Pre-joint replacement rehabilitation: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems worldwide, and the UK’s NHS has been no exception. One of the most notable effects has been the postponement of routine orthopaedic operations, such as hip and knee replacements. This has left many patients, particularly those suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, in prolonged pain and discomfort as they await surgery.
During this challenging time, I have had numerous phone consultations with patients who are in desperate need of relief. Their most common complaints are pain and stiffness, particularly in the hip and knee joints. The good news is that physiotherapy can provide substantial relief for these symptoms even while surgery is delayed. While we cannot directly address the bony structures causing the issues, we can work on strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving joint mobility to reduce the overall strain on the joints.
In this article, I’ll explain how physiotherapy can help manage hip and knee pain while awaiting surgery and why pre-operative care can improve your post-surgical recovery.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic surgeries like hip and knee replacements are critical for patients with severe joint damage. These procedures help restore mobility and significantly reduce pain, improving quality of life. However, due to the immense strain the pandemic placed on the healthcare system, many non-urgent surgeries were postponed to prioritise COVID-19 care. As a result, waiting lists for orthopaedic surgeries have become longer, and patients are left managing their symptoms for an extended period.
For many, the delay in surgery has resulted in increased pain and stiffness in their affected joints. The good news is that physiotherapy can help manage these symptoms and make this waiting period more bearable.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage Hip and Knee Pain
Physiotherapy is an excellent approach to managing hip and knee pain while waiting for surgery. It involves a combination of techniques that target the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the joint, helping to improve mobility and reduce pain.
Here are a few ways physiotherapy can help:
- Soft Tissue Release: Soft tissue release focuses on relaxing the muscles and tendons around the hip and knee joints. By doing so, we can reduce the tension on these joints and provide immediate pain relief. Soft tissue techniques also help increase blood flow to the affected areas, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Strengthening Exercises: One of the key aspects of physiotherapy is strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected joints. By building muscle strength, we can provide better support for the joint, reducing the load and therefore lessening pain. For example, in patients with hip pain, we often focus on strengthening the gluteal muscles, hamstrings, and quadriceps, as these muscles play a crucial role in supporting the hip joint.
- Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Stretching exercises are vital for increasing joint mobility and flexibility. These exercises help reduce stiffness and improve range of motion, making it easier for patients to perform daily activities with less pain. For instance, stretching the hip flexors, quadriceps, and calf muscles can significantly alleviate knee pain.
- Postural and Gait Correction: Poor posture and abnormal walking patterns can exacerbate hip and knee pain. Physiotherapists can assess your posture and gait and provide corrective exercises to improve how you move. Correcting these issues helps reduce unnecessary strain on the joints.
- Pain Management Techniques: Beyond exercises, physiotherapists can use various techniques like ultrasound therapy, manual therapy, and heat application to help manage pain. These therapies can provide temporary relief from discomfort and complement your exercise regimen.
Why Pre-Surgery Physiotherapy Matters
Physiotherapy isn’t just useful while waiting for surgery; it’s also crucial for improving outcomes post-surgery. By preparing the body in advance, patients can experience quicker recovery times and better overall results after their hip or knee replacement.
Here’s why pre-surgery physiotherapy is beneficial:
- Strengthens Supporting Muscles: The stronger your muscles are before surgery, the more stable your joint will be post-surgery. This can lead to a smoother and faster recovery process.
- Increases Joint Flexibility: Maintaining or improving flexibility before surgery ensures that the muscles and tendons are as pliable as possible. This can help reduce stiffness and pain after the operation.
- Improves Circulation: Physiotherapy techniques can promote healthy blood flow to the joints, which is crucial for healing both before and after surgery.
- Enhances Mental Well-being: Knowing that you are taking steps to manage your pain and improve your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental state. This can help reduce anxiety about the upcoming surgery and improve your overall sense of well-being.
- Reduces Pain Before Surgery: By reducing the load on the joints, physiotherapy can help patients experience less pain leading up to their operation. This means you can enter surgery in a better physical condition, which often leads to better results.
What to Expect from a Pre-Surgery Physiotherapy Program
When you visit a physiotherapist for hip or knee pain, your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs. During the initial assessment, I will evaluate your pain level, range of motion, muscle strength, and joint stability. From there, we’ll work together to create a personalised exercise and treatment plan.
Your pre-surgery physiotherapy program may include:
- Targeted strengthening exercises for the muscles around the hip or knee
- Mobility and flexibility exercises to increase range of motion
- Soft tissue release techniques to reduce muscle tension
- Pain management strategies, including heat therapy and manual techniques
- Education on posture, gait, and movement to reduce joint strain
By focusing on these areas, we can help alleviate your pain, improve your mobility, and ensure you are in the best possible shape for your surgery.
Conclusion
While waiting for a hip or knee replacement can be a challenging and painful experience, physiotherapy offers a valuable way to manage your symptoms and prepare your body for surgery. By focusing on strengthening, stretching, and mobility, physiotherapy can reduce joint pain and improve overall function, allowing you to stay active and mobile while you wait for your procedure.
If you are currently on a waiting list for surgery and experiencing pain and stiffness in your joints, I encourage you to seek physiotherapy treatment. Together, we can work to alleviate your discomfort and ensure you’re in the best possible condition for a successful surgery.
To discuss how I can help or to book an appointment, please contact me, Victoria, at 07813 912 313 or email tors@stoneystrettonphysiotherapy.co.uk.