Orthopedic rehabilitation

What is orthopedic rehabilitation?

Orthopedic rehabilitation is a therapeutic approach to healing, aimed at correcting musculoskeletal limitations and relieving pain resulting from trauma, disease, or surgery. The musculoskeletal system is made up of muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, so orthopedic rehabilitation can address any of these structures.

Here are some examples of orthopedic injuries and conditions that may require rehabilitation:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Joint hypermobility
• Anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tears
• Fractures

Rehabilitation helps you regain use of your limbs and integrate assistive devices or learn new ways to work around any persistent limitations.

What does an orthopedic rehabilitation program look like?

Orthopedic rehabilitation is different for each person depending on their condition and abilities. Our care team develops a personalized treatment program and adapts it according to the stages of your recovery. Although it varies from person to person, rehabilitation follows a natural progression to optimize your recovery.

First, the extent of your illness or injury determines whether rehabilitation is best done outpatient or as part of a post-acute hospitalization program. Inpatient rehabilitation is generally recommended for more complex situations, while outpatient rehabilitation may be suggested for less serious cases.

Whether you are treated as an inpatient or outpatient, the therapy offered is designed to gradually strengthen both body and mind using the most current and clinically effective approaches. Therapy may be more intensive for people with severe impairments who are hospitalized than for those with minor issues treated on an outpatient basis.

The final stage of orthopedic rehabilitation consists of ensuring an effective transition of care. Our orthopedists provide you with the tools and resources you need for a smooth transition to your home or to a long-term care facility. This may include modifying your home to ensure safety, organizing care and transport responsibilities, follow-up requirements, and self-management techniques for your health condition.

What types of therapy can I expect during orthopedic rehabilitation?

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists help you regain your strength, flexibility, mobility, and overall body function. They use manual therapies and guide you through stretches, exercises, and other techniques, progressing gradually to optimize your physical abilities.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists help you regain the ability to perform your daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, driving, and working. They can also provide you with adapted tools to help you perform activities that are challenging for you in a safer or easier way. During your occupational therapy sessions, you may work on any of the following areas:

• Fine motor skills and dexterity
• Movement adaptation
• Balance training

What are the benefits of orthopedic rehabilitation?

The goal of orthopedic rehabilitation is to help you regain your body's functions and mobility as quickly and efficiently as possible. One of the main benefits of rehabilitation is allowing you to get back to what you love doing.

Although restoring your ability to perform your favorite activities may be your main goal, orthopedic rehabilitation also offers many other benefits:

• It promotes circulation, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots
• It reduces pain and the need for painkillers
• It prevents injuries and the risk of falls

If you have any other questions, feel free to consult our orthopedic advice.