Surgical procedures often result in a rapid loss of muscle mass and strength. Early prevention of muscle atrophy therefore plays a central role, particularly in orthopedic rehabilitation. Modern therapeutic approaches, targeted exercise, and individually tailored training programs can play a decisive role in positively influencing the healing process and facilitating a return to daily life.
In a conversation with Susanne Haag and Brigitte Stebler from the SVTPT, we explore the latest findings on muscle building after surgery, effective rehabilitation strategies, and the most important factors for successful for .
After surgery, the body loses muscle mass extremely quickly for various reasons. One of these is immobilization. This is because unused muscles begin to lose strength after just 48 hours. In addition, due to pain and swelling, the nervous system reflexively blocks signals to the surrounding muscles in order to protect the affected joint. At the same time, the trauma of surgery puts the body into a stress-induced catabolic state, in which muscle proteins are broken down to provide building materials for .
This rapid muscle hypotrophy or atrophy significantly delays the healing process, as the loss of strength reduces joint stability and exacerbates pain. Without the stabilizing function of the muscles, there is also a risk of improper loading, which can compromise the recently operated-on structures. Finally, muscle loss disrupts metabolism, which directly slows down tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the loss of strength places increased strain on the other extremities, which can also lead to excessive or improper loading in these areas.
To counteract this, we focus on functional movement and proprioception as early as possible. NMES provides additional support so that muscle metabolism can be activated even when the muscle is not in use, allowing it to regenerate more quickly.
Early mobilization is essential. Surgery is performed in a way that allows the animal to move and bear weight as much as possible, so that it can resume normal activity as quickly as possible. The animal regains control of its muscles on its own as soon as possible. We provide support starting on the first postoperative day to ensure that function is maintained as optimally as possible.
It is important to maintain—or, if possible, improve—range of motion and strength as much as possible before surgery. This has the advantage of providing better stabilization for the operated joint and ensuring that the animal is already familiar with the handling techniques and exercises.
Postoperatively, pain management is the top priority. The sooner the animal is pain-free, the sooner it can bear weight on the affected limb, thereby preventing muscle atrophy. After that, targeted, individualized stabilization and strength training begins, which is continuously adapted to the rehabilitation plan and the animal’s needs.
NMES and TENS can be used for . Later, NMES is used to support the development of functional strength. Depending on the severity of the condition, a sling table may also be used, along with all balance aids and, of course, cavaletti training.
I consider preoperative physical therapy to be very important and promising for targeted postoperative for . It is important that a customized program be developed for rehabilitation case and discussed with the owner. The owner must take on many responsibilities and, accordingly, be properly trained and supported.
When used appropriately, treadmills and underwater treadmills can provide valuable support. Furthermore, the recent advances in objective gait analysis are beneficial for monitoring the healing process.
Surgical procedures often result in a rapid loss of muscle mass and strength. Early prevention of muscle atrophy therefore plays a central role, particularly in orthopedic rehabilitation. Modern therapeutic approaches, targeted exercise, and individually tailored training programs can play a decisive role in positively influencing the healing process and facilitating a return to daily life.
In a conversation with Susanne Haag and Brigitte Stebler from the SVTPT, we explore the latest findings on muscle building after surgery, effective rehabilitation strategies, and the most important factors for successful for .
After surgery, the body loses muscle mass extremely quickly for various reasons. One of these is immobilization. This is because unused muscles begin to lose strength after just 48 hours. In addition, due to pain and swelling, the nervous system reflexively blocks signals to the surrounding muscles in order to protect the affected joint. At the same time, the trauma of surgery puts the body into a stress-induced catabolic state, in which muscle proteins are broken down to provide building materials for .
This rapid muscle hypotrophy or atrophy significantly delays the healing process, as the loss of strength reduces joint stability and exacerbates pain. Without the stabilizing function of the muscles, there is also a risk of improper loading, which can compromise the recently operated-on structures. Finally, muscle loss disrupts metabolism, which directly slows down tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the loss of strength places increased strain on the other extremities, which can also lead to excessive or improper loading in these areas.
To counteract this, we focus on functional movement and proprioception as early as possible. NMES provides additional support so that muscle metabolism can be activated even when the muscle is not in use, allowing it to regenerate more quickly.
Early mobilization is essential. Surgery is performed in a way that allows the animal to move and bear weight as much as possible, so that it can resume normal activity as quickly as possible. The animal regains control of its muscles on its own as soon as possible. We provide support starting on the first postoperative day to ensure that function is maintained as optimally as possible.
It is important to maintain—or, if possible, improve—range of motion and strength as much as possible before surgery. This has the advantage of providing better stabilization for the operated joint and ensuring that the animal is already familiar with the handling techniques and exercises.
Postoperatively, pain management is the top priority. The sooner the animal is pain-free, the sooner it can bear weight on the affected limb, thereby preventing muscle atrophy. After that, targeted, individualized stabilization and strength training begins, which is continuously adapted to the rehabilitation plan and the animal’s needs.
NMES and TENS can be used for . Later, NMES is used to support the development of functional strength. Depending on the severity of the condition, a sling table may also be used, along with all balance aids and, of course, cavaletti training.
I consider preoperative physical therapy to be very important and promising for targeted postoperative for . It is important that a customized program be developed for rehabilitation case and discussed with the owner. The owner must take on many responsibilities and, accordingly, be properly trained and supported.
When used appropriately, treadmills and underwater treadmills can provide valuable support. Furthermore, the recent advances in objective gait analysis are beneficial for monitoring the healing process.
