Greenville Post-Surgical Physical Therapy
Michael Hansen DPT
Physical Therapist
Recovery after surgery represents a critical time when your body needs expert guidance to heal properly and regain strength. At Active Physical Therapy in Greenville, we understand that the path back to your normal activities requires more than just time – it demands specialized care that works with your body’s natural healing process while preventing complications that could slow your progress.
Our experienced team has helped hundreds of patients throughout Greenville County navigate their post-surgical recovery journey successfully. Whether you’ve undergone joint replacement, orthopedic repair, or soft tissue surgery, we create personalized rehabilitation programs that respect your surgeon’s protocols while accelerating your return to the activities that matter most to you.
From the initial post-operative phase through complete functional recovery, we’re with you every step of the way. Our approach combines evidence-based treatments with compassionate care, ensuring you feel supported and confident throughout your healing journey.
Comprehensive Physical Therapy for Post Surgical Recovery
Physical therapy for post surgical recovery begins with understanding that every surgery and every patient presents unique challenges and opportunities. Our team works closely with your surgical team to ensure seamless coordination of care, following specific protocols while adapting treatment to your individual needs and goals.
The foundation of effective physical therapy for post surgical patients lies in timing and progression. We begin treatment at the optimal time recommended by your surgeon, often within days of your procedure when appropriate. Early intervention helps prevent complications such as excessive scar tissue formation, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness that can significantly impact your long-term outcomes.
Our comprehensive approach addresses multiple aspects of recovery simultaneously. While managing pain and swelling, we work to restore normal movement patterns, rebuild strength, and prepare your body for return to daily activities. This multi-faceted strategy ensures that you not only recover from your surgery but emerge stronger and more resilient than before.
Specialized Treatment Protocols
Each type of surgery requires specific rehabilitation considerations, and our team maintains current expertise in the latest post-operative protocols. For joint replacement surgeries, we focus on restoring range of motion while protecting the new joint through appropriate progression of weight-bearing and movement activities.
Soft tissue repairs, such as rotator cuff or ligament reconstructions, require careful attention to healing timelines and tissue loading. We utilize advanced manual therapy techniques that promote healing while preventing adhesions and maintaining optimal tissue quality.
Spinal surgery patients benefit from our specialized approach to core stabilization and movement re-education. We help you learn proper body mechanics that protect your surgical site while gradually returning to functional activities.
Throughout your recovery, we employ cutting-edge techniques including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and modalities such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound when appropriate. Each treatment session is carefully planned to build upon previous progress while respecting your current healing stage.
Advanced Post Surgery Physical Therapy Techniques
Post surgery physical therapy at Active Physical Therapy incorporates the latest advances in rehabilitation science to optimize your recovery outcomes. Our team stays current with emerging research and techniques, ensuring you receive the most effective treatments available.
Manual therapy plays a crucial role in post-surgical recovery, helping to reduce pain, improve circulation, and restore normal tissue mobility. Our skilled therapists use precise hands-on techniques to address scar tissue, joint restrictions, and muscle tension that commonly develop after surgery.
Therapeutic exercise programs are carefully designed to progress from gentle range of motion activities to functional strength training. We utilize specialized equipment and techniques to challenge your recovering tissues appropriately while ensuring safety throughout the process.
Pain Management and Swelling Control
Effective pain and swelling management forms the foundation of successful post-surgical rehabilitation. We employ various strategies including cryotherapy, compression, elevation, and gentle movement to control these common post-operative symptoms.
Our approach to pain management extends beyond immediate symptom relief to address the underlying factors that contribute to discomfort. Through proper movement education and gradual tissue loading, we help your body develop natural pain relief mechanisms while reducing dependence on medications.
Swelling control is particularly important in the early phases of recovery, as excessive inflammation can limit mobility and slow healing. We teach you effective techniques for managing swelling at home while using clinical interventions during treatment sessions.
Functional Movement Training
Returning to your daily activities safely requires more than just regaining strength and flexibility – it demands relearning proper movement patterns that protect your surgical site while promoting long-term joint health. Our functional movement training addresses these critical aspects of recovery.
