Flatfoot Reconstruction (Posterior Tibial Tendon Surgery) Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside
Rehabilitating After Flatfoot Reconstruction: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Flatfoot reconstruction, often involving posterior tibial tendon surgery, aims to correct deformity, restore foot alignment, and reduce pain. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we provide personalised rehabilitation plans to support your recovery and help you regain strength, balance, and mobility. With physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates, we’ll guide you through a structured, safe recovery process.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After Flatfoot Reconstruction?
Physiotherapy is vital to a successful recovery after flatfoot reconstruction surgery:
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early phase focuses on protecting the surgical repair and controlling swelling:
What Therapies Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to address your recovery needs:
Manual Therapy
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Flatfoot Reconstruction?
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery timelines for flatfoot reconstruction vary based on the procedure and individual factors:
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Flatfoot Reconstruction?
Strengthening specific muscle groups is essential to regain function and stability:
What Exercises Are Part of Rehabilitation?
Exercises are introduced progressively to ensure safe recovery:
How Does Clinical Pilates Complement Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is a valuable addition to your rehabilitation program, offering:
Frequently Asked Questions About Flatfoot Reconstruction Recovery
How long after flatfoot reconstruction can I walk?
You will typically begin walking with partial weight-bearing at 6–8 weeks, progressing to full weight-bearing by 10–12 weeks, depending on your surgeon’s advice.
How painful is recovery from flatfoot reconstruction?
Pain is usually managed well with prescribed medications and physiotherapy. Some discomfort is expected during early recovery phases.
When can I return to normal footwear?
Most patients transition to supportive footwear around 10–12 weeks post-surgery. Orthotics may be recommended for long-term support.
Can I exercise after flatfoot reconstruction?
Yes, exercises are a critical part of recovery, but activities must be progressed carefully under physiotherapy guidance.
When can I stop elevating my leg?
Elevation is typically recommended for the first 2–3 weeks or until swelling significantly decreases.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our team is here to guide your rehabilitation journey after flatfoot reconstruction. Contact us today to book your appointment and regain confidence in your mobility!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
Flatfoot reconstruction, often involving posterior tibial tendon surgery, aims to correct deformity, restore foot alignment, and reduce pain. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we provide personalised rehabilitation plans to support your recovery and help you regain strength, balance, and mobility. With physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates, we’ll guide you through a structured, safe recovery process.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After Flatfoot Reconstruction?
Physiotherapy is vital to a successful recovery after flatfoot reconstruction surgery:
- Restore strength and mobility: Exercises improve muscle strength and joint flexibility.
- Support proper alignment: Guidance on walking and standing mechanics ensures lasting results.
- Prevent complications: Reduce risks of stiffness, swelling, and impaired function.
- Facilitate gradual progression: Ensure safe transitions through recovery stages.
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early phase focuses on protecting the surgical repair and controlling swelling:
- Non-weight-bearing period: Adherence to crutches or a walker as instructed by your surgeon.
- Swelling management: Use of ice packs, compression, and elevation to minimise inflammation.
- Gentle mobility exercises: Basic movements to prevent stiffness in the toes, ankle, and knee.
What Therapies Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to address your recovery needs:
Manual Therapy
- Soft tissue mobilisation: Reduces tension in surrounding muscles and enhances circulation.
- Joint mobilisations: Improves flexibility and mobility in adjacent joints.
- Progressive resistance exercises: Rebuild strength in the posterior tibial tendon, calves, and foot.
- Proprioception training: Balance exercises enhance stability and reduce the risk of re-injury.
- Cryotherapy: Ice therapy to control swelling and discomfort.
- Compression wraps: Support the foot and ankle while reducing inflammation.
- Weight-bearing progression: Guidance on when and how to transition from non-weight-bearing to partial and full weight-bearing.
- Proper footwear: Recommendations for orthotics or supportive shoes during recovery.
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Flatfoot Reconstruction?
- Follow weight-bearing instructions: Non-weight-bearing protocols must be strictly adhered to during early recovery.
- Avoid high-impact activities: No running, jumping, or pivoting until cleared by your physiotherapist.
- Use assistive devices properly: Learn correct crutch or walker techniques to avoid strain.
- Monitor for signs of complications: Alert your healthcare team if you experience unusual pain, swelling, or redness.
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery timelines for flatfoot reconstruction vary based on the procedure and individual factors:
- 0–6 weeks: Non-weight-bearing phase with swelling control and gentle mobility exercises.
- 6–12 weeks: Transition to partial weight-bearing and basic strengthening exercises.
- 3–6 months: Full weight-bearing with advanced strengthening and balance training.
- 6–12 months: Gradual return to high-impact activities and sports, depending on your progress.
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Flatfoot Reconstruction?
Strengthening specific muscle groups is essential to regain function and stability:
- Posterior tibial tendon and calf muscles: Support the arch and stabilise the foot.
- Foot intrinsic muscles: Improve control and balance.
- Gluteal muscles: Enhance overall lower limb alignment and stability.
- Core muscles: Contribute to overall posture and balance.
What Exercises Are Part of Rehabilitation?
Exercises are introduced progressively to ensure safe recovery:
- Early stages: Toe wiggles, ankle pumps, and seated leg lifts.
- Mid-stages: Resistance band exercises, heel raises, and seated calf stretches.
- Later stages: Standing balance exercises, controlled step-ups, and Clinical Pilates for full-body stability.
How Does Clinical Pilates Complement Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is a valuable addition to your rehabilitation program, offering:
- Targeted strengthening: Focuses on the foot, ankle, and leg muscles.
- Balance and control: Enhances proprioception and stability.
- Low-impact movements: Allows safe progression without overloading the healing structures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flatfoot Reconstruction Recovery
How long after flatfoot reconstruction can I walk?
You will typically begin walking with partial weight-bearing at 6–8 weeks, progressing to full weight-bearing by 10–12 weeks, depending on your surgeon’s advice.
How painful is recovery from flatfoot reconstruction?
Pain is usually managed well with prescribed medications and physiotherapy. Some discomfort is expected during early recovery phases.
When can I return to normal footwear?
Most patients transition to supportive footwear around 10–12 weeks post-surgery. Orthotics may be recommended for long-term support.
Can I exercise after flatfoot reconstruction?
Yes, exercises are a critical part of recovery, but activities must be progressed carefully under physiotherapy guidance.
When can I stop elevating my leg?
Elevation is typically recommended for the first 2–3 weeks or until swelling significantly decreases.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our team is here to guide your rehabilitation journey after flatfoot reconstruction. Contact us today to book your appointment and regain confidence in your mobility!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
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