Following surgery, it is natural to want life to return to normal as soon as possible. Your body will need time to heal, though, and rehabilitation is an important part of rehabilitation. Without regular visits to a rehab center, you may not be able to fully enjoy the benefits of your new joint or procedure.

In this article, we will explore a common question: How long does rehab last? As a leading physical therapy service provider in Nevada, our team is expertly qualified to explain what to expect from rehab after surgery. 

How Long Does Rehab Last?

The medical benefits of undergoing rehab are well documented. One study by the National Institutes of Health found that patients benefited greatly when they started rehab shortly after surgery. In other words, the sooner you start, the better. 

When Rehab Begins

No matter what type of surgery you have, you will likely begin rehab while you’re still in the hospital. During those first interactions with a therapist, you may receive help learning to walk again. Or you may be shown certain exercises that you’ll need to perform once you return home. 

Rehabilitation Timelines

Depending on what type of surgery you had, you may be required to visit a short-term rehab center for a few weeks. Some forms of surgery require several weeks or months of rehab. Minimally invasive surgeries may require several weeks of rehab while a full joint replacement may require months.

How to Ensure a Timely Recovery

Patients have a positive role to play in ensuring that rehabilitation does not drag on. By taking rehabilitation seriously and following through with at-home exercises, patients can ensure that their rehabilitation timeline is not delayed. 

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

Once you begin physical therapy at Dynamic Spine & Sport Rehabilitation, you will be welcomed to our warm and inviting rehab center. You can save time by filling out paperwork before your visit.

Our expert therapists literally take a hands-on approach to guiding you through rehabilitation exercises. Early on into the treatments, you know how long your rehabilitation visits will last. 

Rather than relying solely on the high-tech gear, our therapists will look at you holistically. Our therapies include a wide range of treatment options.

  • Massage Techniques
  • Manual Stretching
  • Joint Mobilization
  • Muscle Energy Techniques
  • Dry Needling
  • Therapeutic Exercise
  • Ultrasound
  • Electric Stimulation

Our team members rely on time-tested therapy treatments that manually direct rehabilitation through a hands-on approach. The results are safe, long-term treatments that boost your quality of life.

Depending on the type of surgery you are recovering from, you may be connected with a range of specialists that could include a chiropractor, physical therapist, nutritionist, or another healthcare professional. 

Why Do I Need Rehab After Surgery?

If you have never undergone surgery, the idea of after-surgery rehab may be a new concept to you. There are several reasons that patients require rehabilitation after surgery.

Improve Mobility

Swelling, tightness, and other common side effects of surgery can limit your mobility. Without rehabilitation, that loss of mobility could become permanent. Your physical therapist will work to help you maintain and improve your mobility through exercise and manual techniques.

Strengthen Muscle

Joints rely on strong muscles to function properly. Poor muscle strength can even be the cause of joint issues. To ensure that your joints remain healthy after surgery, rehab may be needed to strengthen certain muscles. 

Ease Pain  

This one may come as a surprise. Certain rehabilitation exercises can be uncomfortable. Rehab does reduce long-term pain after surgery, though. 

Exercises performed during rehab can reduce swelling. This can then reduce surgical pain as you recover more quickly. Reducing pain early on can help prevent pain from becoming chronic. 

Reduce Scar Tissue

Following surgery, soft tissue contracts, and scar tissue can form. Those are natural processes that you’ll want to minimize through rehabilitation. 

One of our physical therapists can reduce scar tissue formation through ultrasound therapy, massage, and tissue mobilization techniques. Reducing scar tissue can ensure that you regain strength and mobility. 

Improve Flexibility

Stiff muscles are bad for joints. Poor flexibility can also impede your ability to reach overhead, climb stairs, or get up and down from chairs and beds. Since flexibility is so important for recovery and everyday activities, many rehab exercises focus on improving flexibility. 

How Do I Find the Right Rehab Center?

There are several factors that you’ll want to consider when choosing the right rehab center. Location is important. You won’t want to have to drive more than an hour to your rehab sessions if you can avoid it.

Ask what the rehab center’s philosophy of care is. At Dynamic Spine & Sport Rehabilitation, we believe in providing hands-on, holistic care that provides long-lasting relief. 

The rehab’s reputation is also very important. You can ask around for feedback or look for patient reviews. Finally, ask what treatment options are offered. If you do not see a range of well-established and newer treatment options then you may want to keep searching.

Schedule Your Physical Therapy Visit Today

Whether you require a few weeks of therapy or several months of commitment, the team at Dynamic Spine & Sport Rehabilitation will provide you with our full attention and care while you undergo exercises and treatment at one of our Nevada rehab centers. 

With the help of our highly trained rehab therapists, you’ll complete your rehab program along a predictable timeline. To schedule your visit, contact our office online today or call 702-685-1607.

Posted in Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation, Surgical Rehab