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What we’ll cover
  1. What does this mean for you?
  2. What can I do whilst I wait for surgery?
  3. How do I get started with prehabilitation?

Corona virus and elective surgery

As part of the government’s efforts to reduce the spread of corona virus, elective surgery was recently ceased. Elective surgery is non-urgent people choose or elect to have. This includes common surgeries such as cosmetic surgery, cataract surgery, hernia repairs and joint replacement or arthroscopic surgery. Whilst elective surgery has recently been re-instated, there are significant restrictions about what surgical procedures should be informed.

Our physiotherapist Jason Lee identifies what this could mean for your elective orthopaedic surgery such as a joint replacement or arthroscopic surgery.

What does this mean for you?

More than likely, it means that your surgery has either been delayed or postponed. However, this isn’t all bad news. In particular, a number of conditions in which orthopaedic surgery was considered, may find their condition improves if managed optimally.

As a result, now, more than ever before, it is important to be working with your multidisciplinary team. This will include liaising with your Specialist and General Practitioner regarding pain management and medication if appropriate. In conjunction, your physiotherapist is well placed to maintain and prevent further deterioration through an individualised and specific program.

However, we also know, that is poorly managed, delaying surgery can result in further increase in symptoms such as pain, weakness and stiffness.

What can I do whilst I wait for surgery?

There is a plenty to do for those that are waiting for surgery. Exercise and physiotherapy has always played a critical role following surgery. However, it has been shown that specific exercises and physiotherapy prior to surgery can significantly improve outcomes following surgery and in some cases prevent the need for surgery.

Prior to surgery, it is commonly recommended to undertake a prehabilitation program by your physiotherapist. The aim of these exercises are designed to maintain and improve joint mobility and reduce pain without exacerbating or causing further deterioration to the joint. A holistic program aiming to improve overall health, in particular cardiovascular fitness is critical to reduce recovery time following surgery.

If your surgery has been delayed or postponed, it is critical to continue with your prehabilitation program as prescribed by your physiotherapist. Perhaps you hadn’t been compliant with your prehabilitation, delaying your surgery actually allows you time to thoroughly complete your prehabilitation program.

In fact, in some cases, we have found that completing thorough prehabilitation not only improves recovery times but in some cases has actually prevented the need for surgery.

Our team at Malvern East Physiotherapy work closely with a number of specialists to develop prehabiltiation programs inline with their surgical procedures and protocols. If you were scheduled or were considering elective surgery prior to this pandemic, we would encourage you to discuss your case with your specialist and physiotherapist.

How do I get started with prehabilitation?

If you are not sure where to start, the team at Malvern East Physiotherapy have a range of onsite and offline prehabilitation and exercises services to assist with your osteoarthritis. Our onsite rehabilitative gym allows you to complete specific exercises under the guidance of your physiotherapist.

Unlike other generic exercise programs, your surgery is unique and as such, our physiotherapists are able to thoroughly assess your strength and develop an individualised strengthening program. Importantly, our team have extensive experience with a range of pre and post-operative requirements for orthopaedic surgeries such as joint replacements, joint reconstruction or arthroscopic surgery.

If you were due to have elective orthopaedic surgery or have booked in upcoming orthopaedic surgery, call our team today or book online.


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“Between DeQuervain’s syndrome in both wrists, chronic shoulder pain and a torn tendon in my hip, there was a time I didn’t know if I’d be able to hike, travel, cook, boogie board, work or even go on gentle walks without pain again. But thanks to Jason and the amazing team at ME physio, I have come through the other side.

The team worked with me through Covid and beyond, and now, I can do everything I love mostly pain free. 

Jason also helped me understand the bio-psycho-social approach to pain management, which was a huge support, especially during the stress of Covid.

I couldn’t be more grateful for their dedication to my recovery!”

- Cyndi

We are here to keep you happier, healthier and stronger 
🧡💛🩶

#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy This week, our physio team took part in our annual CPR training, led by the amzing Helen McGrath! Keeping our skills sharp and always ready to act in any situation. 

Safety first.  keeping us all healthier, stronger and happy. 

🩶💛🧡

#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy “A massive thank you to the whole team at ME Physio for getting us fit enough to take on the challenge of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Tony made it all the way to the summit- 5,895m I reached the Barafu camp at 4,700m! 
All those strength and Pilates classes have really paid off” 
–Joan 💪🏽🗻

At ME Physio, it’s all about getting stronger, happier and staying healthy so you can do the things you love! 

💛🧡🩶

#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Last week, we had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely residents at Hyson Apartments, right next to our new Caulfield South location! Our expert physio, Jason, shared some great tips on building strength and balance to help everyone stay active, independent and safe from falls. 

With the right exercises, you can feel healthier, happier, and stronger every day! From standing up with ease to walking confidently, these small steps lead to a life-changing impact. 
 
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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy From the clinic to the kitchen! 🍝 Our team at ME Physio traded their work attire for aprons this long weekend, cooking up some pasta magic for a work function. Team bonding with alot of delicious fun! 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳 

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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Your bone mineral density is an important area to address as you age. 

In these videos Lizzie and Matt run us through some basic exercises that you can do at home to start building up the strength in your bones and muscles. 

There are multiple variations for each exercise so that you can choose the exercise that best fits your current strength / fitness level.

Here we have our variations of a push up 
1) push ups against the wall
2) push ups on knees 
3) push ups elevated on a surface (can use a bench or table)
4) push ups in plank position

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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Under the care of Lella and our team, Peta has worked extremely hard to get back to playing soccer after an ankle injury. 
Through a thorough and guided rehabilitation program, getting stronger is getting back on the pitch and finishing off the season with a few goals 
🧡🩶

#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Under the care of Matthew and our team, Cailin has worked tirelessly to reduce her back pain and restore her strength.
Through a thorough and guided rehabilitation program, getting stronger is getting back on the ice and competiting at Nationals. 
🧡🩶

#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy At ME Physio, we’re focused on helping you get stronger and recover so you can keep doing the things you love. 

For Rachel, healthier and stronger is getting back on the slopes in New Zealand following ACL reconstructive surgery 
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#lovetoseeit #MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Exciting news from our NEW site in Caulfield South! 🧡🩶

Our physiotherapists, Lizzie and Matthew, recently performed strength and balance assessments for the friendly and caring residents at Calvary Hyson Apartments. 

These assessments help us understand your balance, strength, and current fitness levels, allowing our physiotherapists to create a tailored plan to keep you healthier, happier, and stronger.

#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Back to school 🔙📚

Last week we were fortunate enough to head back to uni and refresh our anatomy knowledge at @latrobeuni in the anatomy labs. 

Thank you to the Latrobe School of Physiotherapy for inviting us!

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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