Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.
Physiotherapists facilitate recovery and rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy is an important non-operative method for treating many conditions.
When surgery is necessary, pre-operative physiotherapy “prehab” and post-operative physiotherapy are critical to a successful outcome.
It is important to appreciate that any “surgery” is just one (although important) component to your recovery. One should never underestimate the value and importance of physiotherapy in aiding and enhancing your recovery and return to full function.
A well structured conditioning program will also help you return to sports and other recreational activities.
Physiotherapy is always tailored to the individual’s problems and needs. Certain common foot and ankle disorders have recognised and established physiotherapy regimes. Typically, your physiotherapist will begin your rehabilitation by taking a detailed history and evaluation of your foot and ankle problem. The physiotherapist will usually assess your gait and carry out a full biomechanics assessment looking at the complete kinetic chain.
Physiotherapists may choose from an array of options in treating you, including exercises for flexibility, stability, balance, strength, coordination, and restoration of range of motion, as well as massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, traction or mobilisation, or heat or cold. These tools allow the physiotherapist to create a program of rehabilitation that is custom-designed for your particular problem.
In addition, the physiotherapist may consult with other health care practitioners to provide special bandages, braces, supports, casts, or shoe inserts. Your physiotherapist and surgeon Mr Malik will at times discuss your case to ensure that your treatment program is tailored to your needs and clinically optimised.
To avoid or overcome a foot or ankle problem you may need to learn some new habits or modify your current level of physical activity, whether it involves work, recreation, or both. Once your physiotherapy goals are met, your physiotherapist will help you continue therapy on your own with a home program designed to fit your needs. The goal of physiotherapy is to return you to normal activity as quickly as possible, with the knowledge you need to prevent reinjury or disability.
At The London Foot & Ankle Clinic we have several partners we work closely with in London as well as in and around Buckinghamshire.
If you do not already have a physiotherapist we can guide and recommend suitable physiotherapists based on your individual needs. You may wish to visit a physiotherapist close to your workplace or home for example. Discuss with your surgeon for further details.
Moderate to severe conditions sometimes fail to improve with conservative measures such as:
Patients are typically advised to undergo at least 3 months of physiotherapy before considering surgical options. Obviously if your pain is exacerbated by physiotherapy and/or is worsening then that is a good indication to see your surgeon.
Your surgeon may then discuss surgical options.
Coming soon – watch this space
Eccentric calf stretches
Start in a single-leg standing position with the weight on the forefoot and the ankle in full plantar flexion (involved leg only tip-toe on a step); the Achilles tendon is then eccentrically loaded by slowly lowering the heel to a dorsiflexed position (forefoot on step and heel below); the patient then returns to the starting position using the arms and other leg to avoid concentric loading (both feet tip-toe on step). Movements are slow and controlled with moderate but not disabling pain
Orthopaedic Outpatient Department 30 Devonshire Street, London, W1G 6PU
tel: +44 (0) 203 7956053
Mon - Fri (8am-8pm) Sat (9am - 5pm)
info@lfaclinic.co.uk
