PHYSIOTHERAPY & REHABILITATION

🏃‍♂️🦴 PHYSIOTHERAPY & REHABILITATION IN ORTHOPAEDICS

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are essential components of orthopaedic care, focusing on restoring mobility, strength, function, and quality of life after injury, surgery, or chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

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🔹 Goals of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

✅ Relieve pain
✅ Improve joint mobility and flexibility
✅ Restore muscle strength and balance
✅ Prevent stiffness and contractures
✅ Enhance functional independence
✅ Prevent complications (e.g. DVT, pressure sores)
✅ Promote return to work/sports

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🔹 Phases of Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

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🔹 Common Physiotherapy Modalities

🟢 Manual Therapy

• Joint mobilization and manipulation

• Soft tissue massage

• Myofascial release

🟢 Therapeutic Exercises

• Range of Motion (ROM) exercises (passive, active)

• Isometric and isotonic strengthening

• Core and postural training

• Balance and proprioception exercises

🟢 Electrotherapy

• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

• IFT (Interferential Therapy)

• Ultrasound therapy

• NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)

• Laser therapy

🟢 Cryotherapy & Heat Therapy

• Ice packs (acute phase, pain/swelling)

• Hot packs or infrared (chronic pain, stiffness)

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🔹 Rehabilitation by Condition

1. Post-Fracture Rehabilitation

• After immobilization (cast or surgery)

• Focus: joint mobility, muscle strength, gait re-training

• Monitor for complications (e.g. joint stiffness, CRPS)

2. Post-Joint Replacement Rehab

• Knee Replacement: early ROM (especially extension), quadriceps strengthening

• Hip Replacement: hip abduction/adduction strength, gait with walker/crutches

• Focus: regain independence in ADLs (activities of daily living)

3. Spine Surgery Rehab

• Gradual return to movement with bracing (if required)

• Core strengthening, posture correction

• Ergonomic education and lifting mechanics

4. Sports Injury Rehab

• Tailored to sport-specific demands

• Plyometrics, agility, proprioception

• Gradual return-to-play protocol

5. Arthritis Management

• Joint protection techniques

• Low-impact aerobic exercises (e.g. cycling, swimming)

• Strengthening surrounding muscles to unload joints

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🔹 Assistive Devices & Support

• Orthotics: braces, splints, insoles

• Mobility aids: walkers, crutches, canes

• Taping techniques: Kinesio taping, athletic taping

• Hydrotherapy: water-based rehab, useful for low-impact recovery

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🔹 Psychological Aspects of Rehab

• Patient motivation and compliance are key

• Address fear-avoidance behavior (especially in chronic pain)

• May involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in chronic conditions

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🔹 Outcome Measures Used in Rehab

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🔹 Summary Chart: Rehab by Condition