After the surgery, Michael’s journey to recovery began with postoperative physical therapy. The first few sessions focused on managing pain and reducing swelling. These are crucial steps to ensure a solid foundation for more intensive rehabilitation. His physical therapist guided Michael through the following treatments:
- Range of Motion Exercises: To gradually increase knee range of motion.
- Strengthening Exercises: Targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to support knee stability.
- Swelling and Pain Management: Using compression and elevation to reduce swelling and pain.
- Manual Therapy: Soft tissue massage and joint mobilizations improve joint function and decrease pain.
- Gait Training: To improve walking patterns and ensure proper weight distribution and knee alignment.
- Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises that help restore balance and knee joint position are crucial for preventing re-injury.
- Functional Training: Focused on returning to daily activities and specific sports or hobbies with proper form and without pain.
One of the pivotal aspects of Michael’s postoperative care was the personalized attention he received. His therapist continuously adjusted his plan based on his progress, ensuring each exercise was challenging and achievable. This customization was crucial, as it kept Michael motivated and engaged in his recovery, even on days when progress seemed slow.
Postoperative therapy also included education on proper movement patterns to prevent future injuries and ensure the longevity of his knee’s health. Michael learned how to adjust his daily activities to protect his knee and support its healing.
The Impact of Comprehensive Physical Therapy
The benefits of Michael’s commitment to both pre-and postoperative physical therapy were clear; not only did his recovery timeline exceed expectations, but he also experienced a significant improvement in his knee’s functionality compared to before the surgery.
Michael’s dedication to his therapy and his therapist’s expertise transformed his recovery into a journey of personal growth and resilience. The knowledge he gained about injury prevention and physical wellness became integral to his daily life, influencing his return to hiking and his approach to physical activity in general.
A Return to the Trails
After his rehab ended, Michael stood at the base of his favorite hiking trail, ready to tackle it again. This moment was the culmination of hours of physical therapy, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his therapist. As he ascended the trail, each step was a testament to the importance of comprehensive physical therapy in recovery from surgery.
Michael’s experience underscores the transformative potential of pre- and postoperative physical therapy at Amber Hill Therapy Centers. By engaging in targeted exercises before and after surgery, patients can accelerate their recovery and improve their overall physical function and quality of life!
Sources: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269215510380830, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7146095/
Exercise of the Month
Heel Slides Long Sit
(Knees, Hamstrings)
Start by sitting on the floor with both legs extended out in front of you and your back flat. Loop a strap around your foot on your injured leg and place a towel under your heel. Slowly pull your heel toward your butt by tugging on the strap until you have reached your max comfortable range of motion. Slowly allow your heel to slide back out until your leg is straight.
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
(Materials needed: towel, belt)
Recipe of the Month:
Crispy, Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
For sweet potato fries that actually stay crisp, all you need is your oven and a clever cornstarch trick.
Ingredients
For the Fries:
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons white rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 (12 ounces each) sweet potatoes, trimmed, cut in half crosswise, and cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks
Seasoned Salt:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning; for table salt, use half as much by volume
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Fry Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 425°F. Spray rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Add oil to prepared sheet and tilt sheet until surface is evenly coated with oil. In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne; set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, whisk water and cornstarch, making sure no lumps of cornstarch remain on bottom of bowl. Microwave, stirring every 20 seconds, until mixture begins to thicken, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and continue stirring until mixture thickens to a thin yogurt-like consistency. (If necessary, after microwaving, add up to 3 tablespoons additional water to achieve correct consistency.)
- Add rice flour and baking soda to cornstarch mixture and whisk to combine. Add cut sweet potato sticks and toss until each is evenly coated. Transfer fries to prepared baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer with one flat cut side down, and space between each piece. (Some cornstarch mixture will remain in bowl.)
- Bake until bottoms are beginning to brown and fries easily release from pan, about 20 minutes. Remove sheet from oven and, using a thin spatula, loosen the fries and carefully flip taking care not to tear. Rotate pan and return to oven to continue to bake until second sides are golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- For the Fry Sauce: While fries bake, in a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, sriracha, vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Sprinkle fries with prepared salt mixture and toss fries to distribute seasoning evenly. Transfer fries to paper towel–lined platter and let cool about 5 minutes. Serve fries with prepared sauce, if desired.
