POST OPERATION CARE

Hip Replacement

This is a surgical procedure where an arthritic hip is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant. Physiotherapy following hip replacement involves strengthening the muscles around the hip joint, re-educating walking pattern, and getting the movement back in the hip.

Knee Replacement

A knee replacement is a surgery where the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee are replaced with prosthetic implants. This is a treatment for arthritis, where pain and stiffness have made every day movements difficult. It is important to restore movement to the knee as quick as possible to avoid post-op stiffness. Your physiotherapist will advise you on exercises to complete at home.

A rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee can occur when the knee twists or turns while the foot is stuck on the ground. This can happen when landing from a jump. A hyperextension injury can also result in a torn ACL. Many people feel a pop when rupturing their ACL and the knee normally swells immediately. Surgery is often indicated following a tear of the ACL. It is important to complete a thorough rehabilitation programme following ACL surgery to ensure the knee regains full function.

Knee Arthroscopy

This is a minimally invasive technique where a surgeon can see inside a joint and carry out repair. This procedure can be helpful for cartilage injuries. Usually mild pain persists afterwards for 1-2 days with some associated swelling. Some patients may require physiotherapy to restore full function. All will require an exercise programme.

Achilles Tendon Repair

The Achilles tendon normally ruptures or breaks when a great force is applied to the foot with the knee straight as in starting a sprint. Many people report the feeling of having been shot in the back of the leg and the leg is very painful. When the Achilles tendon is completely ruptured the patient will have great difficulty rising up onto his toes. These can be treated conservatively or with surgery. With either approach, physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation.

Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons help to keep the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. If one of these tendons tears surgery may be performed to repair the tendon. This will usually require a time of immobilisation in a sling, followed by physiotherapy to restore movement and strengthen the muscles of the shoulder.

Shoulder Stabilisation

If you have experienced more than one dislocation of the shoulder you may need surgery to stabilise the shoulder. This procedure can repair the torn capsule or ligaments around the shoulder. Physiotherapy can help regain movement.

Wrist Fracture

A fall on the out-stretched hand can result in a break in the bones of the forearm or the wrist. Pain and stiffness following repair of the fracture can persist but early physiotherapy intervention speeds up recovery.

POST OPERATION CARE