YOUR CARE
During your Stay
Physiotherapy during your hospital stay
If you have not been able to attend the pre-assessment clinic your physiotherapist will normally assess you pre-operatively and advise you on the post-operative procedure.
Immediately after your operation you are advised to do the following exercises.
After the operation you will be advised to do the following breathing exercises to prevent lung complications after surgery.
- Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. You should feel your lungs expanding. Repeat 5 times every hour.
- After your breathing exercises try a strong cough. This will help remove any secretions that may settle in your lungs when you are under the anaesthetic.
Circulation exercises are important to keep the blood flowing freely and preventing complications such as blood clots.
- Pump your feet up and down 10 times every hour
- Circle your ankles 10 times every hour
- Tense your thigh muscles i.e push your knees down into the bed for 5 seconds 10 times every hour
- Tense your buttock muscles for 5 seconds every hour.
Your first physiotherapy session will take place on the day after the operation. The purpose of this session will be to
- Help you to get out of bed for the first time and take a few steps with the aid of a walking frame
- Advise on positioning and ways to move in the bed.
- Help and advise on pain relief
- Start the exercise programme you learnt in the pre-assessment clinic. Most of the exercises you will be doing can be found at the end of this leaflet.
Over the next few days you will gradually increases the distance you walk and progress on to crutches and finally sticks. Your physiotherapist will give you more exercises to increase your hip movement and strength. You will also be taught how to walk up and down stairs before discharge. During your physiotherapy sessions you may find it easier to wear loose comfortable clothing such as shorts or loose trousers. This will allow the physio to assess you more fully. You should wear sensible, flat, nonslip shoes or trainers for walking longer distances and stairs. Mule type slippers are not appropriate.
Discharge planning
It will help you to plan ahead for your return home. If you live alone you may need to consider getting some help until you are more independent.
Make sure that your home is safe and remove all loose rugs, trailing cables etc.
You may need specialist equipment which your occupational therapist will advise you on.
As you approach your discharge date you will need to continue with physiotherapy as an outpatient in order to reach your maximum potential. Your physiotherapist can arrange for you to attend the Wellington hospital outpatient department or help you to find a physiotherapist closer to home. Any equipment you need to go home with such as sticks will be charged for.