Earlier physiotherapy helps Essex lung-surgery patients get home sooner

Patients recovering from lung surgery at Essex Cardiothoracic Centre are spending less time in hospital after physiotherapists changed when rehabilitation begins.

Some patients previously stayed in bed for two days. Now the team supports breathing exercises, shoulder movement and mobility on the day of surgery, sometimes within an hour of leaving theatre, depending on the patient’s condition.

The trust reports that, among 100 patients seen over six months, earlier rehabilitation was associated with hospital stays more than a day shorter on average. Intensive-care admissions fell from eight to two, and patients reported less pain.

Cambridge University Hospitals’ guidance explains the mechanism: anaesthesia and pain can reduce deep breathing and mucus clearance, while supported movement helps patients regain strength.

This is a local service report, without enough detail to establish that timing alone caused every improvement. Rehabilitation still depends on clinical assessment.

The Essex team has nevertheless made the approach standard practice, helping recovery begin earlier and patients return to everyday life sooner.

Sources

• Your Thurrock — Lung surgery patients recover faster with early rehabilitation
• Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust — Earlier rehabilitation results
• Cambridge University Hospitals — Breathing exercises and physiotherapy