Rehabilitation is a treatment method designed to facilitate recovery after a serious injury, illness or surgery. It is aimed at restoring the physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological and social function of the patient.
The goal of a rehabilitation program varies depending on the patients’ needs, but is aimed at achieving a quick recovery. This program assists the patient to return to normal life through therapy or training.
Postoperative rehabilitation program offers faster healing.
A rehabilitation program is recommended for people who cannot resume their normal activities following an injury or a surgery. The rehabilitation team works with the patient on various physical activities and flexibility exercises that help to regain the strength and motion of the muscles in the injured site.
The most common and immediate treatment modality that provides relief from pain is the RICE treatment comprised of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The RICE treatment is used for acute injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises and contusions.
Crutches, splits or wheelchairs are used as immobilizers to provide support and prevent movement of the injured joints. A rehabilitation program often includes stretching and bending exercises, massage, stability exercises, physiotherapy, heat therapy and much more.
Various techniques employed in a rehabilitation program have significance of their own in improving physical performance and restoring the patient to normal activities.
- Stretching and bending exercises improve flexibility of the muscles at the injured site.
- Massage techniques relieve the tension of the muscles and improves the blood flow to the site of injury.
- Stability exercises restore the functions, and movements of broken or injured joints.
- Use of appropriate gears corrects biomechanical dysfunction such as specially designed running shoes are recommended for sports individuals with foot injury. These shoes have a harder material inside the sole, which prevents the foot from rolling in.
Practicing several measures may help you obtain better results from the rehabilitation program.
- Gradually increase the time and intensity on exercises.
- Exercise and walk regularly.
- Choose correct footwear.
- Do not work out on an empty stomach and drink plenty of water before.
Postoperative Rehabilitation Recovery
Postoperative or post-surgical rehabilitation programs are recommended to strengthen the muscles at injured site, relieve pain, ensure mobility and restore to normal functional capability. The common rehabilitation procedures include;
- Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain
- Use of crutches, braces, or heat retainer to prevent movement of injured site
- Physiotherapy
- Sports massages
In addition to the above-mentioned treatments, your physiotherapist may instruct special exercises following surgery depending upon the type of injury and type of surgery.
