Patellar Tendon Repair Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside
Rehabilitating After Patellar Tendon Repair: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Patellar tendon repair is a surgical procedure to restore the function of the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This procedure is often necessary after a rupture or severe tendon damage, and effective rehabilitation is essential to restore strength, mobility, and function. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we offer personalised rehabilitation plans, including Clinical Pilates and hands-on therapy, to guide you through recovery and help you achieve your goals.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After Patellar Tendon Repair?
Physiotherapy is critical for a successful recovery, as it helps:
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early recovery phase focuses on protection and foundational healing:
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists incorporate various treatments to optimise healing:
Manual Therapy
What Precautions Should Be Taken During Recovery?
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery from patellar tendon repair typically progresses through these stages:
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Surgery?
Rehabilitation focuses on rebuilding strength in key muscle groups:
What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Your physiotherapist will introduce exercises progressively:
How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is an excellent addition to physiotherapy, offering:
Frequently Asked Questions About Patellar Tendon Repair Rehabilitation
How long after patellar tendon repair can I walk?
What are the long-term effects of patellar tendon repair?
How to sleep after patellar tendon repair surgery?
When can I stop elevating my knee after surgery?
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]
Patellar tendon repair is a surgical procedure to restore the function of the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This procedure is often necessary after a rupture or severe tendon damage, and effective rehabilitation is essential to restore strength, mobility, and function. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we offer personalised rehabilitation plans, including Clinical Pilates and hands-on therapy, to guide you through recovery and help you achieve your goals.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After Patellar Tendon Repair?
Physiotherapy is critical for a successful recovery, as it helps:
- Restore mobility and strength: Targeted exercises improve knee range of motion and rebuild muscular strength.
- Prevent complications: Minimise risks of stiffness, scar tissue buildup, or re-injury.
- Ensure safe progression: Physiotherapists create a rehab plan aligned with your healing timeline, avoiding stress on the repaired tendon.
- Support return to activity: Rehabilitation prepares the knee for daily activities, work, and sports.
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early recovery phase focuses on protection and foundational healing:
- Immobilisation and bracing: A knee brace may be used to restrict movement and protect the repaired tendon.
- Swelling and pain management: Techniques like icing, compression, and elevation reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Gentle mobility exercises: Passive range-of-motion exercises maintain joint health without overloading the tendon.
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists incorporate various treatments to optimise healing:
Manual Therapy
- Joint mobilisations: Gentle techniques address stiffness and improve movement in the knee joint.
- Soft tissue release: Massage and myofascial release alleviate tension in surrounding muscles.
- Scar management: Hands-on techniques reduce adhesions and improve flexibility around the surgical site.
- Support and alignment: Taping can enhance knee stability and ensure proper mechanics during movement.
- Brace guidance: Your physiotherapist will ensure your brace is correctly fitted and provide instructions for safe use.
- Cryotherapy: Regular ice application reduces inflammation and provides pain relief.
- Compression wraps: Promote circulation and control swelling in the affected area.
- Muscle relaxation: Relieve tension in compensating muscles and support balanced movement patterns.
- Improved circulation: Enhance blood flow to surrounding tissues for faster recovery.
- Activity modifications: Guidance on safe daily activities to protect the healing tendon.
- Home exercises: Specific exercises to maintain progress between physiotherapy sessions.
- Progression planning: Clear advice on when and how to return to weight-bearing, functional activities, and sports.
What Precautions Should Be Taken During Recovery?
- Follow weight-bearing restrictions: Gradually reintroduce weight-bearing based on your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s recommendations.
- Avoid overstretching the tendon: Exercises must be performed under controlled conditions to prevent re-rupture.
- Use assistive devices: Crutches, walkers, or braces may be necessary during the initial healing phase.
- Avoid high-impact activities: Running, jumping, or deep squats should be avoided until cleared by your physiotherapist.
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery from patellar tendon repair typically progresses through these stages:
- 0–6 weeks: Focus on immobilisation, pain management, and gradual reintroduction of gentle range-of-motion exercises.
- 6–12 weeks: Transition to partial weight-bearing and progressive strengthening exercises under guidance.
- 3–6 months: Regain full weight-bearing capacity, strength, and functional movement.
- 6–12 months: Return to sports or high-impact activities, depending on your progress and recovery goals.
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Surgery?
Rehabilitation focuses on rebuilding strength in key muscle groups:
- Quadriceps: Crucial for knee stability and restoring functional movement.
- Hamstrings: Assist in balanced knee mechanics and protect the tendon.
- Glutes: Provide pelvic stability, improving lower limb alignment.
- Calf muscles: Aid in overall lower limb strength and mobility.
What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Your physiotherapist will introduce exercises progressively:
- Early stages: Passive range-of-motion exercises, isometric quadriceps contractions, and ankle pumps.
- Mid-stages: Closed-chain exercises like mini squats, controlled step-ups, and bridging.
- Later stages: Functional movements such as lunges, single-leg balance exercises, and Clinical Pilates for advanced strength and stability.
How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is an excellent addition to physiotherapy, offering:
- Low-impact strengthening: Controlled exercises reduce stress on the knee while improving muscle activation.
- Core stability: Enhances overall movement efficiency and reduces strain on the affected leg.
- Customisable routines: Exercises are tailored to your stage of recovery and specific rehabilitation goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patellar Tendon Repair Rehabilitation
How long after patellar tendon repair can I walk?
- 0–6 weeks: You’ll typically use crutches with limited or no weight-bearing.
- 6–12 weeks: Progress to partial and then full weight-bearing, depending on your physiotherapist's and surgeon's advice.
What are the long-term effects of patellar tendon repair?
- Improved function: Restores knee stability and strength for daily activities and sports.
- Minimal impact on movement: With proper rehabilitation, most patients regain full range of motion and strength.
- Prevention of future injuries: Strengthened knee mechanics reduce the risk of further damage.
How to sleep after patellar tendon repair surgery?
- Elevate the leg: Keep your leg elevated with a pillow under the knee to reduce swelling.
- Use a brace if recommended: Wear it while sleeping if prescribed to protect the tendon.
- Avoid side sleeping: Rest on your back to avoid putting pressure on the operated leg.
When can I stop elevating my knee after surgery?
- First 2 weeks: Keep the knee elevated as much as possible to minimise swelling.
- 2–6 weeks: Reduce elevation frequency as swelling subsides but continue after exercises or prolonged activity.
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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