Physical Therapy Patient FAQ
Physical therapy is a critical part of treating many shoulder and elbow conditions. In some cases, physical therapy is used as part of a conservative treatment plan to avoid or delay surgery. When surgery is required, physical therapy is an essential part of recovering to your fullest potential.
“When surgery is required, physical therapy is an essential part of recovering to your fullest potential.”
Why treatment is required
Physical therapy is used to:
- Rebuild muscle
- Broaden your range of motion
- Restore flexibility and functionality to joints
Completing your physical therapy program is crucial to your healing process. Skipping physical therapy may result in an incomplete recovery, which can severely impact your future functioning and quality of life.
How treatment is performed
Physical therapists are an important part of your recovery plan. Dr. Romeo and physical therapists work together to create an integrated and structured program designed to get patients back to their best.
Physical therapy protocols differ depending on the condition and operation performed. Your physiotherapy program will also be personalized to your unique goals.
“Following surgery, physical therapy can help you maximize the results of your operation and prevent further injury.”
Results
After surgery, physical therapy helps rebuild flexibility and strength. It also keeps scar tissue from forming at the site of the repair. This is very important because scar tissue limits movement and affects joint function. Following your surgery, physical therapy can help you maximize the results of your operation and prevent further injury.
FAQs
When will I start physical therapy?
Dr. Romeo has most patients start physical therapy two to ten days following surgery. There are some exceptions, however. For example, after undergoing a procedure for frozen shoulder, physical therapy starts the day after surgery. In contrast, for patients undergoing reverse total shoulder replacement, as well as patients who have had repairs of complex rotator cuff tears, physical therapy does not start until six weeks after surgery.
Dr. Romeo will give you very specific physical therapy instructions as part of your treatment plan. Furthermore, if you or your therapist has questions about your rehabilitation plan, Dr. Romeo and his staff are available to ensure a well-coordinated effort throughout the entire recovery process.
How often do I need to go to physical therapy?
You will go to outpatient physical therapy two to three times a week until you meet your rehabilitation goals.
What physical therapist should I see?
Dr. Romeo and his staff will help identify an appropriate therapist and location for your rehabilitation program. You are responsible for setting up your physical therapy visits. You will be given a prescription for physical therapy that can be found in Section 4 of your surgery information booklet.
You may also choose your therapy facility. Select an outpatient facility that is close to home or work and check to make sure they accept your insurance. You may also want to work with a physical therapist you have worked with previously. If you don’t know where to go, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
If you would like to learn more about the anatomy of the shoulder, watch this video where Dr. Romeo discusses the importance of flexibility, strength, and nutrition to help prevent shoulder injuries.