Is Physical Therapy Necessary After Keyhole Surgery? Minimally Invasive Surgery Benefits

Revolutionizing Treatment With Keyhole Surgery

Historically, having surgery was a disruptive process for a patient. Most procedures were invasive, often left significant scarring, and had long recovery times that included not just healing from the diagnosis but the surgery as well. Over the years, laparoscopy has become a viable alternative for many people, allowing individuals to get back to regular life faster. However, what does the recovery period look like with a minimally invasive procedure, and what are the benefits of physical therapy?

What is keyhole surgery?

Another name for laparoscopy is keyhole surgery, referring to the fact that the process requires fewer incisions to either diagnose or treat an underlying health concern. Keyhole surgeries can technically be performed anywhere on the body. As mentioned earlier, one common reason for the operation is exploratory. For example, often with knee or other joint injuries, a surgeon wants to determine the extent of the damage and can do so quickly with a laparoscopic camera probe. In other cases, a laparoscopy may include correcting or repairing visible damage, such as with a carpal tunnel endoscopic surgery.

Quicker recovery

Part of what makes undergoing surgery so difficult is the prolonged recovery times associated with the procedure. While rebuilding strength or regaining range of motion are factors that take time, fully healing the incisions can extend recovery. Because keyhole surgeries don’t make cuts as large as traditional open surgeries, patients are able to heal faster and, at a minimum, return to very low-strain activities in less time.

Reduced pain and scarring

Having surgery of any kind comes with some type of pain or discomfort. Yet, laparoscopic methods have been reported to have less pain than traditional surgeries. Additionally, because fewer cuts are being made and any opening is significantly smaller, patients don’t have to deal with more widespread scarring. Reduced pain can make the healing process just a bit easier. More importantly, less visible scarring can bolster mental health by easing concerns about appearance, which is also critical for recovery.

Reduced associated damage

Surgeries can always pose complications. However, laparoscopic surgeries usually tend to create less additional damage that might impact the tissue and nerves surrounding the incision site. Avoiding harming adjacent tissues aids in safeguarding the recovery period.

Is physical therapy necessary?

Keyhole surgeries are minimally invasive and can provide faster recovery times for patients but are not a replacement for physical therapy. Ultimately, the nature of the condition, the extent of the damage, and the catalyst that triggered the need for surgery are core factors for determining if physical therapy is necessary. For example, a person with an ACL injury may have a laparoscopic procedure to correct damage to the ligaments. However, physical therapy would still be recommended to strengthen the joint and preserve mobility and full range of motion.