Post-Procedure Recovery: The Importance of Proper Exercise
After procedures like radiofrequency ablation, which aims to reduce chronic pain by using heat to disrupt pain signals from nerves, the surrounding muscles and ligaments may need targeted rehabilitation. The right balance of exercises can help:
- Restore joint stability
- Improve range of motion
- Strengthen supporting muscles
- Prevent muscle atrophy
Open Chain Exercises in Post-Procedure Recovery
Open chain exercises, where the distal end of the limb (hand or foot) moves freely, can play a vital role in your recovery process.
Benefits for Post-Procedure Patients:
- Isolated Muscle Strengthening: Allows for targeted strengthening of specific muscles around the treated joint.
- Controlled Range of Motion: Easier to control and limit movement, reducing risk of overexertion.
- Pain Management: Can be performed with less weight-bearing stress on the joint.
Examples of Open Chain Exercises (Adapt based on the treated joint):
- Seated leg extensions (for knee procedures)
- Arm raises (for shoulder procedures)
- Ankle pumps (for ankle or foot procedures)
Closed Chain Exercises in Post-Procedure Recovery
Closed chain exercises, where the distal end of the limb is fixed, are equally important in the rehabilitation process.
Benefits for Post-Procedure Patients:
- Functional Strength: Mimics real-life movements, promoting practical recovery.
- Joint Stability: Engages multiple muscle groups, enhancing overall joint stability.
- Proprioception: Improves body awareness and balance, crucial after joint procedures.
Examples of Closed Chain Exercises (Adapt based on the treated joint):
- Partial squats (for lower body procedures)
- Wall push-ups (for upper body procedures)
- Stationary cycling (for lower body procedures)
Implementing Exercises in Your Recovery Plan
Early Recovery Phase:
- Focus primarily on open chain exercises to gently strengthen muscles without putting excessive stress on the treated joint.
- Start with isometric exercises, then progress to small range-of-motion movements.
Mid Recovery Phase:
- Gradually introduce closed chain exercises, starting with partial weight-bearing activities.
- Continue with open chain exercises, increasing resistance as tolerated.
Late Recovery Phase:
- Increase the proportion of closed chain exercises to improve functional strength and stability.
- Maintain open chain exercises for continued isolated muscle strengthening.
Key Considerations
- Pain Monitoring: Always work within pain-free ranges. If an exercise causes pain, stop and consult your healthcare provider.
- Progression: Advance from open to closed chain exercises gradually, under professional guidance.
- Balance: Incorporate both types of exercises for comprehensive recovery.
- Professional Guidance: Always follow the specific recommendations of your physical therapist or doctor, as recovery needs can vary based on the individual and the specific procedure performed.
Remember, recovery is a journey. By understanding and properly implementing both open and closed chain exercises, you can optimize your rehabilitation process, leading to improved joint function and a quicker return to your daily activities.
Author
Dr. William J. Cole, Jr.
Dr. William J. Cole, Jr. is one of only five physicians in the world who is dual board certified in Interventional Pain Management and Regenerative Medicine. He has a passion for assisting patients with Long Covid. He sees patients from around the world in his clinics in Sarasota, Florida and Venice, Florida. Dr. Cole is dedicated to the mantra to "have the body, heal the body - naturally."
Dr. Cole lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife Lily, and their two teenage children.
