Post Surgery, Recovery and Rehabilitation with The Rehab Lab

So it has been almost five months post surgery after removing a tumour from my right jaw. It was probably one of the most unpleasant experiences that I've ever experienced but I did not go through it alone. I've always stated that everytime when you see an athlete compete in any competition or even finish on podium. It is not a result of just one person. But it is always a team effort of physiotherapist, chiropractor, nutritionist, coach and even the support of loved ones. And all these people contribute to your success.

In my case post surgery, the team of physiotherapist, chiropractor, surgeons and of course my loved ones are the main contributors to my recovery and rehabilitation. Initially after my surgery, I was assigned a physiotherapist from the hospital. I appreciated her time and sessions with me but I eventually felt that the physiotherapist assigned to me was not meeting my needs. I needed one that understood the rigmarole of an athlete who is at times borders on a thin line of human performance and insanity. Which basically describe how competing in strongman can be.

I was working with the team from The Rehab Lab for my prior injury and then eventually working to get my strength, movement and mobility back after my parotid gland disectomy. As in my previous article, I was in surgery for eight hours and that this was detrimental to my body being in one position. In short, I was stiff, immobile, weak and felt pretty useless. My whole body was deconditioned and my sense of being was rather disrupted.

All the years of eating, training and being laser focused on earning the right to be strong. The phrase being strong is "Earned Never Given", this is a FACT! I now need to work on this again one day at a time, one training session at a time and one rehab session at a time. I'm grateful and thankful to the team from The Rehab Lab for taking me on and working with me.

At times in my own admission, I may be that guy that tends to push things too fast and always wanting to do more. I also have been guilty of breaking some bands and equipment at thier clinic. But I think that the team from The Rehab Lab understood my needs and ensured that the program was customed to my rehabilitation process. I also managed to speak to Chief Physiotherapist Fadhli to pick his brain and the team's experience of working with me.

Muhd Fadhli Chief Physiotherapist Founder, The Rehab Lab

How was yours and your team's experience working with Taufiq Strongman?

Working with Taufiq was an incredible experience for us and our team. Taufiq's dedication to his recovery and his strong willpower were truly inspiring for all of us at The Rehab Lab. We were all impressed by his relentless determination and his ability to push through his challenges and setbacks.

His recovery outcomes were significantly improved because of his dedication and also through our active and movement based approach during each session – and I believe our type of approach is what sets The Rehab Lab apart.

What was the rehabilitation goal for Taufiq?

Taufiq's short-term rehabilitation goal were focused on getting him to perform his day-day functional tasks without any issues – which involves getting him to have pain-free, full range of motion for his upper limbs. His long term goals would be to get him conditioned to be able to go back to strongman and highland games competitions later in the year.

We focused on his recovery while taking into account his history of bilateral triceps tendon rupture and post-op parotid gland disectomy, through specific strengthening exercises, mobility drills and also prescribed home exercises as part of his plan of care, on top of improving his overall physical strength and fitness. Throughout his rehabilitation program, Taufiq's progress was tracked and monitored closely to ensure that he has steady progress towards each of his goals.

Taufiq is not your usual average sized client, he is significantly bigger than most people. How did Raihan even manage to do deep tissue work?

Raihan Rahim Senior Sports Therapist

Taufiq is definitely without doubt, a mountain of a person. Nonetheless, our Sports Therapist Raihan was still able to apply serious pressure and deep tissue work to break the adhesions in Taufiq’s body. This was possible through a combination of Raihan’s physical strength and, more importantly, the knowledge and understanding of Taufiq’s biomechanics and movement patterns. This made each deep tissue work session clinical and specific to Taufiq’s needs.

As described by Raihan himself, "It's like you're pushing through a wall when working with Taufiq’s body". Raihan also finds his leverages from the ground, positioning and the treatment bed when performing the therapy. Raihan is also equipped with multiple techniques in his pocket when treating clients three times his size like Taufiq. Another interesting point to highlight, while Taufiq is big and strong on the outside, he does crumbles when his forearms get squeezed by Raihan. :P

How can physiotherapy help recovery post operation?

Physiotherapy can help with post-operation recovery in several ways. It can help to reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, getting you back to your day-day functional tasks and ultimately, getting you back to your sports. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to help patients recover, including exercise therapy, manual therapy, and education on posture and movement. Physiotherapy is definitely instrumental in helping clients getting back on their feet as quickly and safely as possible.

What are the variables needed for post operation or post injury recovery?

Variables that can affect post-operation or post-injury recovery are multi-factorial. This may include the severity of the injury, the type of surgery performed, age and general health of the client, and more importantly, their commitment to their rehabilitation program. Other factors like nutrition, sleep, and stress may also impact recovery time and overall outcomes. Overall, its the consistency and adherence to the rehabilitation plan are two of the key factors in achieving a successful recovery.

If there is one advice or wisdom that you would like to share with your clients and readers for rehab or recovery... What would it be?

My advice for clients and readers for rehab or recovery is to stay positive and motivated. Remember that every small step is progress, and every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay committed to your rehabilitation program, even when progress may seem slow, and trust in the process. It's essential to maintain a positive mindset and surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people. With hard work, dedication, and the right support, you can achieve your goals and return to the activities you love.

So there you have it, at the end of the day... It is always up to you the individual to stay committed, be optimisitic and put in the work. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Fadhli, Lorrain, Raihan and The Rehab Lab team for working with me. I may be the most demanding person in terms of care plan from the team but I will always put in the work. If you need a team of physiotherapists, their contact is as below.

The Rehab Lab Civil Service Club, #02-00

60 Tessensohn Road

S217664

Whatsapp message at +65 8057 1800

​ Email to ​admin@therehablabsg.com.

In the meantime... Always put in the work. Work in silence and let your achievements speak for themselves. Train hard and stay injury free. If you in the midst of rehab and recovery, stay positive, put in the work and always seek help.