Post-Surgery Rehabilitation

ACL repair:

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 ACL repairs and work closely with many orthopaedic surgeons in the Sydney area. Rehab evidence changes frequently and the physios at City 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.

ALC repair rehabilitation is very structured to ensure protection of the graft in the early stages, strengthening of the knee, hip and core and a graduated return to sports specific rehab. On average, this protocol is 6-9 months long. At City Physio we specialise in tailoring your rehab program to meet your specific needs, goals and fit into your busy schedule! Our physiotherapists pride themselves on prescribing intensive and injury/ sports specific programs at a variety of intensities and levels using both equipment and body weight to fit into your routine. Our experienced therapists will guide you through your recovery from initial assessment to full recovery, return to sport or reaching personal fitness goals!

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 City 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 City 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 Tendon 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 case 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 retorn to sport program to further strengthen your tendon prevent future injury and to you to your pre injury status.

Spinal surgeries (laminectomy, fusions and discectomy)

Spinal surgeries are performed by orthopaedic or neurological surgeons to stabilise the spine or decompress areas of the spine. Laminectomy and discectomy are procedures that involve the removal of bone or disc tissues that may be compressing the nerves that come from your spine, whereas fusion involves to surgical fixation of 2 of more levels of the spine in an effort to stabilise a compromised area.  These surgical procedures are often performed in a last effort to rectify ongoing or significant injuries in these areas.

After any of these surgeries’ physiotherapy is essential to for regaining full range of motion and strength in your spine. In many cases a course of physiotherapy is recommended for 4-6 week prior to surgery to improve pre-surgical function and promote better post surgical outcomes.  Our physios will guide you through comprehensive rehabilitation involving postural correction, core stability, spine flexibility and strength training, helping you not only recover but prevent future problems with your spine!