Surgery is often a last-resort medical procedure used to address a serious injury. Although surgery is meant to resolve medical issues including broken bones, damage to the tissues or organs, and more, surgery can also result in other medical complications. As you rest and your body heals after surgery, you may experience post-surgical complications including pain in the treatment area, reduced range of motion, loss of normal function, or failed surgical resolutions. To avoid further surgical interventions, chiropractic care can offer non-invasive treatments that can help to relieve symptoms and aid in surgical recovery.
Ways That Chiropractic Care Address Post-Surgical Complications
Reduce Scar Tissue
A common post-surgical complication is the development of scar tissue. This is the body’s natural response to injuries and it is supposed to help repair the injury, but scar tissue is not as elastic as other forms of tissue. As a result, developed scar tissue can limit your range of motion and can cause pain when you move. Chiropractic care can help break up scar tissue using a variety of techniques. Active Release Techniques (ART®) is an effective way to break up scar tissue, as is Cold Laser Therapy, both of which need to be administered by a chiropractor specially trained in these therapies. Chiropractic care that addresses scar tissue can help to restore the function to the treatment area and reduce post-surgical pain.
Greater Muscles Flexibility
A common post-surgical complication symptom is tight and shortened muscles. As you recover from your surgery, you will need to get plenty of rest and not strain your body. While this aids in healing, it also causes the muscles to become tight and short from underuse. When you are ready to use these muscles again, you may find that they are weak and stiff. Stretching the muscles and helping them lengthen gradually and relax using chiropractic care, including ART® and Movement Therapy, can help to ease your muscles back into full use.
Increase Blood Flow
An important part of recovery is adequate blood flow. After your surgery, your doctor will likely recommend gentle movement such as walking around. This is to facilitate blood flow, which helps to reduce the risk of blood clots while also helping the tissue heal due to increased oxygen and nutrients delivered through the bloodstream. Chiropractic care can also help to get blood flowing to aid in recovery. Chiropractic adjustments can help to increase blood flow by removing impediments to circulation and other chiropractic techniques can be leveraged as well. For example, Cold Laser Therapy can be used to stimulate cell regeneration and blood flow.
Resolve Post-Surgical Complication Symptoms
If you’ve undergone surgery and are suffering from new or lingering symptoms, chiropractic care can help. With strategies to address pain, scar tissue, loss of function and mobility, and reduced range of motion, the chiropractic experts at Performance Health and Wellness will empower you with tools to take control of your recovery and facilitate your full health and wellness. Our experienced chiropractors will assess your post-surgical complications and will develop a personalized recovery plan that uses a combination of different chiropractic techniques to help you reduce symptoms and get back to healthy living. To schedule a consultation, contact Performance Health And Wellness at 1-949-476-1250 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Can any chiropractor administer ART®?
No, only chiropractors who are trained and qualified in ART® can administer this technique.
Will Active Release Therapy hurt?
Each Active Release Therapy session will be tailored to a person’s needs and their pain level tolerances. Because Active Release Techniques require pressure on the damaged areas, it may cause some discomfort and mild pain, but your practitioner will make it as comfortable as possible and will communicate with you throughout the session to make sure you are not experiencing intense pain.
How can I prevent sports injuries?
Although some sports injuries can happen regardless of preparation, you can help reduce your risk of developing sports injuries by properly stretching before you play and wearing appropriate safety gear, such as wrist or ankle braces designed for sports.
