What To Expect During Pre And Post-Op Surgical Rehab

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“Surgery is often just one step in the healing process. Pre and post-operative rehabilitation rebuilds your strength, restores your range of motion, and ensures your body heals correctly, significantly reducing your recovery time and preventing chronic discomfort.”

Facing a surgical procedure can be a stressful experience, and many patients in Las Cruces focus entirely on the day of the operation. However, what happens before and after your surgery can make all the difference in how well you recover. Whether you are preparing for a joint replacement or recovering from a ligament repair, physical therapy bridges the gap between medical treatment and returning to your normal life.

Our clinic is known for providing an interactive, engaging environment. We believe rehabilitation should be highly patient-focused, with a smart, caring staff surrounding you and motivating you through every step of your recovery.

The Role of Pre-Operative Rehab

Physical therapy before your surgery, often called “pre-hab,” prepares your body for the physical stress of the operation. By strengthening the muscles around the surgical site beforehand, you provide better joint support post-surgery. We also use this time to educate you on the safe movement patterns and exercises you will need immediately after your procedure, so you are not trying to learn them while dealing with post-surgical pain.

The Role of Post-Operative Rehab

Once your surgery is complete, the focus shifts to restoring your mobility and preventing scar tissue buildup.

A standard post-op rehabilitation plan typically includes:

Pain Management: We use specialized manual therapy techniques and guided movements to safely reduce post-surgical swelling and discomfort without over-relying on medication.

Restoring Range of Motion: Gentle, progressive stretching helps ensure your joints and tissues do not become stiff or frozen as they heal.

Rebuilding Strength: As your body recovers, we introduce targeted exercises to rebuild the muscle mass that is naturally lost during periods of inactivity following surgery.

Long-Term Education: We teach you proper posture and daily habits that support your recovery over the long term, ensuring you maintain your results long after your sessions end.

Schedule Your Surgical Rehab in New Mexico

We understand the journey people go through when experiencing pain that leads to surgery. Our goal is to get you back to your daily activities safely and confidently. If you have an upcoming surgery or are currently in recovery, contact Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy to build a personalized rehabilitation plan.

Is It General Joint Pain or Chronic Arthritis? How to Tell the Difference

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When the experiences of getting older are by no means universal, it’s not always obvious what exactly is happening within your body. General joint pain and arthritis may present with similar symptoms, including swelling and limited mobility. Here, we’ll look at how to tell the difference between the two, and why a physical therapist in Las Cruces, NM may be able to help with both disorders.

The Main Differences Between Joint Pain and Arthritis

Joint pain and arthritis differ in a few key ways:

  • Duration: This is the biggest difference between the two: joint pain is temporary while chronic arthritis may feel better certain days, but doesn’t go away over time.
  • Cause: Joint pain’s cause can usually be traced back to a specific event, like an awkward fall. Chronic arthritis may seem to appear out of nowhere.
  • Treatments: Joint pain is treated with temporary measures, like rest and ice. Arthritis can only be managed, usually with a combination of medications, surgeries, and injections.

Why Visit a Physical Therapist

A physical therapist can help patients holistically address pain, whether it’s from general joint damage or arthritis in Las Cruces, NM. When other practitioners may want to treat the problem with little more than a band-aid, a physical therapist looks for long-term solutions that can strengthen your joints and make them more resilient against the pain. While they may not be able to prevent more drastic solutions, such as surgeries or injections, they can ultimately give you more control over your body (and your overall health).

If you’re interested in what a physical therapist can do to help you live pain-free, contact Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy today for more information about our services!

When to See a Physical Therapist

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Sports injuries can happen to anyone, all ages included. Don’t be embarrassed about injuring yourself. Even the simplest motions can result in an injury, like raising your arm up to serve at tennis, hiking a football in the backyard or even throwing hoops in the driveway while you wait for dinner to be ready. It’s just the nature of the beast. But, while some aches and pains are an unavoidable part of an active lifestyle, it’s important to know when an injury requires professional attention. If you’re ever in doubt, contact us, because physical therapy in Las Cruces, NM can play a positive role in recovery, possibly preventing further damage or long-lasting ramifications.

Persistent Pain or Swelling

Pay attention to what happens to the area after the injury. Don’t just ignore it. If pain or swelling lasts more than a few days after an injury, it may indicate a more serious problem, such as a ligament tear or muscle strain.

Limited Range of Motion

Ask yourself, can you still move the area like before? Injuries that restrict your ability to move a joint or perform everyday activities need evaluation by a professional. You don’t know what’s going on beneath what’s visible that could be restricting movement.

Post-Surgical Recovery

After surgery for a sports injury, physical therapy is essential for a successful recovery. Therapists guide you through rehabilitation, ensuring safe progression toward regaining strength, balance, and performance levels.

