The Physiotherapist: The Importance of Early Functional Recovery

The increase in life expectancy and the consequent increase in the older population leads to several consequences, among which is the increase in surgical interventions aimed at this population. This has also been made possible by improvements in surgical techniques and postoperative management techniques. However, the geriatric patient is by definition a complex patient, in whom there is a high probability of being in a “frail” condition before surgery, in combination with other comorbidities (such as reduced physical function, respiratory function, the presence of COPD, cardiac insufficiency, or diabetes), and therefore requires special attention at every stage of the care process. A fundamental role, in this sense, is played by the figure of the physiotherapist who provides interventions aimed at assessing, treating, and, more generally, taking care of the patient, guiding him towards improving his quality of life. It is well known, in fact, that hospitalization entails several negative consequences, such as cognitive decline, reduced muscle strength and mobility, and worsening respiratory conditions. The physiotherapy intervention, in these cases in fact, has as its primary objective that of preventing these serious consequences as well as that of guaranteeing the older and often frail patient an improvement in quality of life, disability, and a recovery of autonomy in activities of daily living (ADL). Therefore, the physiotherapist accompanies the patient from the preoperative phase to the postoperative phase, as it is widely demonstrated how his early intervention positively affects the patient’s health condition.