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post operative physiotherapy
Why post-operative physiotherapy ?
After undergoing orthopaedic surgery, the post-operative physiotherapy protocol that they follow will be critical to the result that they achieve. Often there is an established guideline or protocol for the Physiotherapist to follow if you are having a common surgery such as a hip replacement, knee replacement or ACL reconstruction.
Post-operative physiotherapy occurs in three phases.
The early recovery phase, the strength and range of motion phase and lastly the functional restoration phase.
Early Recovery Phase:
This phase begins after getting discharged from hospital and carries on until tissues have healed, the swelling from surgery has dissipated and the pain associated with the surgery has mostly resolved. During this period of time, Physiotherapy will be focused on the following;
Pain relief
Reducing swelling
Gentle manual therapy to restore joint range of motion
Assistance with early walking
Prescribing gait aids like walkers or canes and instructing on their use
Simple exercises to begin to regain muscle function without disrupting healing.
Strength and Range of Motion Phase
Once the appropriate milestones for specific surgery are achieved and the post-op pain and swelling have reduced, Physiotherapy will be focused on normalizing the range of motion, mechanics and strength of body. During this time, post-op physiotherapy program will likely include;
More difficult strength exercises
The introduction of some balance and proprioception tasks
More aggressive manual therapy to restore full joint range of motion
Soft tissue treatment to ensure to regain full mobility
Functional Restoration Phase
When surgical site is ready and strength has returned sufficiently to do more complex exercises safely, then therapy will be focused on functional restoration phase of post-op physiotherapy program. Each person uses their body differently and has a lifestyle that has different physical demands. It is important that each patients Physiotherapy program is designed to meet their physical goals. While one patient may be looking to return to an elite level of sport, another may simply need to be able to get down on the floor to play with their grandchildren. Therefore, the program must progress toward the goals of the patient.
During Functional Restoration phase, Physiotherapy will be focused on some of the following ;
A progression of exercises designed to meet a complex functional goal
More difficult and complex balance and proprioception exercises
Manual therapy to restore full joint range of motion (if not already achieved)
There are restrictions and timelines specific to each surgery that must be respected to heal properly.
Common Surgeries Requiring Post-
Operative Care
Shoulder
Shoulder Reconstruction
Shoulder Stabilisation
Rotator Cuff Repair
Acromioplasty
Manipulation Under Anaesthetic (MUA)
Capsulotomy
Post-Fracture
Elbow
Tennis Elbow Release
Golfers Elbow Release
Post-Elbow-Fracture
Wrist & Hand
Carpal Tunnel Release
Wrist Fractures (Radius, Colles, Scaphoid)
Tendon Repairs
Hip
Hip Replacement or Resurfacing
Hip Labral Repairs
Hip Arthroscopy
Post-Hip Fracture
Knee
Knee Replacement
ACL and Ligament Reconstruction
Arthroscopy
Meniscal Repairs
Microfracture
Chondroplasty
Lateral Release
Patella Tendon Transfer
Femur, Tibia or Patella Fracture
Calf
Achilles Tendon Repairs
Fasciotomy
Ankle & Foot
Ankle Reconstruction
Ankle Ligament Repairs
Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle Fracture
Heel Spur Removal
Bunionectomy
Spine (Neck & Back)
Discectomy
Microdiscectomy
Laminectomy
Spinal
Fusion/Stabilisation
At our clinic, we are happy to assist you in your post-operative care. Our physiotherapists are familiar with the treatment protocols prescribed by most Orthopaedics, We’ll happily co-ordinate with your surgeon to determine any specific requirements based on your surgery.
Our clinic work with patient to develop a tailor-made rehabilitation program to ensure the patient make the best possible recovery in the quickest time. Whatever patient needs, we’ll get him/her back to his/her work, sport or day to day activities ASAP.
Post-operative physiotherapy occurs in three phases.
The early recovery phase, the strength and range of motion phase and lastly the functional restoration phase.
Early Recovery Phase:
This phase begins after getting discharged from hospital and carries on until tissues have healed, the swelling from surgery has dissipated and the pain associated with the surgery has mostly resolved. During this period of time, Physiotherapy will be focused on the following;
Pain relief
Reducing swelling
Gentle manual therapy to restore joint range of motion
Assistance with early walking
Prescribing gait aids like walkers or canes and instructing on their use
Simple exercises to begin to regain muscle function without disrupting healing.
Strength and Range of Motion Phase
Once the appropriate milestones for specific surgery are achieved and the post-op pain and swelling have reduced, Physiotherapy will be focused on normalizing the range of motion, mechanics and strength of body. During this time, post-op physiotherapy program will likely include;
More difficult strength exercises
The introduction of some balance and proprioception tasks
More aggressive manual therapy to restore full joint range of motion
Soft tissue treatment to ensure to regain full mobility
Functional Restoration Phase
When surgical site is ready and strength has returned sufficiently to do more complex exercises safely, then therapy will be focused on functional restoration phase of post-op physiotherapy program. Each person uses their body differently and has a lifestyle that has different physical demands. It is important that each patients Physiotherapy program is designed to meet their physical goals. While one patient may be looking to return to an elite level of sport, another may simply need to be able to get down on the floor to play with their grandchildren. Therefore, the program must progress toward the goals of the patient.
During Functional Restoration phase, Physiotherapy will be focused on some of the following ;
A progression of exercises designed to meet a complex functional goal
More difficult and complex balance and proprioception exercises
Manual therapy to restore full joint range of motion (if not already achieved)
There are restrictions and timelines specific to each surgery that must be respected to heal properly.
Common Surgeries Requiring Post-
Operative Care
Shoulder
Shoulder Reconstruction
Shoulder Stabilisation
Rotator Cuff Repair
Acromioplasty
Manipulation Under Anaesthetic (MUA)
Capsulotomy
Post-Fracture
Elbow
Tennis Elbow Release
Golfers Elbow Release
Post-Elbow-Fracture
Wrist & Hand
Carpal Tunnel Release
Wrist Fractures (Radius, Colles, Scaphoid)
Tendon Repairs
Hip
Hip Replacement or Resurfacing
Hip Labral Repairs
Hip Arthroscopy
Post-Hip Fracture
Knee
Knee Replacement
ACL and Ligament Reconstruction
Arthroscopy
Meniscal Repairs
Microfracture
Chondroplasty
Lateral Release
Patella Tendon Transfer
Femur, Tibia or Patella Fracture
Calf
Achilles Tendon Repairs
Fasciotomy
Ankle & Foot
Ankle Reconstruction
Ankle Ligament Repairs
Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle Fracture
Heel Spur Removal
Bunionectomy
Spine (Neck & Back)
Discectomy
Microdiscectomy
Laminectomy
Spinal
Fusion/Stabilisation
At our clinic, we are happy to assist you in your post-operative care. Our physiotherapists are familiar with the treatment protocols prescribed by most Orthopaedics, We’ll happily co-ordinate with your surgeon to determine any specific requirements based on your surgery.
Our clinic work with patient to develop a tailor-made rehabilitation program to ensure the patient make the best possible recovery in the quickest time. Whatever patient needs, we’ll get him/her back to his/her work, sport or day to day activities ASAP.
