The Full Circle Of Care Why Your Surgeon Should Oversee Your Rehab

Keeping Surgeons In The Loop During Rehab

For most people, the thought of going into surgery, especially for more major operations, can be terrifying. In the average person’s mind, successfully surviving the operation is the biggest factor. However, the reality is that even for corrective surgeries designed to repair damage or even for cosmetic procedures, the real test is the rehab period. What a patient does, or doesn’t do, during the rehabilitation timeline will directly influence how quickly a person recovers, if complications arise, or if additional corrective treatments are needed. With so many factors at play, having the operating surgeon integrated into the rehabilitation plan is critical.

Leverage a surgeon’s expertise

Most recovery plans include common goals like participating in physical therapy to support healing, regain mobility, and improve overall quality of life. However, a patient’s surgeon can help to create a customized physical therapy plan that modifies exercises to cater to the type of surgery completed, the area affected, and to accommodate obvious limitations that might arise as a result of that operation. Without that expert input, a physical therapist might encourage a patient to perform a move that might disturb the incision site, or lead to unintended damage.

Avoid complications

Complications are one of the worst things that can happen during the recovery period. When issues arise, a patient may experience setbacks, may struggle with reduced functionality, or in worst case scenarios, require additional surgeries to correct an unintended damage that might occur. A surgeon can advice a physical therapist of known potential risks or mobility limitations to ensure that any rehabilitation plan is optimized for success.

Faster interventions

Even though the overall goal is for a patient to transition through the recovery period without any hiccups, complications can happen even when a person faithfully adheres to the rehab strategy. Keeping a surgeon integrated during this period ensures that if a problem arises, effective solutions can be deployed quicker. Doing so reduces adverse outcomes, and can ensure that a patient’s recovery stays on track while minimizing the risk of setbacks.

Better transition

Regardless of the type of surgery performed, people tend to experience a standard recovery progression track. In most cases, that process includes pain control, building strength, improving range of motion, and eventually sport-specific function for more active individuals. Working with a surgeon ensures that all steps are effectively optimized and addressed to ensure sufficient progression through recovery stages.

Improved outcomes

A significant risk during recovery is the potential for re-injury. Whether because a patient fails to participate sufficiently in physical therapy, or attempts exercises that aren’t optimized for the type of surgery performed, some people can experience secondary damage in the operated area. When the operating surgeon is kept in the recovery loop, this risk is significantly reduced, ensuring that patients are more likely to achieve full healing and avoid setbacks.

Don’t ignore the surgeon’s orders

Successfully completing a surgery is the first step in the recovery journey. Patients focused on optimizing healing and achieving a full recovery understand that the surgeon who performed the operation should also be completely integrated into the rehab process. The expertise and customization provided can make the difference between a speedy recovery or experiencing setbacks.