Let’s get moving!
Are you waiting for a joint operation, perhaps a replacement? Or have you had your operation and what to know how you can get going a bit more?
Keeping fit and active in these situations can be a challenge and our physios are on hand to guide you if you need them. However, there is lots of information available online too – it’s often a case of not knowing which resources to trust.
This is where Versus Arthritis come in – they have pulled together a wealth of really valuable information to be used either before an operation: or after an operation such as a hip, knee or shoulder replacement:
Image credit: universityhospital.com
Image credit: harvardhealth.com
The above link is for full body strengthening but there are specific programmes for specific replacement operations too. Just type in Surgery Toolkit into your search engine to access all the information from the Versus Arthritis website. There is a suit of 10 videos each about 20 minutes long with demonstrated exercises you can work alongside. Minimal equipment is required and they can be done almost anywhere so you can fit these into your daily routine
You will find advice on appropriate exercises for mobility, for strengthening, for fitness and also personal stories and top tips from real patients who have been through the process.
Image credit: inc.magazine.com
These all work hand in hand with any specific advice you may get from your physiotherapist. They might help give that extra motivation on days when you’re struggling. There’s even an ‘activity tracker’ that you can download to note your goals and progress. You can show this to your physio so they can see exactly what stage in your rehab you have got to.
Let’s Move for Surgery Toolkit | Versus Arthritis
“Unfortunately waiting times for joint surgery have been growing for a number of years, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend with a significant increase in the number of people with arthritis now waiting a year or more for joint replacement surgery.
Versus Arthritis are campaigning to bring down these waiting times but recognise that it will continue to take time for people to receive the surgery they need” (Versus Arthritis publications). Versus Arthritis developed The Surgery Toolkit to help people during their wait and after their operations.
The FITTER you are going into your operation the easier the rehabilitation afterwards is likely to be.
Image credit: herzidagi.com
Why not delve into these resources and see what floats your boat or gets you interested and remember, we are here at Ashbourne Physiotherapy or Hilton Physiotherapy if you need support or help and confidence to get started.
If you know someone who is either waiting for an operation or is struggling to get going after an operation, you might like to share some of these resources with them:
The Versus Arthritis website also has information about arthritis generally:
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
What you need to know if you’ve been recently diagnosed with arthritis
How to manage the condition
Various treatment options
If you have any questions regarding the above information or would like an appointment for physiotherapy support during this time please don’t hesitate to give us a call as all our physiotherapists have a wealth of experience of helping patients prepare for and recover from operations.
To book an appointment: Call :
Ashbourne 01335 344952
Hilton 01283 777070
