Post Operative Rehabilitation
Depending on the type of operation and the length of post-operative care required, there will always be a certain level of swelling, pain, reduced range of movement and muscle wasting. In cases where there has been a long waiting prior to surgery and no pre-operative rehabilitation, restrictions in range of movement and muscle wasting will be even more pronounced.
The time to recovery following surgery will depend on a number of factors, although age and pre-operative conditioning levels are important indicators, the type of surgery can have a massive influence too. For example an ACL reconstruction patient may take at least 9 months to fully rehabilitate back to full function versus a minor arthroscopy to repair knee cartilage which usually sees a return to normal function within 6-8 weeks.
Our Physiotherapists are experienced in post-operative care and work in accordance with orthopaedic guidelines in assisting patients return to full function and strength.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a key hole surgery of the knee that can be used to clean up or remove damaged structures and smooth surfaces. The surgery itself is usually only a day procedure but often the hard work begins after the surgery! Our physiotherapists all have extensive orthopaedic backgrounds and are well versed in post operative rehab programs for all knee arthroscopic surgeries and work closely with many orthopaedic surgeons in the Sydney area. Rehab evidence changes frequently and the physios at Sports and Spine Physio make a conscious effort to regularly attend orthopaedic conferences and read all the latest publications to ensure that their treatments are cutting edge and based on the most recent and best quality evidence available.
Your physiotherapist will do a full subjective and objective assessment of your leg considering a wide range of factors including the specific recommendations from your surgeon, strength and balance of the muscles surrounding the hip and knee, sporting goals, motor control, core stability and biomechanical analysis. They will also liaise with your surgeon frequently throughout your rehab process!
Total Knee Replacement
A total knee replacement surgery or knee arthroplasty involves the surgical replacement of part (hemi) or entirety of the affected joint. The surgery is usually utilized as a result of significant osteo arthritis or joint damage that is limiting function or causing debilitating pain. Depending on the type of total knee replacement it is common to remains in hospital for between 3 and 7 days, where your knee rehabilitation will begin. Once discharged, your physiotherapy rehab continues outside of the hospital.
Here at Sports and Spine Physio our physiotherapists have a comprehensive knowledge of total knee replacements and will be able to guide each step of your recovery as you regain strength mobility and flexibility after your surgery. Physiotherapy will educate and guide you through a personalised exercise program aimed at restoring your flexibility and the strength in you knee, and help you achieve your exercises and activity goals.
From start to finish the expected recovery time for recovery for a total knee replacement is between 3-6 months and our physiotherapist are happy to assist you through any stage from day 1 to ongoing maintenance in the years after.
Achilles Tendor Rupture Rehabilitation
There are 2 ways that Achilles ruptures are treated. Treatment is primarily managed conservatively through the use of a Controlled Ankle Motion or CAM boot supervised by a physiotherapist. Alternatively, in some cases surgical intervention is required due to a delay between the time of injury and diagnosis or in cases of previous Achilles tendon rupture. The functional outcomes and recovery time of both options are very similar.
After the surgical repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon patients commence an extensive rehabilitation process strengthening both the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. The recovering Achilles requires a CAM boot to restrict range of motion, gradually allowing incremental increase to range over a 6-12 week period. It is essential that the Achilles is not over exerted in this time and our physiotherapists here at City Physio can guide you through a complication free tendon recovery. Once out of the boot physiotherapy will involve a graduated return to sport program to further strengthen your tendon prevent future injury and to help you return to your pre injury status.
