Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation After Orthognathic Surgery

The objectives of orthognathic surgery encompass achieving facial symmetry, enhancing aesthetics, optimizing masticatory function and occlusion, and elevating the quality of life. Pain, edema, and decreased maximal mandibular range of motion are the most important complications that occur early after surgery. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation approaches are combined with medical treatment to manage these problems. In order to prevent complications of general anesthesia after surgery, it is important to mobilize the patient early and add breathing exercises to the physiotherapy and rehabilitation program. Electrotherapy modalities, manual lymph drainage, and kinesio-taping techniques are included in the treatment program for postoperative pain and edema management. Active joint range of motion and functional exercises can be added to the program after the first week. After the first month, the treatment program continues with passive joint range of motion and stretching exercises. Factors such as the type of surgery performed, the duration of surgery, and the length of stay in intensive care can affect the treatment plan and its success. The collaboration of oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgery and physiotherapy and rehabilitation disciplines positively affects postoperative success during treatment. After surgery, a personalized assessment is made, and a physiotherapy and rehabilitation program is created, accelerating individuals' return to daily life after surgery and increasing their quality of life.