The Physical Therapist Assistant’s Role in Post-Operative Care
After undergoing surgery, many people might naturally assume that bed rest is the main aspect of a successful recovery. And while it’s certainly important for patients to take it easy following an operation, physical therapy is also an important part of post-operative care—in many patients, both before and after being released from the hospital.
Getting patients gently moving as soon as safely possible can help minimize complications shortly after surgery. And for patients to make a full recovery, physical therapy is a vital part of the medium-to-long-term recovery plan, too. Without physical therapy following an operation, patients may experience muscle atrophy and imbalances, stiff joints, and possibly even more dangerous conditions like blood clots or respiratory issues.
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) help post-operative patients rebuild their strength and regain their mobility, whether they’re recovering from a sports injury or major internal surgery. Let’s take a closer look at PTAs in particular, and their important contributions in post-operative care.
Looking to learn more about a career as a PTA? Explore our in-depth article on how to become a physical therapist assistant, or our guide on the top jobs for physical therapist assistants.
What is a Physical Therapist Assistant?
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) are trained healthcare professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physical therapist. PTAs provide hands-on care, including massage and other manual therapy methods. They also guide patients through therapeutic exercises to build strength and mobility, according to their individual treatment plan. In many clinics, PTAs spend more time with their patients than their supervising PT.
PTAs receive formal training through associate-degree-level programs, where they study anatomy, learn about many different medical conditions, and train in a variety of treatment modalities. While PTAs don’t have the same level of training that a physical therapist does, they still have plenty of on-the-job autonomy and opportunities to make a difference for their patients. They’re also required to pass a national certification exam, and to maintain a license in the state where they practice.
Although PTAs can still perform many of the day-to-day therapeutic methods physical therapists use, physical therapists have a broader scope of practice due to their advanced education and training. PTAs cannot perform initial patient evaluations or make diagnoses, or design treatment plans—these responsibilities are part of the physical therapist’s scope of practice. However, PTAs are instrumental in implementing the treatment plans designed by their supervising PT.
The Importance of Post-Operative Care
The care a patient receives following surgery—both from their healthcare providers and as a result of their own habits—can make a major impact on the outcome of any procedure. Proper post-operative care is essential to avoid lengthy recovery times, minimize post-surgical pain, and reduce the risk of complications or long-term issues.
Post-operative care requires a collaborative approach between multiple healthcare providers, from nurses teaching patients about wound care to physical therapists and PTAs who help patients get moving again. When done well, post-operative care can make the difference between a smooth recovery and a preventably poor patient outcome.
The PTA’s Role in Post-Operative Care
Assessment and Evaluation
Before any patient begins receiving therapy, it’s important to assess their condition and develop a treatment plan appropriate for their needs. While patient assessments fall under the scope of practice of a physical therapist, PTAs may still be present during the initial evaluation to observe, document, or help as requested.
During a patient assessment, PTAs may help their supervising PT measure a patient’s strength, range of motion, or document their reported symptoms or pain levels. This information helps the physical therapist determine the best path forward, and establish benchmarks for a patient’s recovery journey.
Developing and Implementing Treatment Plans
Like initial patient evaluations, development of treatment plans falls under the responsibility of a licensed physical therapist. Using the information gathered during the initial assessment, a PT develops a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Once the supervising PT has established a treatment plan, PTAs are vital in implementing the care plan for each patient.
Post-operative physical therapy involves a massive range of treatment modalities, depending on the procedure performed and the overall health of the patient. PTAs may use manual therapy to help break up scar tissue after surgery, to loosen tight muscles, or to mobilize stiff joints. They commonly use temperature therapy or electrical devices to manage inflammation, reduce pain, and encourage healthy tissue regrowth.
PTAs also guide their patients through targeted exercises to strengthen any areas affected by surgery, whether it’s abdominal muscles following a stomach operation, or leg muscles after a knee replacement. In certain post-operative cases, physical therapist assistants may work with patients on gait training or neuromuscular training to improve their posture, or re-establish their balance and coordination. After chest or abdominal surgeries, they may also help patients with breathing exercises to help prevent pulmonary issues.
