Significant sports injuries can leave you sidelined for months. Even after successful surgeries, recovery time can be extensive, which is why many people explore physical therapy. However, some question its effectiveness. The staff at Associates in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Dalton, GA, advises that this practice drastically impacts how your body heals after surgery. They say that a customized plan can aid in a fast recovery, as well as long-term outcomes.

Surgery, especially on sensitive areas like the ankles or knees, comes with a careful healing process. In many cases, the body has to retrain these areas, which is why physical therapy is recommended. Benefits related to effectiveness include the following:

• Faster Recovery: When joints are replaced or repaired, you may face months of recovery time. Physical therapy focuses on minimizing this. A 2013 study, for example, reported that patients undergoing physical therapy after knee surgery showed significantly faster healing times compared to basic, at-home care. You can expect to not only heal faster, but to also recover your natural range of motion, which is crucial to performance.
• Better Long-Term Outcomes: Even after surgery, injuries can occur again. Physical therapy aims to strengthen areas that are operated on to prevent this. A study reported that over a four-year period, patients who underwent postoperative care maintained healthy functions after surgery.
• Bypassing Surgery Side-Effects: Surgery can come with adverse side-effects such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. While basic, at-home care and medication can reduce these, they may require long-term treatment. To achieve true relief during the recovery process, physical therapy can reduce and even eliminate these side-effects. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life during the healing process.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of physical therapy, turn to the staff at Associates in Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. They offer both pre- and postoperative physical therapy and use state-of-the-art equipment to help their patients recover successfully. Call (706) 226-5533 today to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, and visit their website to learn more about their services.