If you’re unsure whether to see a physical therapist in Las Cruces, NM, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Early intervention can speed up recovery and help you return to your favorite activities safely and confidently. Contact Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy today to book your appointment.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Back Pain 

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Back pain that doesn’t get better with ice, medication, and rest may need more intensive treatment. Physical therapy can be a great way to address back pain, increase range of motion, and give you relief. Here are some of the reasons why physical therapy is a good choice for the treatment of back pain.

Lowers Pain

Sometimes, back pain comes from posture, problems with your gait, and similar concerns. Physical therapy exercises can teach you how to avoid these movements, helping you eliminate the pain they cause. In addition, physical therapists use tools like ultrasound therapy or electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and resulting pain.

Improves Mobility

Mobility can be a serious concern for people struggling with back pain. Physical therapy focuses on improving mobility and restoring a full range of motion throughout the entire back, including the hips and neck area. This ensures that you are not making your pain worse because you are struggling with limited mobility. 

Decreases Risk of Surgery

Back surgery should be a last resort treatment, and many patients find that doing physical therapy reduces the chance that they need back surgery. While it won’t fix all back pain concerns, it can make a big difference for several types of conditions. Strengthening the back and improving its flexibility can reduce inflammation and lower the impact of nerve-related pain issues.

If you are struggling with back pain, talk to your doctor about physical therapy as a treatment option. If it is, contact De Valle Physical Therapy and Hand Therapy to schedule your appointment for an evaluation. With a personalized therapy plan for De Valle, you can be on your way to a pain-free lifestyle.

Before Surgery – Non-Surgical Treatments for Carpal Tunnel

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Carpel tunnel surgery can be an effective way to treat this common condition, but before resorting to surgery, the hand therapists in Las Cruces at Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy believe in trying non-surgical options first. Thankfully, there are a number of options to treat carpal tunnel without surgery. Here is a closer look at the ones we recommend.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can teach a patient how to use their hand and wrist in a way that is less likely to irritate the carpal tunnel nerves. Daily movements and stretches, when done under the watchful eye and guidance of a physical therapist, can have a lasting impact on your hand’s health.

Braces and Splints

Wearing a brace or splint can relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel, especially if it flares at night. These keep your wrist in a natural position that reduces pressure on the nerves.

Steroid Injections

Injecting steroids locally in the carpal tunnel area may be sufficient to reduce the inflammation that causes the condition. This treatment should only happen a few times before alternatives are explored, but it can be quite effective at treating the condition.

Medication

The inflammation around the hand nerves that leads to carpal tunnel syndrome sometimes goes down with the use of NSAIDs. You may need prescription-strength or over-the-counter, depending on the severity of your condition, but this treatment can provide relief.

Explore Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Our Las Cruces Therapists

Carpal tunnel can be a debilitating condition, but help is available. Our Las Cruces carpal tunnel treatment starts with non-surgical options, then moves to surgery only if necessary. Reach out today to discuss treatment with our team.

We Help You Prepare for and Recover from Surgery

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Undergoing surgery can range from challenging to traumatic. A surgeon cuts into your body to remove or correct a health issue, which is the positive aspect of surgery. However, if you are not prepared for the surgery or do not recover as expected, the difficulties can start to outweigh the benefits. At Del Valle Physical Therapy and Hand Therapy, we are happy to assist pre and post-op surgical patients in Las Cruces NM.

How Preparing for Surgery Can Help You Have a Better Outcome

The stronger and more independent you are before surgery, the quicker you can expect to bounce back once you are home from the hospital or outpatient center. The physical therapists at Del Valle create customized exercises for patients to prepare them for surgery and make the recovery process more efficient. Below are some of the benefits you can expect from working with our physical therapists before the date of your surgery.

Improved flexibility
Improved strength
Improved range of motion
Reduced inflammation and pain
Our physical therapists also educate you on your specific surgery and are willing to provide in-depth information that your doctor may not have time to provide.

Schedule Physical Therapy Immediately After Surgery

Once you have had any stitches removed and ambulate on your own, consider coming in for several physical therapy sessions. We work directly with your surgeon to create a tailored exercise plan that reduces pain and increases independence, allowing you to get back to the things you love.

Some of the physical therapy exercises we may recommend for post-op patients include hands-on therapy, non-invasive treatments like electrical stimulation, and home exercises. We encourage all pre- and post-op surgical patients in Las Cruces, NM, to reserve a time for their initial consultation as soon as they have their surgery date.

How Physical Therapy Can Help You Recover Faster After an Accident

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A car accident or slip and fall accident can happen in seconds, yet the pain and disability an accident causes can last for months, years, or even the rest of your life. You may feel especially frustrated if you are taking medication and doing everything your doctor tells you, only to continue to suffer.Accident and pain rehab in Las Cruces, NM, may be just your solution.

Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy’s Accident and Pain Rehab Program

Customized treatment is the first way that physical therapy differs from traditional medical treatment. When you come in for your first appointment, a skilled physical therapist asks several questions about your lifestyle. We also like to know about your daily routine to get you back to the things you love as quickly as possible. Your physical therapist will also observe you as you attempt various exercises to understand your current struggles.

