Pre and Post surgery

Due to our extensive experience working in both acute hospitals, in the community and in private practice we have managed the rehabilitation of 100’s of patients following both minor and major surgery:

Common procedures/interventions we can help you with:

• Joint arthroscopy – a thin telescope with a light (arthroscope) is inserted into joints via a small incision to investigate joint problems. This is most commonly the knee but other joints can also be investigated in this way. Minimally invasive surgery can be performed to repair damaged tissue by removing floating cartilage, torn ligaments or tissue around the joint that has become inflame. Knee and shoulder arthroscopy, Meniscal (cartilage) repair of the knee,
• Bone fracture repair – surgery to repair a broken bone using metal screws, pins, rods or plates to hold the bone in place. Many different techniques are used depending on the location, severity and type of fracture to ensure that the bones are stable, heal correctly and maintain function. A bone graft may be used where the bone has been shattered For example Ankle fractures, Avulsion fractures, collar bone fractures, Barton’s and Colles’ fracture of the wrist, Humeral head fractures,
• Arthroplasty – The replacement of whole joints following damage due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Total knee and hip replacements are the most common operations (TKR, THR).
• General repairs on damaged muscles or tendons – these could be acute injuries due to trauma, or chronic injury due to progressive deterioration of the tissue. For example Rotator cuff repairs of the shoulder, Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and posterior cruciate liagmenet reconstruction (PCL), Repair of Achilles or calf rupture
• Corrective surgery – eg patella (knee-cap) realignment. These procedures correct problems of anatomical alignment which limit function and could cause long-term problems if left untreated. Bunyon operations, surgery for patella dislocation abd shoulder dislocation.

Principles of Pre-surgery

Some surgery is scheduled and not due to acute trauma, for example total hip and knee replacement surgeries. Whilst waiting for surgery, we can start to increase specific strength and range in the affected joint prior to the surgery, to aid a faster recovery after it. We can also do a one off home visit to address any potential issues that may arise at home after the surgery. If you want to discuss this is more detail please email us (link here)

Principles of Rehabilitation, Post Surgery

Whilst individual operations can be varied and differ in the level of difficulty there are certain rules to rehabilitation after you have had your surgery. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself, given the right conditions and if the rehabilitation is staged correctly – not too fast, not to slow. This staging depends on the type of surgery, pain and patient response. This is where our knowledge and expertise comes into play. Generally the principles are as follows:

• Reduce pain and swelling
• Increase range of movement within the affected body part
• Increase Muscle strength by progressive loading of muscle tissues
• Improved Proprioception
• Facilitate normal recovery – normal movement promotes normal healing!
• Work with family members on appropriate support to maximise healing
• Work in collaboration with the consultant and to any guidelines they have, regarding your procedure
• Be evidenced based in the approach to your rehabilitation, and know the specific precautions for your type of surgery

Goal setting

When you have had any type of surgery people are often surprised at how much it takes out of them both physically and emotionally. We work with you to set realistic goals weekly. Again this is very specific to the patient but may include:

• Activities of daily living – Getting dressed, washing, getting in and out of the bath, preparing food, getting in and out of bed etc
• Outdoor daily living – walking outside, managing stairs, managing escalators, getting on and off the bus etc
• Work – returning to work, modification of work hours or duties, working with your supervisor on graded return to work
• Play – progress rehab through to specific sports based rehabilitation. Click her for more (link to sports specific rehab)