The Role of Physiotherapy After Surgery: Insights from Dr. Bhushan Ganvir

In a recent discussion, Dr. Bhushan Ganvir addressed a common misconception many patients have post-surgery—assuming that undergoing surgery and paying the fees alone ensures complete recovery. As a Consultant in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine at Lokmanya Group of Hospitals, Pune, Dr. Ganvir aims to correct this misunderstanding by highlighting the critical role of physiotherapy after surgeries, especially involving the knee and shoulder.

Surgery Alone Is Not Enough

Dr. Ganvir points out that many patients believe once a surgical procedure is completed, they are on the road to recovery. However, this perception often overlooks a crucial component—post-surgery physiotherapy. Surgeries such as ligament repair, muscle repair, or meniscus repair, whether performed in India or abroad, inevitably lead to some amount of pain and restricted movement around the operated joint.

Why Physiotherapy Is Essential

The primary goal of physiotherapy after surgery is to prevent stiffness around the affected joint, be it the knee or the shoulder. Without proper mobility, the next stages of rehabilitation cannot begin. Restoring full range of motion is the first milestone that must be achieved in the recovery process.

Timeline for Recovery

According to Dr. Ganvir, the ideal timeline for regaining joint mobility is within 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery. Once the range of movement is restored, muscle strengthening can begin. Strengthening the muscles helps reduce pain and swelling and enables a quicker return to daily activities.

Common Issues Due to Skipping Physiotherapy

One of the most frequent problems Dr. Ganvir has observed is that many patients do not follow the physiotherapy protocol diligently. This negligence delays the recovery and may lead to poor outcomes even after a well-performed surgery.

Preventing Secondary Complications

Dr. Ganvir emphasizes that physiotherapy not only supports primary recovery but also helps avoid serious secondary complications. For example, in lower limb surgeries such as knee arthroscopy, failure to engage in proper physiotherapy can lead to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous condition caused by blood clots in the veins.

A Dual Purpose

Physiotherapy serves a dual role: ensuring pain-free recovery and preventing complications. Dr. Gawir concludes by stating that more awareness is needed regarding this topic and mentions that this video is the start of a series aimed at guiding patients better.

FAQs

1. Why is physiotherapy needed after knee or shoulder surgery?
Physiotherapy helps restore joint mobility and prevent stiffness, which is essential for complete recovery.
2. What happens if physiotherapy is skipped post-surgery?
Skipping physiotherapy can delay recovery, lead to joint stiffness, and increase the risk of complications like blood clots.
3. When should physiotherapy start after surgery?
It typically starts soon after surgery, aiming to restore mobility within 4 to 6 weeks.
4. Is pain normal after surgery?
Yes, pain is expected, but physiotherapy helps manage and reduce it effectively.
5. What is the next stage after regaining mobility?
The next stage is muscle strengthening, which supports faster healing and return to daily routines.
6. Can improper rehabilitation lead to long-term issues?
Yes, improper or delayed physiotherapy can result in long-term stiffness and limited joint function.
7. Is physiotherapy equally important after surgeries abroad?
Absolutely. Regardless of where the surgery is performed, physiotherapy remains a key component of recovery.