Top 5 Exercises for Post Top Surgery Physical Therapy

Introduction:

Post top surgery physical therapy is essential for optimizing your recovery and ensuring that your body heals correctly after the procedure. While the surgery itself is life-changing, the post-surgery phase requires commitment and care. Physical therapy helps in rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and preventing complications like scar tissue formation and muscle stiffness. This guide provides an in-depth look at the top 5 exercises for post top surgery physical therapy, ensuring a safe and effective recovery. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you will enhance your healing process and return to your regular activities with improved strength and confidence.

The Importance of Physical Therapy After Top Surgery:

Top surgery is a significant procedure that can affect the chest, arms, shoulders, and back. Following surgery, the body undergoes a healing process that involves tissue repair and muscle recovery. Physical therapy plays a vital role in ensuring that the healing process occurs smoothly and efficiently.

Without proper physical therapy, you might face:

• Limited range of motion: Scar tissue and lack of movement can cause stiffness in the arms, shoulders, and chest.
• Weakness in upper body muscles: Post-surgery, it is common to experience muscle weakness, which needs to be gradually strengthened.
• Poor posture: Due to changes in chest structure and possible discomfort, poor posture can develop, leading to neck and back pain.

Engaging in specific post top surgery physical therapy exercises helps to:

• Reduce pain and discomfort: Targeted exercises help alleviate the common stiffness and discomfort experienced after surgery.
• Improve mobility: By gently moving the affected areas, you can prevent stiffness and ensure a quicker return to normal activities.
• Enhance healing: Exercise promotes better blood circulation, which is essential for the healing of tissues.
• Build strength and stability: Gradually, physical therapy will help rebuild the muscles in the chest, arms, and shoulders, ensuring long-term strength and stability.

Top 5 Exercises for Post Top Surgery Physical Therapy

1. Shoulder Rolls

Purpose: Promotes shoulder mobility and helps in loosening tight muscles.

• How to do it:
  • Sit or stand in a comfortable position, keeping your back straight.
  • Start by slowly rolling your shoulders forward in a circular motion for 10 rotations.
  • Reverse the movement and roll your shoulders backward for 10 rotations.
• Benefits: Shoulder rolls help reduce tension and prevent stiffness in the shoulders and upper back, which can develop after surgery. This gentle motion helps to maintain range of motion in the shoulder joints, which is crucial during recovery.

2. Arm Circles

Purpose: Restores mobility and strengthens the arm and shoulder muscles.

• How to do it:
  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart, arms extended out to the sides at shoulder height.
  • Begin by making small circular movements with your arms. Gradually increase the size of the circles as you feel more comfortable.
  • Perform 10 rotations forward, then 10 backward.
• Benefits: Arm circles are excellent for gently stretching the arms and shoulders without putting too much strain on healing areas. This exercise improves circulation, which helps with the healing process and reduces muscle tightness.

3. Wall Walks

Purpose: Improves shoulder and chest flexibility while aiding in scar tissue prevention.

• How to do it:
  • Stand facing a wall at arm's length with your hands placed flat on the surface.
  • Slowly walk your fingers up the wall, raising your arms until you feel a gentle stretch in your chest and shoulders.
  • Hold for a few seconds at the highest point you can reach comfortably, then slowly walk your fingers back down the wall.
• Benefits: Wall walks are particularly helpful in maintaining flexibility in the chest and shoulders. They prevent scar tissue from limiting your range of motion, and the gradual movement ensures you don’t overexert the healing areas.

4. Chest Stretch

Purpose: Prevents tightness in the chest and promotes a fuller range of motion.

• How to do it:
  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart in a doorway.
  • Place your hands on either side of the doorway at shoulder height.
  • Gently lean forward until you feel a stretch across your chest. Keep your neck relaxed.
  • Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then release.
• Benefits: After top surgery, tightness in the chest area is common. This stretch opens up the chest muscles and prevents stiffness, allowing for better posture and easier breathing. It’s important not to over-stretch, as this could put too much pressure on healing tissues.

5. Scapular Squeeze

Purpose: Strengthens the muscles in the upper back and improves posture.

• How to do it:
  • Sit or stand with your back straight, keeping your arms relaxed at your sides.
  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together as if you are trying to pinch something between them.
  • Hold the squeeze for 5-7 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
• Benefits: The scapular squeeze strengthens the upper back muscles, which play a vital role in maintaining proper posture after top surgery. This exercise also helps to relieve tension and reduce pain in the shoulder area.

General Guidelines for Post Top Surgery Physical Therapy:

• Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations: Always get approval from your surgeon or physical therapist before starting any exercise routine. They will provide guidance on when to begin physical therapy based on your healing progress.
• Start Gently: In the early stages of recovery, it’s essential to avoid overexertion. Begin with slow, gentle movements and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises as your strength improves.
• Be Patient: Recovery is a gradual process, and it’s important to listen to your body. If you feel pain or discomfort during an exercise, stop immediately and consult with your therapist.
• Maintain Consistency: To see the best results, make physical therapy exercises a part of your daily routine. Regular exercise will promote healing and improve your range of motion more effectively.
• Focus on Posture: Pay attention to maintaining good posture throughout your recovery. Slouching or hunching over can create tension and discomfort in your upper body.

FAQs:

1. When should I start post top surgery physical therapy?

• You can typically start light physical therapy around 1-2 weeks after surgery. However, always consult with your surgeon for personalized advice based on your healing process.

2. How often should I do these exercises?

• Aim to perform these exercises daily or as recommended by your physical therapist. Consistency is key for a smooth and efficient recovery.

3. What should I avoid during recovery?

• Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercises that put too much strain on your chest and shoulder areas for the first 4-6 weeks. Be cautious about engaging in movements that cause pain or discomfort.

4. Can these exercises reduce pain after top surgery?

• Yes, these exercises can help alleviate stiffness, improve circulation, and reduce discomfort. However, it's important to avoid pushing through pain. Mild discomfort is normal, but sharp or intense pain should be addressed by your therapist or surgeon.

5. How long does recovery typically take?

• Recovery time varies from person to person, but it generally takes about 6-8 weeks to regain normal mobility and strength. Full recovery may take longer, especially if there were complications or additional procedures involved.

Conclusion:

Recovery from top surgery is a delicate process, and following a structured post top surgery physical therapy routine is crucial for ensuring the best possible outcome. These exercises are designed to help you regain mobility, improve strength, and reduce discomfort as you heal. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any physical therapy regimen, and be patient with your body as it heals. Consistency and proper technique are key to a successful recovery.

At The Healer, we understand the importance of personalized care during recovery. Our expert physiotherapists are here to guide you through your healing journey, ensuring you receive the best possible support for your physical well-being. Reach out to us for professional help as you navigate your post-surgery recovery.