Phases of Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Phases of post-operative rehabilitation are identified by the stages of healing of soft tissue and bone
- overlapping phases of tissue healing (acute/inflammation, subacute/proliferative, chronic remodeling)
- level of difficulty of activities (initial, intermediate, advanced)
- degree of protection of healing tissues (maximum, moderate, minimum)
- Roman numerals (I, II, III)
Degrees of Protection
|
Maximum Protection |
Inflammatory stage/acute Vigilant protection of tissues May include immobilization May include low-level stresses (e.g., partial, assisted or passive ROM) Isometric exercise to prevent excessive atrophy Physical agents for pain management and tissue healing Ranges from 3-7 days to 4-6 weeks |
|
Moderate Protection |
Subacute/proliferative phase Pain and tenderness is minimal Increased stresses to bone and soft tissue are indicated to restore function Exercises to restore normal kinematics, strength, function Neuromuscular exercises to increase efficiency, coordination and control of movement Physical agents for pain management and muscle re-education Ranges from 4-6 weeks to 8-12 weeks |
|
Minimal Protection/Return to Function |
Begins when full to almost full, pain-free ROM is available Joint mobility is restored and stable Focus is on task-specific, functional activities for the individual patient and prevention of secondary complications ( e.g., fall prevention, endurance) Ranges from 6-12 weeks to 6 months |
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