What’s an arthroscopy?
An arthroscopy is a common procedure that many individuals undergo to investigate or repair their injured or damaged joint (the knee is the most common). It’s called an arthroscopy as the procedure is completed with a very small camera named an arthroscope that ensures the operation is as minimally invasive as possible.
Why would I undergo an arthroscopy?
We’re seeing more and more patients undergo an arthroscopy as it has a much faster recovery time. This is of course a major benefit of this kind of procedure, especially for those who are so eager to return to sport or their active lifestyle.
A knee arthroscopy is usually performed to attend to:
– Joint injuries
– Meniscus tears
– Ligament repairs
What can I expect post-surgery?
For the first few days after surgery you will experience all of the usual post-surgery occurrences such as some swelling, pain & will more than likely have some anti-inflammatories and pain killers to help you initially.
Rotations of ice packs to help with the swelling is also quite common as well as all necessary precautions like keeping weight off the joint in the initial healing stage. Avoid irritating the newly operated joint where possible.
How can physiotherapy help me recover & why is it vital?
It’s important to ensure your newly operated knee joint isn’t left stiff and still for too long. Although initial rest is important, it’s better to begin exercises sooner rather than later to ensure you have the best possible chance of a full recovery.
You want to be restoring the strength and the all-important range of motion as soon as possible. There’s nothing to worry about as initially you will only be completing gentle exercises that are non-weight bearing to kick start your recovery.
As you progress through your post-surgery rehabilitation plan with your physiotherapist, they will ensure your knee is safely strengthened and returned to its original capacities within the expected timeframe.
Here’s an idea of what your post-surgery treatment plan will aim to achieve following your knee arthroscopy:
– Initial control and management of any pain or swelling
– Progress you from non- weight baring to full- weight bearing exercises
– Activate and correct any major muscle movements
– Aim to restore your full range of motion (ROM)
– Regain your usual and normal walking pattern
– Restore your previous leg strength
– Restore your normal balance, proprioception & coordination
– Work on restoring any sport specific or work specific movements
– Achieve your post-surgery goals
Talk to our experienced team if you have any questions
At Progressive Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, our highly experienced team of physiotherapists have rehabilitated many patients successfully after undergoing a knee arthroscopy. We offer the support and guidance you need to achieve your goals post-surgery.
If you would like further information about our customised rehabilitation programs, please feel free to contact the clinic today by calling (02) 4721 7798 or by emailing info@progressiverehab.com.au
At Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Penrith, we are able to assess, treat, educate and manage all musculoskeletal injuries. We focus on hands-on treatment, exercise prescription and self management techniques tailored to your specific needs. We utilise evidence based treatments to maximise your outcomes.
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Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.
Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.
Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.
As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.
Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024.
Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.
Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).
Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.
Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools.
Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.
Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.
Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.
Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.
Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.
Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.
During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.