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Liver Transplant & Physical Therapy Intervention

Commonly known as a major medical procedure that requires both mental and physical recovery following surgery, liver transplant patients can also benefit greatly from an acute inpatient physical therapy program. Focusing on regaining strength and flexibility within the patient, most therapy programs will be started shortly after surgery and under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

  1. Initial Therapy

    • Many liver transplant patients will require specialized physical therapy programs in order to see the greatest benefits from treatment. Most early therapy modalities will focus on manual mobilizations in order to promote healing to the tissues surrounding the incision site. According to the Carolinas Medical Center, a liver transplant rehabilitation program is one of individually monitored exercise and education designed to maximize at patient's return to function. Usually included in the treatment program will be patient education on the following topics: postural improvement, scar massage and a home exercise program designed by a physical/occupational therapist to fit the patient's specific needs. Patients will also typically be given pain medication and ice therapy in order to minimize inflammation and further discomfort following surgery.

    Mid Therapy

    • Depending on the patient, many therapy programs following liver transplant surgery will also incorporate strength-training exercises in order to promote muscle growth and minimize atrophy in the finer muscles surrounding the incision site. According to a recent study by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh on the effectiveness of physical therapy following liver transplant surgery, patients who have had liver transplants can achieve significant functional gains in acute rehabilitation. Furthermore, physical therapists should be aware of potential complications and factors that may affect this particular patient population, including liver biopsy, ultrasounds, and dialysis. Strengthening exercises will be adjusted per the patient's level of care need and severity of surgical complications, if any. Also according to the University of Pittsburgh's study, age and length of hospital stay after surgery did not affect the overall outcome of therapy success.

    Discharge and Home Therapy

    • As with most rehabilitation programs, patients recovering from liver transplant surgery will also typically be prescribed a home exercise program at the time of formal therapy discharge to promote continued muscle strengthening and flexibility. Patients will usually be required to attend numerous follow-up doctor visits for months following surgery and can also include home program updates to be reported to the physical therapist.

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