Injury/Surgery Rehabilitation

Home » Injury/Surgery Rehabilitation

The feet are very complex and therefore, there are a large number of injuries or problems that occur. In severe cases, these injuries may require surgical intervention. It is important that any injury or surgery is followed by an appropriate rehabilitation program to allow the injury to heal properly, as well as help regain proper movement and function.

Common injuries and surgeries that we help to rehabilitate include:

• Fractures.
• Plantar fasciitis.
• Ankle sprains.
• Shin splints.
• Soft tissue tears – muscles, ligaments and tendons.
• Bunion surgery.
• Foot and ankle reconstructions.
• Removal of accessory bones (extra bones or fragments).
• Tarsal coalitions.

Watsonia Podiatry is well equipped to help you in your injury or surgery management and rehabilitation. Our podiatrists are passionate about injury management, prevention and rehabilitation. At the clinic we can provide:

• Shockwave therapy to assist with healing of the affected structures. To read more on shockwave therapy, click here.
• Trigger point dry needling and myofascial release (massage) of the area to help release tension in the soft tissues. To read more on trigger point dry needling, click here.
• Foot mobilisation to allow the structures of the feet to function better. To read more on foot mobilisation, click here.
• Orthotic therapy to help offload the injured structure and assist with proper function and alignment.
• To read more on orthotic therapy, click here.

We also work with you to create a detailed strengthening program to help the structures return to their pre-injury status or even better. This includes not only strengthening the injured structures, but also rehabilitating the surrounding structures so that the area as a whole functions properly. We also work to provide a program that mimics your activities of daily living or sport. We ensure that we personalise your treatment plan to help you get back to things such as being able to walk up your stairs at home, or get you back onto the sporting field.

Goal Setting And Injury/Surgery Rehabilitation

It is important when creating an injury or surgical rehabilitation program that we clearly identify your goals. This may be to get back into playing sport, being able to walk the dog every day or to be able to play with your grandkids without being in pain. Everyone has a different set of goals and we will work closely with you to achieve them.

When identifying your goals, it is important to follow the SMART principle:

• S – Specific. This means that they need to be particular and precise in regards to what you want to achieve.
  • EXAMPLE: I want to be able to trek the entire Kokoda trail.
• M – Measurable. This means that we can compare or measure your goal against something.
  • EXAMPLE: testing your calf flexibility at your first appointment and being able to re-test this in future to assess your progress.
• A – Attainable. This means that they need to be something that you will be able to accomplish.
  • EXAMPLE: if you have been walking 5km, we can aim to have you walking 6km in a few weeks.
• R – Realistic. This means that we need to set goals that are sensible and rational.
  • EXAMPLE: If you have never played soccer before but want to play for the Socceroos next year, this is probably unrealistic. Something more realistic may be to progress to the highest level of soccer at your local club within the next few years.
• T – Timely. This means that you set out a time frame in which you would like to achieve your goals.
  • EXAMPLE: I want to be able to run 10km within the next 6 months.

Each injury is different and what works for one patient may not necessarily be the best treatment option for you. That’s why here at Watsonia Podiatry, we work with you to create a detailed and customised treatment plan to get you back on your feet post-injury or surgery.