The Benefits of Pre-hab & Post-Op Therapy For Athletes
Are you an athlete facing an upcoming surgical procedure? Are you looking for ways to maximize your outcome? Just like in sports, practice before your game is the difference between winning and losing. If you are looking for the edge in your recovery, preparing yourself the same way you do for game day is essential. At Rebound Physical Therapy, we can help you put the work in before and after surgery to put yourself in the position to win!
Most athletes know that rehabilitation is often a part of recovering from an injury and/or surgery. Too often, athletes don’t know about how pre-hab can help them maximize their results. If you want to be prepared to go into surgery, schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists!
Physical therapy at Rebound Physical Therapy has proven time and time again to effectively help prepare a person’s body for surgical correction and enhance the recovery process. We can get you ready for surgery and speed up your recovery process after your operation! Contact our office today to learn more about our therapy programs if you’re facing a surgical procedure.
Our Patients Get Great Results
I just moved to town and got referred to Rebound PT from a bodybuilding gym. I needed a therapist who specialized in athletes. Steve Yuly is the one of the best physical therapists I have encountered. He’s very kind, listens closely to any of your concerns, and will stay with you during the entire visit (not pass you off to a PT assistant). I am 9 months post hip replacement and 10 years post ACL replacement. This is my 6th PT office in 10 years and I am so grateful to find Steve- he was able to identify areas in my pelvis, iliosoas and calf that were so tight from misalignment. I noticed an improvement immediately the next day and was able to get back to weight lifting within the month. He is also excellent with neck/jaw tightness. He took the time to explain why I was misaligned. The building also shares space with an athletic training center called Off the Field- an athletic training center. Plenty of spaces to park too. As a registered nurse and case manager for workers comp, I strongly recommend Steve for any physical rehabilitation needs.” — C.W.
What is pre-hab?
Pre-operative therapy, also known as “pre-hab,” has been demonstrated to be as valuable as post-operative physical therapy. Coming to treatment before surgery can help you prepare yourself physically and mentally for the upcoming procedure. Our physical therapists will perform an injury assessment to identify the areas of concern, like swelling, range of motion deficits, and weaknesses. By implementing therapy before surgery, you can put yourself in the best possible position for a quick recovery.
For example, surgery is often accompanied by swelling, so eliminating swelling before surgery helps your recovery process. Similarly, restoring motion before surgery can help set the stage for a faster return afterward.
Understanding what to expect after surgery is one of the cornerstones of a successful outcome. Our physical therapists are up to date on the most advanced techniques to ensure your results. We will guide you through the stages of healing from immediate post-op back to full competition.
Each stage has a criterion that needs to be met to ensure safety as you progress back to the sport. We can educate you on the rules you will need to follow and timeframes to help clarify expectations.
People often think that surgery fixes the issue, but surgery is often just the start of recovery. Most surgical outcomes depend on the surgery, the rehabilitation, and the patient’s compliance and persistence. When all three areas work together, the athlete will experience the best outcomes. Many athletes go through physical therapy after surgery to help them regain mobility, strength, coordination, fitness, and improve performance. By contrast, pre-hab is a form of training that anticipates such a challenge and sets the stage for a successful outcome!
What is post-op therapy?
Although the benefits of pre-op therapy are not widely known, most people assume they will need to be in a physical therapy program after surgery! This is especially true for athletes who need to restore range of motion and regain strength to get back out on the field sooner. Physical therapy treatment at Rebound Physical Therapy will typically start soon after the surgical procedure. Our therapists will customize your physical therapy program to fit your condition and personal goals.
In the first consultation with your physical therapist, be prepared to discuss the severity of the injury and the details of your surgical procedure. Your physical therapist will assess your wound so it can heal correctly and free of infection.
We will also assess your range of motion, swelling levels, and strength. If you had surgery on your lower extremities, we will evaluate your gait. If you are using crutches, we will make sure they fit you properly and teach you how to use them properly. Our team is highly skilled with post-surgical rehabilitation and will focus on the following keys to success:
- Alleviate pain
- Eliminate swelling
- Improve range of motion
- Return strength to pre-injury levels and beyond
- Restore balance and coordination
- Enhance agility and other sports-specific skills
- Prepare you for a safe return to full competition
Your physical therapist will also provide you with guidance for exercises you should do at home, which will further help to improve your recovery process. We will identify the benchmarks you need to accomplish at each stage of recovery to make sure you are prepared to handle the new challenges that come as you progress.
By incorporating pre-hab and post-op therapy into your plans for surgery, you will ensure the best possible outcomes. If you are looking for the edge to improve your sports performance and eliminate injuries in the future, be sure to seek physical therapy as soon as possible following your operation!
Posture Tips For Students
The benefits of good posture are more than just looking good, especially as a college student where you spend most of your time sitting down at a desk in the library or an uncomfortable chair in a lecture hall. No worries, though, we have your back and we have some tips for you to improve your posture without even trying.
- Adjust your backpack: One of the reasons your back hurts is because the weight you carry on your backpack. The gap between your back and your backpack is what causes the stress to your back, though, which damages your posture at the end. To fix this, adjust your backpack handles so it can be as close to your back as possible to avoid your spine to curve excessively when carrying your backpack.
- Unload your backpack: I know, I know, you have a biology exam tomorrow and you need to bring your chemistry book with you so you can do the lab properly. But carrying everything in your backpack and loading it with heavy school supplies is not good for your back or your posture. Leave the heavy supplies at your apartment and take a good walk home every time you need them (say yes to exercise!) or carry them in your hands. This will -literally- take weight from your back and will improve your posture.
- Wear both straps of your backpack: The cool kids walk around campus carrying their backpacks on just one shoulder, but the cool kids also have bad posture and back problems. Do not follow this trend, and use both straps of your backpack so the weight is evenly distributed on your back.
Request an appointment at Rebound Physical Therapy today!
If you have a surgical procedure on the books, contact Rebound Physical Therapy today to set up an appointment with one of our skilled physical therapists! Our therapists can support and guide you both before and after surgery to ensure that you have the smoothest return to your normal activities!
classic minestrone soup
Ingredients:
- 3 bacon rashers, rind removed, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 desiree potato, peeled, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 cups beef stock
- Finely chopped tomatoes
- 14 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed, drained
- 1 cup small shell pasta
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh continental parsley
Directions:
Place the bacon, carrots, celery and potato in a large saucepan and stir to combine. Cook over high heat, uncovered, stirring often, for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, beef stock, tomatoes and red kidney beans to the pan, cover and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Increase heat to high. Add pasta and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, following packet directions or until pasta is al dente. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into serving bowls and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
