The role of physiotherapy after surgery
The first steps after surgery can be very hard due to post op pain, which can cause some difficulties. Also depending on the type of anaesthesia used and the way that gravitational forces work when lying on the back, when wanting to sit up or get out of bed, we can feel dizziness, nausea, difficulty in breathing, and general pain in the muscles or pain at the incisions.
Physiotherapy is, therefore, recommended/used to help patients that have such symptoms. The post operative physiotherapy program aims to help patients in a few ways such as: pain management, faster and safe mobilisation and return to daily activities in a short time.
The exercises are individualized and structured on several degrees of difficulty and have the role of reducing the risk of postoperative complications, increase patients self-confidence and help them to be independent following surgery.
Postural breathing is one of the techniques we use to minimize the immediate post op pain and consists of a series of corrective positions used to help the nervous system to find new breathing ways, than the ones used before. Everything occurs in a slow, comfortable and controlled in and out breathing.
Those positions contain isometric exercises which help with posture improvement and are used together with controlled breathing techniques (in-out). The postural breathing exercises used together with dynamic exercises give patients the confidence and ability, both physically and mentally, to return to their daily activities in a short time.
Patient testimonial
Hi Alin, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate what you do and the positive experience I had working with you. You gave me something I can take control of to help with my recovery and you gave me hope that I won’t be starting again from nothing when I am able to be active again. I did my first round of exercises at 8am today and it makes me feel more like myself. Thank you so much.
I think that’s really important for patients to know and for other surgeons to take seriously. Most people I’ve spoken with have not been offered that type of movement rehabilitation in other places.
