SJM_DEPT_HEALTH_ORTHO_RECOVERY_0619_Profile ( Dept . ) 5 / 31 / 19 3 : 08 PM Page 1 health The Right Recovery ADVANCEMENTS IN ORTHOPEDIC CARE ARE ALLOWING PATIENTS TO BOUNCE BACK QUICKER THAN EVER . By Lindsey Getz minimally invasive spine surgeries says Louie . “ Our therapy pool is always heated despite the risks of open surgery toa warm 94 degrees which provides relaxation and the longer recovery time . benefits for the muscles . But the buoyancy “ With minimally invasive pro - andresistance of the water has its own benefits . cedures you have less blood loss It is a great place for people who have had and a lower infection rate , ” Dr . challenges moving on land , where gravity is Deutsch says . “ We make tiny inci - having an impact . There are patients who sions that tend to heal up quickly . cannot currently stand on land but can stand We’re also not cutting through in the water . ” muscle . Whereas we used to have In previous days , patients would have to to detach muscle from bone , meet their therapist at the YMCA or another which is quite destructive , we are pool in order to receive this type of therapy now able to use muscle dilation but having the pool on - site at Kessler not to push it out of the way and be only adds convenience , it also seems to be able to work directly on the spine . ” advancing therapy and potentially leading to hether from an accident or from a This obviously has a big faster recoveries . surgery , orthopedic recovery is an W impact on recovery time . Of “ Patients are always pleasantly surprised course , Dr . Deutsch also pre - at how enhancing the water opportunities important issue . Patients want to feel confident scribes physical therapy or other can be for their recovery , ” Louie says . “ In fact , that they’re moving forward in the right direction so rehabilitation therapies following oftentimes patients have better results at their many of the procedures he per - next land - based therapy sessions . We can that they can get back to their normal lives — or at forms . For example , following a also schedule back - to - back therapy sessions least a modified version of what was previously lumbar fusion , a therapist will that might include occupational therapy to considered their “ normal . ” That’s why taking the meet with the patient while still help in the shower and other land - based in the hospital and help teach therapy before or after their pool session . ” right steps is critical . By making the best choices in them to use a walker — and go While patients cannot come into the pool terms of rehabilitation and recovery , patients can up and down stairs . Outpatient immediately after a spine surgery due to inci - therapy might not start for six to sion sites , Louie says it’s not uncommon to get back on track as quickly as possible . eight weeks post - surgery . For a see patients recovering from surgery once neck procedure , it could be those incisions have healed . The pool can sooner . Oftentimes it depends on the patient definitely assist in progressing rehab following A FASTER / BETTER RECOVERY and their specific circumstances . surgical treatments . Fortunately , many patients are recovering faster than before . One reason that recovery can sometimes be quicker these days is the IN THE WATER AVOIDING SURGERY WHEN POSSIBLE fact that many orthopedic procedures are At Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Marl - In terms of an accident or injury , sometimes less invasive . At Coastal Spine in Mount Laurel , ton , Elizabeth Louie , CTRS , recreation therapist , surgery is never even required . Advances in Dr . Larry Deutsch , a board - certified orthopedic saysthat patients are seen both on an inpatient chiropractic care have made it possible for spine surgeon , says that many of the proce - and outpatient basis following serious car some patients to successfully recover from dures he performs are same - day surgeries accidents , slip and fall accidents , and condi - orthopedic accidents and injuries in an even with no overnight hospital stay . But even with tions like arthritis , spinal stenosis and more . less - invasive fashion . DTS spinal decompres - more extensive surgeries , patients are generally One aspect that helps differentiate treatment sion therapy is a computer - modulated , trac - home in one to three days . at Kessler is an indoor therapy pool used for tion - based system that delivers a painless Dr . Deutsch says that Coastal Spine has treatments from a functional mobility stand - therapy to achieve relief for those suffering been performing minimally invasive surgeries pointas well as an opportunity to re - introduce from neck , back and sciatic pain . since the late ’ 90s , when it was practically recreational swimming for those who were Dr . Michael J . O’Keefe of O’Keefe Chiro - unheard of . Even today , he thinks only around previous swimmers . practic Center P.A . in Medford says that this 30 percent of practices regularly perform “ The pool can have amazing benefits , ” therapy has proven to be a valuable tool in SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 16 issue 3 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 78 |