We begin with basic activities of daily living such as walking, stair climbing, and reaching, gradually progressing to more complex movements based on your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re planning to return to competitive sports or simply want to play with your grandchildren, we tailor your program accordingly.
Balance and coordination training is integrated throughout your rehabilitation program, as these skills are often affected by surgery and the associated period of reduced activity. We use specialized equipment and exercises to restore your confidence in movement while preventing falls and re-injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start physical therapy after my surgery?
The timing of post-surgical physical therapy varies depending on your specific procedure and surgeon’s recommendations. Many patients begin gentle rehabilitation within days of surgery, while others may need to wait several weeks for initial tissue healing. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines, and we coordinate directly with their office to ensure optimal timing. Early intervention, when appropriate, can significantly improve outcomes by preventing complications and accelerating recovery.
How long will my post-surgical rehabilitation take?
Recovery timelines vary significantly based on the type of surgery, your overall health, age, and commitment to the rehabilitation process. Simple procedures may require 4-6 weeks of therapy, while complex surgeries like total joint replacements or major reconstructions can take 3-6 months or longer. We’ll provide realistic expectations based on your specific situation and help you track progress with measurable goals throughout your recovery.
What should I expect during my first physical therapy session?
Your initial session focuses on comprehensive evaluation and goal setting. We’ll review your surgical details, assess your current mobility and strength, and discuss your recovery goals. This appointment typically lasts about an hour and includes development of your personalized treatment plan. We’ll also coordinate with your surgeon’s office to ensure we’re following all post-operative precautions and protocols specific to your procedure.
Can I do exercises at home between therapy sessions?
Home exercise programs are a crucial component of successful post-surgical recovery. We’ll provide you with specific exercises designed to complement your in-clinic treatments while respecting your healing timeline. These exercises are carefully selected based on your current recovery phase and are modified as you progress. We’ll teach you how to monitor your symptoms and adjust activity levels appropriately.
How do I know if I’m progressing normally in my recovery?
Normal recovery involves gradual improvement in pain, swelling, range of motion, and functional abilities. We track your progress using objective measurements and functional assessments, helping you understand what to expect at each stage. While some setbacks are normal, we’ll help you distinguish between typical healing responses and signs that may require attention from your surgical team.
Your Recovery Journey in Greenville
Active Physical Therapy has been serving the Greenville community with expert post-surgical rehabilitation for years. Our patients consistently choose us because of our thorough approach, clear communication, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Michael Hansen and our experienced team understand that surgery represents a significant event in your life, and we’re honored to guide your recovery process. We work closely with leading surgeons throughout Greenville County, ensuring seamless coordination of care from the operating room through complete recovery.
Our clinic environment is designed to support your healing journey, with state-of-the-art equipment and a welcoming atmosphere that makes each visit comfortable and productive. We’re conveniently located in Greenville, making it easy to maintain consistent treatment throughout your recovery.
From the moment you walk through our doors until you return to your full activities, we’re dedicated to providing the expert care and support you need to achieve the best possible outcome from your surgery. Your successful recovery is our primary goal, and we’re here to help you achieve it.
What Other People Just Like You Are Saying About Active Physical Therapy In Greenville, South Carolina
- Shaundra P.
“Michael is the best! I have worked with Michael for over a year and the progress and growth shows inside and outside the gym. His knowledge and understanding of CrossFit performance allows him to connect and understand challenges and difficulties that we have and he works with us so we can keep going! 1000% recommend him for any PT need.”
- Lindsay S.
“My experience with Michael has fully exceeded my expectations. I originally reached out for shoulder pain and have since worked on knee pain as well. I went from minimal movement without pain to being able to do pushups again. There is a huge benefit and advantage in having a professional explain concepts, movements, and ensure the correct muscle groups are being activated.”
- Luke D.
“Michael helped me come back from double heel “fracture” (they were pulverized). His attention to detail and amazing hands-on care for my feet helped me get the flexibility and comfort and confidence I needed each session to make progress, start walking(!) and more. Now I understand what healthy walking looks like for me and my feet, and I am equipped to keep pushing for 100% recovery. We were doing (safe) box jumps last week, I didn’t expect to be able to do that!”
What We Treat...
If You’re Interested In Learning More About How We Can Help You, Click the Link Below: