Bounce Back Strong: The Importance of Physical Therapy for a Successful Recovery in Athletes’ Post-Surgery
Every aspiring young athlete dreams of making the game-winning play and basking in the glow of victory. However, injuries and surgeries can sometimes create roadblocks on their path to glory. Fortunately, physical therapy provides a robust solution to help them rebound and return to the sport they love. Here’s how physical therapy plays a pivotal role in post-surgery recovery for young athletes.
The Crucial Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an indispensable part of the healthcare strategy for post-surgery recovery in young athletes. Following surgery, it’s common for these athletes to grapple with stiffness and reduced mobility. A physical therapist guides them through specific exercises to enhance flexibility and strength, ensuring they regain their athletic mobility. More specifically, in the case of improving knee extension after ACL surgery, the listed exercise below is an effective way to gain full motion by using a low-load prolonged stretch to allow the muscles to stretch. Moreover, physical therapy provides an effective, natural solution for managing post-operative pain, reducing the reliance on pain medications. The therapy also plays a preventive role, helping athletes ward off complications like blood clots or weakened muscles through exercises that promote blood circulation and muscle strength. Knee Extension Loaded Stretch
The Value of Tailored Rehabilitation Plans
One standout feature of physical therapy is the creation of tailored rehabilitation plans. Each athlete is unique, with different bodies, sports, and recovery processes. Physical therapists understand this and develop personalized rehabilitation plans that cater to individual needs, ensuring optimal recovery. Here at MOTION RX, we take the time to thoroughly evaluate you after surgery by doing a motion analysis screen. By identifying deficits and weaknesses, we can then find the right exercise to get young athletes back to the sport they love. For example, if a post-op baseball pitcher is struggling with overhead strength, the listed exercise below is a great way to strengthen the muscles of the shoulder to allow for increased velocity and power. Bench Assisted 90/90 DB ER
Bridging the Gap to Resuming Sports
Physical therapy is not just about healing; it’s about getting young athletes back to the game they’re passionate about. Post-surgery, young athletes may find it hard to perform basic tasks independently. Physical therapy assists them in regaining this independence. Moreover, physical therapists offer gradual conditioning and training, helping young athletes regain the strength, endurance, and flexibility they need to safely return to their sports. When a cross country athlete is cleared to begin running again, here at MOTION RX, we take the time to create a running program that is structured to allow for a gradual progression back to their prior function. Breaking down their stride, foot contact and cadence as well as incorporating active walking during their runs is the most effective way to safely condition the young athlete without risking re-injury. One great exercise to prepare for running is linked below. TA Raises On Wall
The Long-Term Impact of Physical Therapy
Beyond immediate recovery, physical therapy equips young athletes with knowledge for the future. Therapists educate them about their bodies, recovery processes, and ways to prevent future injuries. This empowers athletes to take an active role in their recovery and future health, minimizing the risk of re-injury. In summary, physical therapy is more than just a recovery tool; it’s a bridge from surgical recovery to resuming sports. It equips young athletes with the tools to not just recover, but return stronger and ready for the next game. So if you’re looking to get the best care and the quickest way to get back on the field after surgery, book an evaluation at MOTION RX to see the difference!