Rehabilitation is often needed after surgery to improve function, reduce recovery time, and restore mobility. In some cases, the best approach to post-surgical rehab is a combination of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT). At Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine in New Jersey, we have a multidisciplinary care team that includes physical and occupational therapists. Here, we explore when rehabilitation should include both PT and OT.
Key Takeaways
- Rehabilitation from procedures like joint replacements and shoulder surgeries often requires both physical therapy and occupational therapy.
- Physical therapy (PT) focuses on addressing physical limitations like reduced mobility, while occupational therapy (OT) helps patients learn how to do everyday activities like bathing and dressing.
- Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine takes a multidisciplinary approach to care, often combining physical and occupational therapy to provide patients with improved outcomes.
Why Post-Surgical Rehab May Involve Both PT and OT
Physical therapy involves targeted exercises that help build strength, improve flexibility, and relieve pain, while occupational therapy consists of medical interventions that help patients regain independence and perform daily activities without pain.
Often, an effective post-surgical rehab plan will involve both therapies. This is because it provides a more comprehensive recovery than either therapy alone. Patients get their physical limitations, such as movement, strength, and mobility, addressed through PT, and their daily task and independence goals tackled through OT. For example, a patient recovering from a hip replacement may go to PT to help improve mobility and balance and OT to learn how to bathe, dress, and walk properly while they’re still recovering.
What Are Examples of Surgeries That May Need Both Therapies?
Sometimes, post-surgical rehab involves only physical or occupational therapy and is sufficient. However, certain surgeries often benefit from a combination approach. They include:
Joint Replacement Surgeries
Joint replacement surgeries, particularly the hip and the knee, often require both PT and OT. These surgeries can have long recovery times and leave the patient with significant limitations during the recovery process. Knee and hip replacement rehab involves physical therapy exercises to help the patient regain mobility and range of motion in the affected joint. Occupational therapy interventions help them learn how to do daily activities, like dressing and bathing, while they’re recovering.
Shoulder Procedures
The shoulder plays a major role in everyday activities like lifting and reaching. Patients who undergo shoulder procedures, such as rotator cuff repairs, often need both physical and occupational therapy. OT helps the patient adapt to daily tasks while protecting the healing joint, while physical therapy after shoulder surgery helps them improve flexibility, range of motion, and shoulder strength.
Hand, Wrist, or Ligament Repair Surgeries
Surgeries that involve the hands, wrists, or ligaments in the upper body often necessitate a combination PT/OT approach. Certain lower-body ligament repairs, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) recovery, also require a combination approach.
Physical therapy is crucial to help the ligament or injured joint repair itself properly and to avoid complications like stiffness. It also helps strengthen the affected area and the surrounding muscles to prevent reinjury. Occupational therapy helps the patient learn how to use the extremity to do their daily tasks with safe movements. It focuses on dexterity and fine motor skills to ensure a complete recovery without risking reinjury.
What Might Surgical Recovery Look Like Week by Week?
During post-surgical rehab, patients often wonder what to expect. Although recovery is different with every patient, it often follows a similar schedule. In the early days of recovery, OT and PT focus on protecting the healing area, controlling pain, and adapting everyday activities. OT may involve learning how to use adaptive equipment, such as a walker, cane, or brace.
As healing progresses, physical therapy typically involves progressive exercises that help the patient continue to build strength and improve their range of motion. Occupational therapy treatment plans may be adjusted to address the improvement of the patient’s abilities as they heal. Over time, as the patient continues to heal, they eventually return to their normal routines and can often stop both therapies. Occasionally, PT, OT, or both therapies may need to be continued to help patients return to sports, strenuous jobs, or to deal with the effects of chronic conditions.
Find Post-Surgical Rehab Services Near You in New Jersey
If you have a surgery scheduled and are wondering about your post-surgical rehab, ask your doctor about combining physical and occupational therapy. At Thompson Healthcare & Sports Medicine, our multidisciplinary approach often includes PT, OT, and even other treatments like chiropractic care. With 10 convenient locations near you in Ocean and Monmouth counties of New Jersey, patients can receive care close to home. To learn more about post-surgical rehab, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, contact us today.
Post-Surgical Rehab FAQ
What is the difference between PT and OT after surgery?
Physical therapy (PT) focuses on addressing physical limitations and improving strength, flexibility, and mobility, while occupational therapy (OT) helps patients learn how to do everyday activities while they’re recovering.
When do patients need both physical and occupational therapy?
Patients need both physical and occupational therapy when they’re recovering from major surgeries that limit mobility and the ability to perform daily tasks.
How soon should rehab start after surgery?
Rehab should start shortly after surgery, typically within a few days.