Patient Education and Support
Most patients only receive a few hours of physical therapy per month, which means a successful recovery often depends on how well they continue their care at home. Physical therapist assistants are instrumental in teaching their patients how to perform their prescribed exercises, and in helping them understand the importance of participating in their own recovery.
Recovering from major surgery can be just as challenging emotionally as it is physically. Physical therapy exercises can be difficult or unpleasant, and some patients may be tempted to avoid following their treatment plan out of a desire for comfort. PTAs can support their patients by helping them establish achievable goals, celebrate their victories, and keep the big picture in mind.
Transparent, empathetic communication with patients helps them keep realistic expectations, and empowers them to stay involved in their recovery. The best PTAs are often equal parts healthcare providers, teachers, and motivational speakers!
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Professionals
Especially for patients who are still hospitalized, it’s essential for physical therapist assistants to work closely with other healthcare professionals like surgeons and nurses. PTAs should communicate with nurses to understand each patient’s medication schedule, pain levels, and other considerations. They should also be prepared to relay any concerns or changes in a patient’s condition to their colleagues.
PTAs may also work with other healthcare professionals like occupational therapists, dietitians, mental health professionals, and even some specialized roles like respiratory therapists for certain patients. By taking a holistic view of their patients’ health and a collaborative approach to working with other healthcare professionals, PTAs can help their patients benefit from the collective expertise of the entire healthcare team.
The Challenges of Post-Operative Care
While physical therapy is an essential part of almost any post-operative recovery, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy for either patients or PTAs. Patients may experience significant pain following surgery, which can hinder their ability (or willingness) to follow their treatment plan.
Pain, boredom, or slow progress can also cause patients to become frustrated, fatigued, or demotivated. Some patients may have unrealistic expectations for their recovery, or choose to ignore instructions or limitations given by their surgeon or physical therapist.
It’s important for PTAs to be able to walk the line between pushing their patients and keeping them comfortable and safe from setbacks. Taking the time to explain why certain exercises or instructions are important can help patients feel more involved in their recovery. PTAs may also be able to modify certain exercises or provide alternatives for patients who are in pain or otherwise struggling.
Prioritizing communication and working to understand each patient’s challenges helps establish a trusting relationship between patient and provider, which in turn encourages patients to stay compliant with their treatment plan.
The Future of PTAs in Post-Operative Care
As the healthcare industry and medical technologies continue to evolve, the role of PTAs in post-operative care is bound to evolve alongside them. Telehealth and virtual care continue to expand in popularity and capability, and PTAs will need to stay up to date on emerging technologies like virtual care platforms and wearable devices that can provide real-time remote feedback.
Surgical methods and technologies are all but certain to advance, so PTAs will be wise to watch out for continuing education related to new post-operative protocols that emerge in response to new treatment methods or surgical techniques. And as machine-learning and AI tools continue to become part of the healthcare industry, physical therapy professionals should be mindful of how they can help optimize patients’ treatment plans, spot problematic patterns, and more accurately track recoveries.
Particularly in areas of patient education or preventative care, PTAs may also see their responsibilities expand as health care continues a shift toward more holistic patient care. Helping patients build healthy lifestyle habits and connecting them with resources to address the social determinants of health may also involve collaboration with case workers or community health professionals.
Learn In-Demand PTA Skills at Provo College
From inpatient hospital settings to outpatient therapy clinics, PTAs make valuable contributions to post-operative care for a wide variety of patients. Their empathy, encouragement, and skills help surgical patients stay on track with their recoveries—while minimizing pain, frustration, and setbacks along the way.
If you’re considering a career as a PTA, you’ll want to choose a training program that prepares you for a fast-changing healthcare industry. The physical therapist assistant program at Provo College is designed to help you build practical and well-rounded PTA skills, with mentorship from experienced physical therapy pros. In less than two years, you could make the transition to a rewarding and fast-growing career field where you’ll make a difference every day.
Want to learn more about a PTA specialty where you’ll have the chance to provide lots of post-operative care? Check out our guide on how to become a sports-focused physical therapist assistant.
