Post-Op Rehab

You've had your surgery and your mind tells you it's time to return to your old routines. But your body says, "Not so fast." The truth is, before you can get back to business as usual, you'll likely need some rehab to regain your strength.

With the help of a physical therapist and other specialists, you'll learn the best and safest way to walk, bathe, get dressed, and take care of yourself. And you'll get exercises to make your muscles stronger and help you improve the way you move the part of your body where you had your surgery.

Why You Need Rehab
It can speed your recovery no matter what kind of operation you've had, be it a joint replacement, heart surgery, or a procedure to treat cancer. You'll likely begin while you're still in the hospital. A therapist will help you get out of bed and start to walk again. You'll also do other exercises to get you ready to go home.

After you're released from the hospital, you might finish your recovery with a stay at a rehab center. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you might be there for a few weeks or months. Or your doctor may suggest you visit an "outpatient" center, which means you live at home but get therapy during regular appointments one or more times a week. Sometimes a therapist will come to your home.

How Rehab Helps You Recover

• It takes time and effort, but it's worth it. Keep in mind some key goals of your rehab program:
• Improve movement and range of motion in the part of your body where you had surgery
• Strengthen your muscles
• Reduce pain
• Help you walk again -- first with crutches or a walker, and then on your own
• Teach you to do daily activities, such as climb stairs, get up from a chair or bed, get in and out of a car, get dressed, and bathe

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