The term “arthroscopic” refers to the way in which the surgery is performed. Unlike an open procedure wherein a large incision is created to allow the surgeon to visualize and access the surgical area, an arthroscopic approach utilizes small incisions and pencil-thin instruments with fiber optic video cameras to visualize the area and perform the procedure. The benefit to these smaller incisions is less trauma to the body tissues which results in less pain, inflammation and swelling.

This type of procedure is used throughout the body but often is utilized to perform surgery on the wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, and hip. While there are many types of arthroscopic procedures, some common uses of an arthroscopic approach are for the following:

• Loose bone fragments
• Damaged or torn cartilage
• Inflamed joint linings
• Torn ligaments
• Scarring within joints
• Rotator cuff tears
• Meniscus repairs
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Discectomy of the spine
• Knee ligament reconstruction

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help with arthroscopic rehab, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER SURGERY?

The exact progression of your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you had. Some surgeries will require a period of immobilization of the surgical site to allow tissues to heal sufficiently before any stress is applied to them. During this time your therapist may have you work on adjacent areas of the body to prevent atrophy in multiple places. Other surgeries will benefit from a more active recovery approach right away. Right after your surgery your physical therapist may use modalities, manual therapy techniques or gentle passive range of motion to address pain and inflammation and to preserve motion. They will also train you on how to use assistive devices like canes, crutches or walkers if needed and help you figure out how to perform usual tasks while your arm, leg or back, for example, are healing. As you progress through your recovery and the surgical site is allowed to undergo more stress, your program will likely include some of the following types of treatment in order to achieve your maximal level of function:

Strengthening: Restoring strength and endurance to the muscles around the surgical site is an important part of post-surgical rehabilitation. Strengthening is a progressive process which means you will start out with low resistance and work up to heavier weights as the muscles get stronger.

Stretching: Stretching is often needed after a surgery to restore normal joint motion and muscle length but needs to be done carefully to prevent disruption of the healing process.

Neuromuscular Re-education: This type of treatment is used to improve the motor control and coordination of muscles in and near the surgical site so that the area functions well during both daily tasks and higher impact activities like athletics.

Home exercise program: What you do at home in between appointments is just as important as what you do under the watchful eye of your therapist. You can expect to have home exercises that will supplement the work you do in the clinic and help you progress toward your long term goals.

Sport-specific Tasks: For athletes returning to sport, sport-specific exercises will be incorporated later on in your rehabilitation to prepare the area for the demands of returning to play. This might include throwing, pushing, lifting, running or jumping type exercises.

Having any type of surgery can feel daunting but my team of physical therapists and I are here to help make that process as smooth as possible. Call Evolve today to get started on your recovery from arthroscopic surgery.