In a multidisciplinary healthcare environment, the collaboration between surgeons and physiotherapists is crucial for delivering optimal patient outcomes. This synergy is particularly evident in the care of patients with foot and ankle conditions. Physiotherapists are essential members of the foot and ankle surgeon’s team, contributing to preoperative preparation, postoperative recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term maintenance of foot and ankle health.
Pre and post surgery
Before surgery, physiotherapists play a critical role in preparing patients physically and mentally for the upcoming procedure. Their responsibilities include:
- Assessment and Education: Conducting comprehensive assessments to evaluate the patient’s baseline functional status and educating them about the surgical procedure, expected outcomes, and the rehabilitation process.
- Exercise Programs: Designing and implementing preoperative exercise programs to enhance strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, which can improve surgical outcomes and facilitate faster recovery.
- Pain Management: Teaching pain management techniques, such as specific exercises and the use of modalities like heat or cold therapy, to manage discomfort preoperatively.
The postoperative phase is crucial for the successful outcome of foot and ankle surgeries. Physiotherapists are instrumental in this stage, focusing on:
- Early Mobilisation: Encouraging early movement and weight-bearing as appropriate, which helps in reducing complications like deep vein thrombosis and promotes faster healing.
- Pain Control: Using various modalities such as manual therapy, electrotherapy, and therapeutic exercises to manage postoperative pain and swelling.
- Customised Rehabilitation Plans: Developing and implementing individualized rehabilitation programs that address specific surgical procedures and patient needs, ensuring a tailored approach to recovery.
Long-term Maintenance and Prevention
Even after the initial recovery period, physiotherapists continue to support patients in maintaining foot and ankle health. Their contributions include:
- Education and Advice: Providing ongoing education about proper footwear, foot care, and lifestyle modifications to prevent future injuries or conditions.
- Chronic Condition Management: Helping patients with chronic foot and ankle conditions manage their symptoms and maintain functionality through regular exercise programs and therapy sessions.
- Follow-up Care: Offering periodic follow-up assessments to monitor the patient’s condition and make necessary adjustments to their care plan.
Effective communication and collaboration between foot and ankle surgeons and physiotherapists are vital for successful patient outcomes. Mr Eyre works very closely with his team, they understand the surgeries he performs and the certain nuisances required with specialist cases he undertakes.