Holiday Recovery Tips: Why Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Is Critical for a Safe Return to Activity

The holiday season is filled with travel, get-togethers, and other festive activities. But if you’ve recently had surgery, it may also involve regular physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other treatments to reduce pain and support healing.

While it can be tempting to put these activities on the back burner during the holiday hustle and bustle, skipping them can slow your recovery, reduce mobility, and set you back significantly.

At Preserve Physical Therapy in The Woodlands and Magnolia, Texas, experienced physical therapist Rupal Mehta, PT, MS, DPT, PhD, understands the need to balance fun with healing.

Here, he highlights the risk of skipping rehabilitation, breaks down the benefits of a structured rehab program, and provides practical recovery tips for the holiday season.

The risks of skipping or delaying post-surgical rehabilitation

Post-surgery rehabilitation can seem like a hassle, especially during the holidays when there’s so much going on.

However, studies show that skipping rehab increases the risk of slower healing, stiffness, and even reinjury. It can also affect your range of motion, lead to chronic pain, and make you more likely to fall.

Considering these risks, it’s crucial you take rehab seriously. Although it requires a commitment, the time you put in up front is sure to pay dividends.

Benefits of a structured rehab program

Working with a qualified physical therapist like Dr. Mehta makes it easier to move safely during holiday activities.

Guided exercises, targeted stretches, and manual therapies, like massage or joint mobilization, can help you build strength and increase flexibility, both of which are needed for holiday mainstays such as shopping, cooking, and decorating.

Beyond the physical, PT can support your psychological well-being. Since you’re less likely to fall or reinjure yourself, you can move confidently, even on snowy or icy surfaces.

Practical holiday post-surgery recovery tips

Dr. Mehta knows that adhering to your rehab plan during the holidays can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to make it easier. He recommends:

Attending each scheduled therapy appointment
Setting aside time each day for at-home stretches and strengthening exercises
Using an assistive device, like a cane or walker, if you feel unsteady on your feet
Prioritizing rest and proper nutrition
Avoiding overexertion

You should also lean on the support of family or friends whenever possible. If you need help reaching for or lifting something, ask for assistance. This can prevent strain and reduce your risk of reinjury.

We can support your post-surgery rehab this holiday season

Navigating post-surgery rehab during the holidays isn’t easy, but it is necessary. We can support your recovery both physically and emotionally by providing the tools you need to succeed.