The Saudi Journal of Medical Insights

Microscope

The Role of Physical Therapy in Postoperative Orthopedic Recovery: Scoping Review

Authors

Elsayed Shaheen¹, Jawad Najeeb Almarzooq², Ahmed Yousef Almulla³, Atheer Mohammed Alqarni⁴, Lojain Omar Alsaidi⁵, Fotoun Kamal Rizq⁶, Abrar Ibrahim Al-Zaaq⁷, Ghadi Mastour Alharthi⁸, Almalki, Hayat Azib G⁹, Abdulrheem Ali Alnasser¹⁰, Rahaf Abdulaziz Alotaibi¹¹

Keywords

Physical Therapy, Postoperative Recovery, Orthopedic Surgery, Rehabilitation, Evidence-Based Practice, Patient-Centered Care, Functional Outcomes.

Abstract

Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in the postoperative recovery process for patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries.
Following procedures such as joint replacements, fracture repairs, or spinal surgeries, patients often face challenges
including pain, limited mobility, and muscle weakness, which can hinder their recovery. Physical therapists employ targeted
therapeutic interventions, including manual therapy, exercise regimens, and education, aimed at enhancing range of motion,
improving strength, and reducing pain. Through a patient-centered approach, physical therapy not only addresses the
physical aspects of recovery but also promotes psychological well-being, facilitating a quicker return to daily activities and
improving overall quality of life. Recent research highlights the importance of an individualized physical therapy program
tailored to each patient's specific needs and surgical history. Evidence suggests that early mobilization and the incorporation
of physical therapy can lead to improved functional outcomes and reduced length of hospital stay. This scoping review aims
to synthesize available literature surrounding the efficacy of physical therapy interventions in postoperative orthopedic
recovery, exploring diverse methodologies and patient populations.

Author Information

Orthopedic consultant at Andalusia Hospitals, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University,
Cairo, Egypt, Email: ssshaheen2007@yahoo.com
² Orthopedic Surgery Resident, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, KSA, Email: jawad102203@gmail.com
³ General Surgery, Alfarawania Hospital, Kuwait, Email: Ahmedxx84@gmail.com
⁴ King Faisal University, College of Medicine, KSA, Email: atheer.alqarni1@hotmail.com
⁵ Physiotherapy, King Abdulaziz Medical City, National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, KSA, Email: Lujainomar1@hotmail.com
⁶ Physiotherapy, Al Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, KSA, Email: Fotoun.Rizq@hotmail.com
⁷ Doctor of Physical Therapy, Uhealth Center, Al-Qassim – Buraidah, KSA, Email: Dr.abrar1414@gmail.com
⁸ Physiotherapy, King Abdullah Medical Complex, Jeddah, KSA, Email: Ghadii.ma@gmail.com
⁹ Physiotherapist, Al Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, KSA, Email: pt_hayat1430@hotmail.com
¹⁰ Intern Student, Medical University of Lodz, Poland, Email: Abdulraheem.alnasser@hotmail.com
¹¹ Physiotherapist, Orthocare Center, Jeddah, KSA, Email: aljaidrahaf@gmail.com
Corresponding author: Elsayed Shaheen, Email: ssshaheen2007@yahoo.com
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