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Kitty’s Rehabilitation Journey with Move Healthcare

In December 2022, Kitty commenced her rehabilitation journey with Move Healthcare. This journey began after a significant spine surgery in August 2022, where she had tumours removed, resulting in severe leg weakness. Our goal at Move Healthcare was to support Kitty in regaining her mobility and independence.

Initial Condition and Goals 

Upon joining us, Kitty was transitioning from hospital care, where she had spent several months in rehabilitation. Initially, she could transfer from her bed to a wheelchair but walking was a significant challenge. Her primary objective was to improve her mobility and to walk again.

Personalised Rehabilitation Plan in consultation with her Multi-Disciplinary team

Understanding Kitty’s unique needs was crucial. Our team at Move Healthcare developed a home-based exercise program tailored to her condition. This program focused on balance and gait re-education exercises, essential for regaining walking abilities. Additionally, we provided necessary equipment to aid her mobility, including various walking frames and custom-made Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) developed in collaboration with an orthotist. We also liaised with Kitty’s NDIS Support Coordinator and Occupational Therpist to best facilitate her rehabilitation needs.

Progress in Home Environment 

Kitty’s rehabilitation took place in her home, allowing for a comfortable and familiar environment for her exercises. Our physiotherapists made regular visits to assess her progress and adapt her program as needed. The home setting facilitated a consistent routine, contributing significantly to her rehabilitation. Various equipment was loaned and trialled with Kitty at various stages of her rehab journey.

Achievements and Ongoing Goals 

After six months of dedication to her exercise program, Kitty can now move around her home using a walking frame. She is currently focusing on new challenges, such as navigating steps and walking outside. These activities are vital for her next goal – walking outdoors in her neighbourhood and local parks. Kitty is now confident enough to drive her electric scooter to her local shops and is keen to progress her independence.

Continued Support and Care 

Kitty continues to receive weekly visits from a Move Healthcare physiotherapist. She dedicates time each day to her exercise program, continually working towards further improvement in her mobility.

Kitty’s journey with Move Healthcare exemplifies our commitment to providing personalised care, working with other stakeholders and support to our clients. Her progress demonstrates the effectiveness of tailored rehabilitation programs and the importance of setting and achieving incremental goals. At Move Healthcare, we are dedicated to assisting our clients in regaining independence and improving their quality of life.

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Rehab at Home Following Hip and Knee Replacement

Gait re-education at home following a total knee replacement

Joint replacement surgeries, particularly knee and hip replacements, are common procedures performed to alleviate pain. In Australia, around three in every thousand people undergo these surgeries each year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many of these scheduled surgeries to be cancelled, leading to longer wait times and a backlog of surgeries.

Recent research has shown that receiving physiotherapy at home can be just as effective as attending a clinic or an inpatient rehabilitation setting. While outcomes may vary based on individual factors and medical conditions, the ability to bend your knee, walk, climb stairs, and return to your normal routine can all be achieved with home rehabilitation under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

Benefits of Home-Based Physiotherapy

One of the primary benefits of home-based physiotherapy is the elimination of travel to appointments, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with physical disabilities, lack of social support, or financial difficulties. Home-based appointments save time and help patients return to their normal routines faster.

Physiotherapists are experts in prescribing exercises, progressing rehabilitation, and guiding you through your post-operative journey. They can also recommend the correct walking aids and equipment you might need at home during the early stages of rehabilitation.

It is often the case that rehabilitation in the community allows the physiotherapist to assist clients overcome their own challenges, rather than just doing rehabilitation in controlled environments likes rehab wards and clinics.

Recovering at home also allows your physiotherapist to prescribe functional type exercises that will get you returning to function sooner. Even everyday tasks like hanging out the washing can provide the movement needed for recover

Maximising Your Rehabilitation

If you’ve recently undergone joint replacement surgery or are preparing for it, here are five tips to aid your rehabilitation process:

  1. Home Environment: Ensure your home is equipped to handle your daily tasks safely and with ease. This might involve purchasing simple equipment like a shower chair or a walking aid. Consulting with your physiotherapist can help you make the necessary modifications.
  2. Exercise Plan: Follow a home exercise plan prescribed by your physiotherapist to aid in your recovery. These plans should be specific to the individual and regularly progressed to ensure continued improvement.
  3. Pain Management: Use pain relief medication as prescribed by your doctor to help with pain and enable you to perform exercises. It’s important to be compliant with pain medication and not try to endure excessive pain, as this can hinder your rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist can provide guidance on managing pain effectively.
  4. Swelling Management: After joint replacement surgery, there is often significant swelling, especially in the first few weeks. Adopt a swelling management plan and modify activities to ensure swelling is well controlled. Your physiotherapist can help you develop a personalised plan.
  5. Self-Care: The first six weeks following joint replacement surgery can be challenging. Avoid scheduling any social events that require extensive travel. Have friends and family visit you, and organise extra help with domestic tasks.

Rehab in the community allows for a more functional approach. This picture shows gait re-education on 3 different surfaces.

Conclusion

Hip and knee replacements are very common among Australians. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in your recovery post-surgery and are often the healthcare professionals you will see the most once the surgery is completed. Recent research has shown that home-based rehabilitation is just as effective as clinic-based rehabilitation, making it a viable and convenient option. Be sure to get in touch with your physiotherapist, such as those at Move Healthcare, to ensure your rehabilitation is successful and you get the most out of your new joint! Visit our website or call us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.

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