Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
Surgery is usually resorted to when a medical condition cannot be resolved after all non invasive measures have been attempted and have failed. A surgical procedure is usually undertaken to improve an individual's quality of life; however, immediately after surgery, much of the pre-surgery weakness and decreased function will remain in addition to added pain from the procedure, swelling and compensation as a result of the surgery itself. All of these factors should be addressed when implementing an individual's post surgery rehabilitation plan the goal of which should be to restore the individual to an optimal level of independent function as soon as possible.
At our clinics, patients participate in activities to gradually improve their endurance levels, muscle tone and strength, and energy levels in order to improve function and mobility to ultimately be able to perform their activities of daily living.
Our rehabilitation team consists of physical therapists, occupational therapists, a psychologist, exercise therapists and massage therapists.
The immediate focus of therapy after surgery is dependent upon how soon after surgery the patient is referred to our clinics. In the case of patients referred after overnight surgery, where no rehabilitation has been given at the hospital level, our immediate goal is to reduce pain and swelling, improve muscle strength, increase range of motion and mobilize the patient. Once this has been achieved, our focus moves to regaining balance, mobility, transfer training, and training in the use of assistive ambulatory devices such as crutches, canes and wheelchairs etc. If the patient is referred to us after receiving rehabilitation at the hospital and the above goals have already been achieved, our focus moves to patients' and family members' education, the patients' activities of daily living and homemaking, education in energy conservation, and the patients being able to safely adapt to their home environment.
Variety of post-operative procedures:
- Ligament and tendon repairs
- Open Reduction Internal Fixation ("ORIF") implants - Bone repair surgery usually involving the use of plates, screws, and/or rods
- Open Reduction External Fixation implants - Surgical treatment used to stabilize bone and soft tissue often involving the use of schanz pins, connecting rods and/or clamps
- Nerve compression release
- Tendon transfers
- Joint fusion
Our specialty programs include:
- Chronic Pain Program
- Driving Evaluation and Training Program
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Pain Management Services
- Orthotics and Orthopaedic Shoes
- Return-to-Work Programs
- Vestibular, Dizziness, and Balance Programs
For more information on the conditions we treat and services we offer, or to book an appointment please call us on 416 489 5313 (Finch) / 416 604 4404 (Jane) or email us at info@physiowell.ca.
