An INtroduction to orthopaedic physiotherapy

Orthopaedics is that area of medicine concerned with the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. 

Orthopedic Physiotherapists are therefore concerned with ensuring that your skeleton and all those bits and pieces around the bones are in good shape. Musculoskeletal is another term used to describe these connected systems around the bones. And Orthopaedic Physiotherapists have  advanced education and skills to assess and treat injuries and conditions that involve the skeleton (bones), muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. 

CONDITIONS TREATED BY AN ORTHOPAEDIC PHYSIOTHERAPIST

If you have had a sports injury, a fall, are about to have or have recently had surgery, or injury from repetitive use of a joint, you may benefit from seeing an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist.

Typical conditions that call for Orthopaedic Physiotherapy include:

KNEE

• Torn or strained ACL 
• Knee instability
• Knee pain
• Meniscus tear
• Patella pain
• Knee replacement

HIP

• Hip bursitis
• Hip pain

FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS

•  Achilles tendon injuries
• Ankle sprain
• Foot and ankle pain
• Heel pain
• Plantar fasciitis

 
ARM, WRIST AND HAND CONDITIONS

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Golfer’s elbow
• Tennis elbow
• Wrist pain

 
SHOULDER CONDITIONS

• Clavicle fracture
• Frozen shoulder
• Rotator cuff tear

 
SPINE CONDITIONS

•  Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Lower back pain
• Scoliosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Torn disc

 
OTHER CONDITIONS

•  Arthritis
• Cartilage damage
• Fractures
• Lyme disease
• Running injuries
• Stress fractures

TREATMENTS FOR MUSCULOKELETAL CONDITIONS

Treatment is aimed at getting you back to your best by restoring your strength, flexibility and range of motion.

There are five types of tools that may be used during your sessions.

1. Therapeutic modalities

We get good results from a variety of therapies such as heat, ice, water, laser, electrical stimulation, dry needling, and ultrasound. These are used to improve your blood flow and flexibility, reduce swelling, increase relaxation, and most importantly, reduce your pain level.

1. Assistive devices

Devices such as canes, walkers, crutches, slings, and braces may be either used during a session or recommended for you to use at home.

1. Assessment and evaluation

Your Physiotherapist will start your treatment with a thorough evaluation that examines your symptoms, your movement, and how your daily life is affected. Throughout your treatment period, you will be assessed regularly for outcomes such as your level of pain, range of motion, strength, balance, and posture.

1. Mobilisation and massage

A key part of retraining your body to work better is to get the muscles and joints moving. Your Physio may help by using soft tissue massage to relieve stiffness and promote blood flow. You also may receive hands-on manual therapy, where your joints and muscles are moved for you by the therapist.

1. Exercise

The first four tools are things that your Physiotherapist will do for you to help your movement improve. But the most important part of therapy is your own activity. You will be involved in a variety of rehabilitation exercises that are designed to help you fully recover.
You will do exercises that are meant to improve and increase your:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Range of motion
• Balance
• Functional mobility
• Endurance

Exercise is normally the hardest part of your recovery. However, it is the element that will normally make the most difference and lead to the quickest and most complete recovery. Your Chartered Physiotherapist will be able to expertly guide you through the process.


 If you are suffering with a musculoskeletal issue, please get in touch for an assessment at either our Terenure Physio clinic or our Tallaght Physio clinic.