Postoperative rehabilitation

Postoperative rehabilitation is an essential part of treatment that ensures full restoration of functional ability. In Finland, tens of thousands of elective surgeries are performed each year, and after them systematic rehabilitation shortens recovery time and improves long-term outcomes. Rehabilitation covers a wide range of patients: from joint replacement patients to people recovering from cancer and those who have had heart surgery.

The need for and content of rehabilitation vary depending on the operation. In musculoskeletal surgery, such as joint replacement, the goal is to restore mobility, muscle strength and balance. After heart surgery, rehabilitation focuses on improving aerobic fitness and training the respiratory muscles. In cancer surgery, lymphatic therapy and comprehensive support for functional ability are key.

The success of rehabilitation is influenced by the patient’s age, initial functional ability, the extent of the surgery and complications. Motivation and commitment to exercise are decisive factors. Long-term illnesses, such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, can slow recovery.

Rehabilitation usually begins in the hospital on the day after the surgery. A physiotherapist guides the patient into movement and teaches safe mobility with assistive devices. An occupational therapist assesses how the patient manages daily activities and plans the necessary assistive devices. At the discharge stage, an individual rehabilitation programme is drawn up.

Follow-up rehabilitation can be provided as outpatient rehabilitation with a physiotherapist, as institutional rehabilitation supported by Kela, or in the private sector. Private rehabilitation offers a flexible schedule and a quick start. Active self-directed exercise at home is just as important as supervised sessions.

Most surgery patients recover well with rehabilitation. Active rehabilitation is especially beneficial when it is invested in both before and after surgery. Contacting a rehabilitation specialist before surgery helps plan recovery as a whole.