Customized exercises and lifestyle modifications

Once your physical therapist understands your accident better and the difficulties it causes you, the next step is to begin a series of targeted exercises. You will complete the exercises at Del Valle and at home to ensure consistent results. Your physical therapist may also recommend some lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake or starting certain vitamins or supplements. Remember that a healthy diet will also help you progress faster.

We Treat a Variety of Accident-Related Injuries

Whiplash, concussions, and back pain are the most common injuries we see after an accident, but they are not the only ones. Regardless of the type of injury you sustained, we invite you to contact us to learn more about accident and pain rehab in Las Cruces, NM, today.

How can Orthopedics Help Me?

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You may benefit from orthopedic treatment if you have ever experienced joint pain. Finger pain, elbow pain, knee pain, and other connected areas are extremely important to pay attention to, as they can greatly reduce your mobility.

The skilled team at Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy is proud to serve the local community with premium physical therapy care services, including orthopedic care, which can increase your quality of life and flexibility.

What is Orthopedics?

If you have ever seen the prefix “Ortho,” it has everything to do with standing upright and correctly. Orthopedics has to do with the musculoskeletal system, which is a combination of your bones and ligaments. Orthopedic specialists make sure that your joints are moving the best they can, including sprains, fractures, immobility, damage, and other forms of pain.

Therapists work with clients like you to restore mobility whether you have had surgery or not.

What are the Benefits of Orthopedics?

Everyone can benefit from orthopedic care to experience a more happy and healthy life. Here’s what you can expect from your next visit:

Precision Diagnosis and Treatment

The most important step is accurately identifying any issues you may be having. Your physical therapist is trained to find every issue using precision diagnostic tools coupled with a knowledgeable hand.

Comprehensive Joint Care

Through therapeutic care, exercises, and other recommendations – your therapist will work with you to recover as quickly and safely as possible.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Therapy doesn’t stop when your care has ended. You will receive a comprehensive rehab and recovery plan, including diet, exercises, and stretches to enhance the function of your joints and ligaments.

Your Local Physical Therapy Specialist

Make joint care part of your daily routine, especially if you have undergone some sort of physical pain, immobility, or trauma. During your next appointment with the adept team at Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy, you can be sure you are receiving the best care and guidance you deserve.

How Much Should You Ask for in a Worker’s Compensation Claim?

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A worker’s compensation claim can be a confusing process to start and finish. When most workers are going up against such big systems, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. From medical insurance to giant corporations, there’s going to be all kinds of resistance from people with very different agendas. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re wondering what to ask for.

Workers’ Compensation Is More than Direct Costs

When you’re injured at work in Las Cruces, NM, your costs are more than just your medical bills and physical therapy sessions. You may need to hire childcare because you’re in the hospital. Your employer may not pay you for all the time you missed working. These are all costs that should be factored in as you try and figure out what to ask for. You also have to take into account how the state of New Mexico regulates worker compensation, as each state will have its own ways of determining what’s fair.

A lawyer can spend years on a single worker’s compensation claim, and this is because they’re prepared to go the extra mile to get as much as possible for the injured party. No matter how much evidence you have, the initial offer is going to be very low. If you want more, you need to be ready to take the extra steps.

Physical Therapy in Las Cruces

Money may be important, but nothing is more critical than making you as healthy as possible. Physical therapy can be an important way to help your body work through different issues on its own. If you’re looking for a physical therapist in Las Cruces, NM, who can help you recover from an injury, contact Del Valle Physical Therapy & Hand Therapy today.

How You Can Benefit from Certified Hand Therapy

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Whether you have broken your hand, have arthritis, have carpal tunnel syndrome, or suffer from another type of hand pain, certified hand therapy in Las Cruces, NM, can have you feeling like your old self again in no time. All Del Valle and Hand Therapy physical therapists are committed to working with you until you regain your hand strength.

Why Work with a Certified Hand Therapist

Hand therapists are physical or occupational therapists who have completed advanced training to treat conditions of the hands and upper extremities. To earn the designation of certified hand specialist, a physical or occupational therapist must complete an additional 4,000 hours of training, including supervised experience, and pass a state exam.

When you come to your first appointment at Del Valle, the certified hand therapist working with you completes an in-depth assessment to determine your functional limitations. Your therapist is also interested in your strengths and will teach you how to capitalize on them.

Specific Hand Exercises to Help You Recover

The specific type of exercises your therapist assigns you depends on your diagnosis and current level of functioning. Your therapist teaches you the exercises and then supervises you while you complete them at our practice. To optimize your recovery, you should complete the same exercises several days per week at home. Below are two examples of exercises you may be assigned.

  • Joint blocking: With one palm turned up, massage each finger just below the joint using the other hand. Continue to massage each finger for five seconds and then bend and straighten them one at a time.
  • Wrist extension and flexion: Support your forearm with the opposite hand, make a slight fist, and bend your wrist back and forth.

Contact us to learn more about certified hand therapy in Las Cruces, NM, today.