All of our physiotherapists are highly experienced in the management and rehabilitation of a huge variety of surgical cases with a particular focus on orthopaedics. This includes:

 

• Joint replacements (Including hemi or total knee, hip, shoulder and ankle replacements)

• Arthroscopies of the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder and other joints

• Ligament and Tendon Reconstructions including

• Rotator Cuff Repairs

• ACL / PCL Reconstructions

• Patello femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstructions

• Hamstring tendon repairs

• Achilles tendon repairs

• Ankle ligament reconstructions

• Hernia Repair

• Spinal Surgery

• Fusion

• Laminectomy / decompression

• Disc replacement

• Discectomy

• Fracture Management (including with internal and external fixators)

• Arthroscopic knee menisectomy, chondroplasty

• Hip resurfacing

• Ankle or foot fusion

• Hallux Valgus (Toe) Correction

• Labral repairs / shoulder stabilisation including Latarjet

• Sub Acromial Decompression

• Cubital tunnel release

• Carpal tunnel release

• Trigger finger release

• Wrist TFCC repairs

• Dupuytrens release

• Manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA)

• Nerve decompression, transposition, supercharge

• Debridements

• Osteotomies

 

At 4 Life Physio Pinjarra we know that as no two people are the same, no two surgeries are the same either. All rehabilitation programs are individualised depending on the exact procedure performed, the treating specialists’ usual protocol as well as any specific instructions and most importantly, on your personal rehabilitation and recovery goals – whether this is a return to sport, work or just get back to normal daily activities pain free. 

 

At 4 Life Physio Pinjarra we know that appropriate post-op rehabilitation is key in achieving the best possible outcome from your procedure and in minimising the risk of complications. As part of your treatment, your physiotherapist will provide a combination of advice and education (on normal recovery time frames and self management techniques), manual therapy (such as joint mobilisations and soft tissue release techniques), exercise rehabilitation (home exercise programs, hydrotherapy programs and gym based rehabilitation) and other modalities as required.

 

In most cases your rehab program will begin in hospital immediately after your surgery. Some basic exercises and a gait assessment (possibly with an aid) will be supervised by a physiotherapist before you are discharged, although it is becoming more common for this to be done on the same day as the surgery, even for joint replacement surgeries. This rehab process then continues after you go home with Physio rehabilitation.

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As with most things worth doing, rehab can often be hard work and ultimately, how much benefit you gain from your surgical procedure is up to you! There are many benefits of a structured, post op exercise program, including restoring joint range of movement, reduced pain, improved muscle strength and mobility. Essentially your rehabilitation is just as important as the surgery itself in getting you back doing the things you love sooner.

 

Tips for the first few days post surgery

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Remember, while the operation is going to help you in the long term, there is usually an increase in short term pain. This is because the trauma of surgery, including the incision and other work done are in fact similar to new injuries. This is why it is important to ensure you:

• Take adequate pain relief – There are no prizes for suffering pain. Take your prescribed pain medications as required. Controlling your pain relief will allow you to be more comfortable and sleep better, promoting better tissue healing & repair.

• Manage your swelling – Using the PRICEM principles (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Movement)

• Take it easy – Don’t plan to do too much in the early stages. Instead try to dedicate this time to your recovery. We see lots of patients who overdo it as they see the time off as a good opportunity to catch up on maintenance and other jobs and their rehab suffers as a consequence.

• Complete your exercises – All rehab exercises are prescribed for a reason, be it to help reduce swelling, improve movement or strengthening and should be completed as set out wherever possible.  In some cases such as after a knee replacement the first few days are crucial in restoring normal range of motion

 

If you need help with your post-operative rehabilitation or would like any more information on how 4 Life Physio Pinjarra can help you then please get in touch today.