Orthopedic surgeries are becoming increasingly common as the population ages and people become more active. These surgeries are performed to treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, such as bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Although surgery is often a last resort, it can be necessary to restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss some common orthopedic surgeries and how physical therapy can play a critical role in the recovery process.
- Joint Replacement Surgery – Joint replacement surgery is a common orthopedic surgery that involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial joint. This surgery is often performed on patients with severe arthritis or joint damage. The most common joints replaced are the knee, hip, and shoulder. Physical therapy plays a critical role in the recovery process, as it helps to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected joint.
- Rotator Cuff Repair – The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears are a common injury, especially among athletes and those who perform repetitive overhead movements. Surgery may be necessary to repair the tear, and physical therapy is crucial in the recovery process. Physical therapy helps to improve strength, range of motion, and stability in the shoulder joint.
- Spinal Fusion Surgery – Spinal fusion surgery is a common orthopedic surgery that involves fusing two or more vertebrae in the spine together. This surgery is often performed to treat spinal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. Physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process, as it helps to improve flexibility, strength, and mobility in the spine.
- ACL Reconstruction Surgery – The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a ligament in the knee that helps to stabilize the joint. ACL tears are a common injury, especially among athletes who participate in high-impact sports. Surgery may be necessary to reconstruct the torn ligament, and physical therapy is critical in the recovery process. Physical therapy helps to improve strength, range of motion, and stability in the knee joint.
Orthopedic surgeries are becoming increasingly common as the population ages and people become more active. While surgery can be necessary to restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life, physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process. Physical therapy helps to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area, which can lead to better outcomes and a faster recovery. If you or a loved one is considering orthopedic surgery, be sure to speak with your physical therapist about the role they can play in your recovery.
