Megan Sullivan
My name is Megan Sullivan and as an Athletic Therapist and Fascial Stretch Therapist, I have treated countless people who want to golf, ski, run, and, hike, but they have an injury or pain that prevents them from doing what they love. Currently, I operate my own clinic called Ossum Wellness in Hamilton, Ontario where I treat individuals of all ages to help them rehabilitate their injuries, improve their mobility through Fascial Stretch Therapy and help them reach their goals, no matter how big or small they may be.
Previously, I worked in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger Cats for three seasons where I got to be actively involved with hundreds of injuries from the time it happened, to executing the rehabilitation program, and eventually helping them get back to the field as safely and efficiently as possible.I also am the author of two books sold on Amazon: The All-in-One Golf Strength & Flexibility Guide and The All-in-One Shoulder Injury Prevention Guide.
If you are scheduled for upcoming joint surgery (hip, knee, shoulder, etc.) make sure to ask your surgeon about REHAB!
I have seen all too often someone gets surgery, does the 1 or 2 exercises the surgeon tells them, and that’s it. As these 1-2 exercises may be very helpful in the short term, they will very likely not give you the functional range of motion/strength needed to return to your daily activities.
Your surgeon should have a rehab protocol for your specific surgery and if they do please ask for a copy to bring to your Athletic Therapist (AT). At this point try and connect with an AT before your surgery and give them the rehab protocol. Often times this includes a few appointments before the surgery and then many more visits afterwards. The rehab protocol acts as a guide for yourself and your AT and sets out targets and goals that you both should be striving for!
Prehab occurs before your surgery and will very likely give you a better prognosis after surgery. During these sessions, we do proper muscle activation exercises and some safe, pain-free strength work, reduce swelling/inflammation (if any), achieve a greater range of motion (if applicable), gentle flexibility (if allowed), etc.
Post-operative rehab will involve much more frequent visits and will follow the surgical protocol provided by your surgeon. Some of the goals here are to reduce swelling and inflammation, achieve a safe amount of range of motion, perform muscle activation and strengthening exercises, flexibility, achieve proper gait (if applicable) and gradually & safely progress these in the weeks and months ahead.
Make sure you are well-prepared before you get your surgery! Ask questions and seek help to ensure you have the best outcome!