What Is Orthopaedic Injury & Surgical Rehabilitation?

Our Active Physiotherapy physiotherapists aid in recovery of all orthopaedic injuries (otherwise known as traumas) occurring in the musculoskeletal system. These range from general strains and sprains to broken bones, and can include injuries to areas such as the ankle, elbow, foot, knee, head, groin, hip, neck, and shoulders. Some of the aforementioned injuries may require an operation (overseen by an orthopaedic surgeon), and rehabilitation will include physiotherapy to aid recovery and restore normal movement, strength, and function of the affected area.

In the case of an orthopaedic injury, it is vital that you seek a highly qualified and experienced physiotherapist to aid in your rehabilitation, such as our highly respected team at Active Physiotherapy. We work alongside specialists and GPs to speed up your post-surgery recovery. We also provide pre-operative physiotherapy to prepare you for surgery using various methods, including manual manipulation, electrotherapy to reduce swelling and pain, and carefully building strength so that the optimum result can be achieved post-surgery.

Common Injuries and Surgeries Requiring Physiotherapy Rehabilitation

Our experienced physiotherapists will devise a suitable program to bring you back to optimum health, working with you and your GP or specialist as required. There are many types of injuries that necessitate physiotherapy, such as following fractured bones, strains, sprains, and repetitive strain type injuries,  as well as pre- & post-operative management.

• Total knee replacement and revision knee replacements will require physiotherapy to help develop strength, knee movement, and walking ability, alleviate pain, and bring you back to fitness.
• Partial or unicompartmental knee replacement will require a full physiotherapy program to bring you back to optimum health and develop strength, knee movement, and walking ability.
• Hip, knee, and ankle injuries such as tendonitis, and ankle sprains are all treatable with physiotherapy.
• For total hip replacement and revision, particularly post-surgery, it is imperative that you undertake physiotherapy to reduce pain, stiffness, improve strength and function in your new hip joint.
• Hip resurfacing will require physiotherapy whilst in hospital (and afterwards) to regain movement, strength, and control around the hip.
• Medial and lateral meniscectomy will require a full program of exercise developed by your physiotherapist to strengthen and rehabilitate your knee, reduce swelling and pain, and improve knee function.
• Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction affects one of the main supporting ligaments of the knee, and will require physiotherapy in the form of tailor-made exercises to bring you back to health, control pain, and reduce swelling.
• Posterior cruciate reconstruction will require a program of physiotherapy to bring you back to good health with a combination of exercises and other therapies.
• High tibial osteotomy is an alternative treatment that may be offered prior to a total knee replacement and is common in arthritic patients. This will require physiotherapy for at least eight weeks post-surgery.
• Chondroplasty removes damaged cartilage from a joint. Physiotherapy is imperative in order to improve strength and reduce swelling and pain, thereby bringing you back to good health.
• Patellofemoral joint reconstruction (knee cap) will require a precise supervised physiotherapy program for at least six months post-operatively.
• Knee arthroscopy will require gentle exercises to maintain the muscles and movement of your knee post-operatively, and follow-up physiotherapy to bring you back to full health.
• The Achilles tendon is the tendon supporting the muscle group at the back of your lower leg. When injured, physiotherapy is vital to expediting the healing process.
• Shoulder rotator cuff surgery will require a course of physiotherapy including exercises combined with rest, heat, and ice treatment.
• Shoulder/elbow/wrist and hand traumas can be rehabilitated using physiotherapy. Common issues are rotator cuff impingement, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome, to name a few.
• Shoulder stabilisation post-operatively will require very gentle, protected movements of the shoulder joint. Within a few weeks you will be given an exercise program to regain movement and strength in your shoulder.
• Acromioplasty will necessitate physiotherapy to bring your shoulder back to proper function, improve strength, and reduce pain and swelling.
• Shoulder joint replacement requires post-operative physiotherapy to reduce pain and stiffness and improve strength in your new shoulder joint.
• Fracture treatments such as open reduction and internal fixation will require physiotherapy in order to re-learn how to move and regain muscle strength and motion.
• Fractures treatments such as closed reduction will require gentle physiotherapy under the guidance of your physiotherapist, with a program of exercises to bring you back to health.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Practices for Injuries and Surgery.

Our qualified physiotherapists are here to help you regain your health as quickly as possible following injury or surgery by using a series of treatments including exercise, manual manipulation, electrotherapy, and other methods. We will:

• Visit you in hospital (when necessary) to begin treatment as soon as possible.
• Provide you with a tailor-made exercise program to target your injury specifically.
• Use other therapies (e.g., hydro, ultrasound, clinical pilates etc.) to aid in rehabilitation.
• Improve motion in the area of concern, develop muscle strength, and alleviate pain and swelling.
• Help you regain independence for day-to-day living.
• Assess and monitor your healing progress to ensure full recovery.