What is a common complication to monitor in post-operative physical therapy?

Monitoring for infection at the surgical site is crucial in post-operative physical therapy because infections can significantly impede recovery and lead to more severe complications. Post-surgical infections can manifest as increased redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge at the site, and they can contribute to systemic symptoms like fever. Identifying and addressing an infection promptly can prevent further complications, such as delayed wound healing, prolonged hospitalization, or the need for additional surgical interventions.

The monitoring of other complications, such as pain management, scar tissue development, and decreased mobility in adjacent areas, is also important but does not typically carry the same immediate risk as an infection. Effective pain management is necessary for patient comfort and compliance, while scar tissue development and decreased mobility in adjacent areas can be addressed through appropriate therapeutic interventions. However, they usually develop later in the post-operative period and do not represent acute threats to the patient's health as infections do. Therefore, the priority in the post-operative stage is to keep a vigilant eye on potential signs of infection for timely intervention and optimal recovery.