Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy and Recovery
Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery following pectus excavatum surgery. Proper rehabilitation helps patients improve posture, restore flexibility, regain strength, enhance breathing mechanics, and safely return to normal activities.
Recognizing the importance of structured rehabilitation, Dr. Barry LoSasso collaborated with Kate Grace, RPT, OPA-C, Owner and Director of Evolve Physical Therapy + Advanced Wellness in San Diego, California, to develop a comprehensive postoperative physical therapy protocol specifically designed for patients undergoing the Nuss Procedure.
This specialized program focuses on mobility, posture correction, breathing exercises, strength development, and progressive return to activity. The goal is to maximize surgical outcomes, improve comfort during recovery, and help patients achieve the best possible long-term results.
Patients receive detailed guidance regarding physical therapy before and after surgery, and the rehabilitation program can be coordinated with therapists in the patient's local community when appropriate.
At the Center of Excellence for Pectus, we believe that successful treatment involves more than surgery alone. A comprehensive recovery plan—including physical therapy, pain management, and ongoing follow-up care—is essential to achieving optimal results.
This video, although created several years ago, still has very relevant information and resources for your recovery process. We encourage you and your family to watch the video prior to surgery to get an understanding of the types of exercises that will be helpful for your recovery. Each patient should be evaluated by a physical therapist in order to be given their specific set of exercises and the right schedule for that patient.
Exercises and schedule may include:
4 Weeks
Assisted, supervised shoulder range of motion and postural correction exercises:
Doorway Lunge - moderate stretch (10:15)
Elevated Doorway Stretch - moderate stretch (10:52)
Diaphragmatic breathing (11:24)
Pelvic Rock - posterior pelvic tilt and anterior pelvic tilt (12:20)
Soft tissue massage - prevents scarring (13:05)
Manual Therapy (13:58)
Shoulder Mobilization (14:33)
Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) (14:56)
Scapula Stabilization (15:11)
Scapula PNF Patterns (15:33)
6 Weeks
Strengthening using weights, balls, and bands
Resisted Band Shoulder External Rotation (18:38)
Dumbbell Exercise (19:12)
Cat and Camel (20:12)
Hand Leg Opposite Lift (Bird Dog) (20:34)
Plank Exercises (21:01)
Exercise Ball Movements (22:07)
Squats (23:15)
Lunges (23:48)
Dynamic Hug (25:18)
Dynamic PNF Patterns (25:50)
For more information, please read and download these helpful documents.