The more serious and invasive the surgery, the more likely you are to be immobilized for a time. With limited motion comes the potential for painful post-surgical complications like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This can lead to brain damage, respiratory issues, heart attack, and other potentially deadly health problems.
If you’re having surgery any time soon, here’s what you need to know about DVT and what you can do to prevent it.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
DVT is a dangerous, painful condition that can happen as a result of prolonged immobility. Blood doesn’t circulate as quickly or effectively when you are sedentary for an extended period of time, causing blood clots to form. It can develop after any surgical procedure that forces you to stay in bed for a while, but it is most common following operations on the hip, knee, or other areas of the leg.
Risks Associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis
In addition to the fatal risks associated with blood clots, DVT tends to cause pain and swelling, which can exacerbate the problem by preventing motion and exercise even further.
Once diagnosed with DVT, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners or another medication in order to mitigate the risk of heart attack or stroke. You may also have to wear special socks that help stimulate proper blood flow or undergo an additional procedure and have a filter inserted into your inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots from traveling to your heart, lungs, and brain.
Combatting Deep Vein Thrombosis with Physical Therapy
After having surgery, the last thing you want to do is get up and move. In some cases, movement is neither safe nor possible. In others, however, it can prevent painful post-surgical conditions like DVT from developing and wreaking havoc on your circulatory system.
Although, as you may have guessed, post-surgical exercise is not as simple as just going for a walk down the hall.
If you are planning to undergo surgery in the near future, one of the best things you can do for yourself is connect with a physical therapist beforehand. When you connect with ProFysio Physical Therapy in advance, you will be able to get moving, preserve your level of mobility, and prevent blood clots by exercising under the watchful eye of a trained professional.
Our Knowledgeable Physical Therapists Serve Aberdeen & Monmouth County
At ProFysio Physical Therapy, we can help you prevent, manage, or overcome post-surgical complications like DVT, weakened muscles, inflexibility, etc. Our experienced physical therapists in Monmouth County have served many patients like you and know how to treat pain, build strength, and help you work toward the results you want. When you put your health in our hands, getting surgery doesn’t have to keep you immobile for longer than necessary.
Don’t wait until your surgery has come and gone to consider setting up post-surgical rehab. Get in touch with a member of our team today and ensure you have the help you need as soon as possible following your operation.
Call (732) 333-6360 or book a consultation now to take the first step toward a speedy recovery.