Post Operative Orthopaedics
From the hospital bedside to after discharge, the quality continuum of care provided by Downs Physiotherapy staff assures post-operative orthopaedic patients the highest level of treatment throughout their surgical experience.
Some procedures requiring post-operative orthopaedic physiotherapy include total knee and hip replacements, shoulder reconstructions and back operations such as discectomy, fusion and laminectomy.
Post-Op orthopaedics aims to increase a patient's joint range of movement and muscle strength thus improving their mobility and independence in activities of daily living, work and sport.
Depending on the type of surgery, and the patient's capacity to heal, recovery can take up to three or four months during which time the patient and physiotherapist work together to achieve the best possible result.
Beginning with an assessment of the condition, the physiotherapist develops a plan specifically designed for the patient to assist in their recuperation. This plan may include visits to th e rooms, hydrotherapy & home exercise program.
As expected, candidates for surgery are as diverse as their respective goals.
For example, young people usually present with sport or work related injuries and the accompanying need to return to the field or workplace as quickly as possible.
Seniors, however, may need assistance with tasks such as stepping in and out of the shower or completing daily activities around the house.
Downs Physiotherapy staff pride themselves in providing their patients with quality continued care throughout the rehabilitation process. Due to Downs Physiotherapy's presence with both in-hospital and out-patient settings, the same physiotherapist will see the patient before surgery, whilst they are in hospital and for rehab following discharge, thus minimizing patient anxiety and allowing as smooth a recovery as possible.
If you have been a surgical patient, it is not necessary to obtain a referral from your specialist to return to post-operative physiotherapy.
You can make an appointment with Downs Physiotherapy, at any stage, if you believe you are not making satisfactory progress in your recovery, or if your mobility is compromised.
Downs Physiotherapy will contact your surgeon for specific case details prior to commencing a rehabilitation program.
Post-operative orthopaedics aims to increase the mobility and strength of limbs and the range of motion of joints.
It has been shown that improvement increases independence, particularly for patients with carers, supporting the patient to contribute to household duties and self-care where appropriate.
Working in close consultation with orthopaedic surgeons, Downs Physiotherapy staff encourage patients who live in rural areas and elderly patients to make their physiotherapy appointments on the same day as their doctor's visit.
By doing so, they establish a routine and develop a rapport with their 'patient support team', in turn growing their confidence in managing their own health.
This regularity helps the physiotherapist continue the program without the need for a new patient assessment every visit.
They understand their patient's specific needs because of their shared history.
At Downs Physiotherapy there is equal emphasis on the advantages of pre-operative patient education and exercise.
If you are facing surgery, why not consider giving yourself the best possible chance for a speedy recovery?
It has been shown that patients who exercise pre-operatively, even a month prior to surgery, accelerate their chances of a better recovery.
Whether you are about to undergo a total knee or hip replacement, back surgery, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, a patella release, ankle or shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repairs, you could benefit from a pre-operative program.
Contact Downs Physiotherapy staff to discuss your options.
Call Nadia Rowbotham 4632 6672 to enlist help today.
