8, Apr 2024
Exercise Physiology in SA: Post-Surgical Exercise Physiology

Depending on the surgery, prompt return to activity and physical activity is essential. However, this is often difficult without direction.

Physical activity physiologists are university-trained health professionals in exercise physiology who can guide you via your recovery after surgery. They will take into account your specialist’s post-surgery guidelines and tailor exercise programs for you at home.

Pre-habilitation

The majority of patients going through major surgical procedures experience considerable reductions in their functional capacity post surgery. These reductions are connected with a long recuperation period that may threaten longer-term independence. Pre-hab programs aid to diminish these losses by encouraging early return to physical activity. They also promote behavioural changes such as nutritional supplementation, smoking cessation, and physical and mental health promotion.

Studies show that patients who engage in a pre-hab program before a planned operation undergo reduced post-operative pain levels and improved functioning. Numerous research have also demonstrated that participants experience less anxiety about their procedure. In addition, some patients may find that the exercise-based training program aids them to feel more prepared for their upcoming operation. However, some barriers to participation in pre-hab programs have been identified. These include shortage of knowledge, fear, and time constraints. Healthcare professionals from InertiaHealthGroup can help conquer these barriers by educating patients about the benefits of pre-habilitation and its effectiveness in improving post-operative outcomes.

Post-operative rehabilitation

Post-surgical rehabilitation is a protocol that assists you regain your full physical performance after operation. It includes exercises and treatments that assist your organism recover from surgery. These treatments are crafted to reduce pain and boost mobility. They also encompass strengthening exercises that construct strength around the surgical area. This is a crucial step, as increased joint movement without a related increase in force can lead to injury.

Depending on your state, your doctor may recommend specific home exercise programs to follow. These exercises will help you restore your strength, flexibility, and functional ability. Generally, you should start with low-impact exercises and slowly increase the intensity of your workouts as your body heals. You can also consult with an Exercise Physiologist in SA for guidance and support.

Cardiac rehabilitation

Surgery to rectify a heart issue can be very distressing, but heart recovery is essential for long-term healing and preclusion of additional heart problems. Doctors frequently suggest it for patients who have had a myocardial infarction or have cardiac insufficiency, an abnormal cardiac rhythm (arrhythmia), or have gone through angioplasty or stent operations.

The primary phase of cardiac rehab is usually an outpatient, medically supervised, monitored exercise program. In this phase, a qualified physical activity physiologist will conduct an physical activity stress test and formulate your initial workout prescription.

In the course of this stage, you will participate in cardiac rehabilitation sessions a couple of to a few times per week for six to eight weeks. A medical team shall monitor you to see how your body responds to exercise and how you manage any medications. Once you have completed this program, an physical activity physiologist can help you create an ongoing exercise routine at your Adelaide home. This shall prevent further heart problems and encourage a healthy lifestyle that shall last a lifetime.

Abdominal rehabilitation

Numerous kinds of abdominal surgeries require post-operative restoration. This encompasses laparoscopic surgery, which involves understanding how to deal with increases in intra-abdominal pressures to protect the surgical sites.

Workout Physiologists can aid you in returning to movement with a protected and progressive program for these procedures. This is done without demanding you to undergo a hospital-based program initially. Our staff is able to convey with your specialist to assure that our rehabilitation program accords with the guidelines in the surgery instructions.

Depending on the surgery, we shall aid you begin with soft movements, such as walking and then steadily intensify this over time. We intend to return you back to the exercises you adore safely and swiftly.

-