What’s Best for Patients?
When it comes to orthopaedic rehabilitation, patients may be offered the option of either having physiotherapy in a clinic setting or to opt for the convenience of home based treatment. So what is best and what will make you achieve your goals in the safest, most convenient and effective way?
At Complete Physio, we understand the importance of this choice and in this blog we will aim to provide an insight into the benefits of each approach. With our team of highly skilled physiotherapists, we strive to deliver exceptional care tailored to each patient’s needs, whether in the comfort of their own home or at one of our state-of-the-art, London based clinics.
Who is orthopaedic rehabilitation aimed at?
Orthopaedic patients include a wide range of individuals suffering from various musculoskeletal conditions or injuries. These patients might present with sports injuries, such as torn ligaments or tendons, fractures, or dislocations.
Others may suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis, requiring joint replacement surgery such as knee or hip replacements. Orthopaedic patients can also include those with back and spine issues, requiring procedures like spinal fusion or disc replacement surgery.
Additionally, some might need complex surgeries for congenital deformities or trauma-related injuries.
At Complete Physio we provide comprehensive care for these types of conditions both in clinic or home based physiotherapy.
The Expertise of Complete Physiotherapists
Our physiotherapists are the heart of our practice; with years of experience and advanced training, they possess the expertise needed to address a wide range of orthopaedic conditions effectively whether that is at home or in clinic.
Our team is committed to staying up to date with the latest developments in physiotherapy medicine, and we use evidence-based assessment and treatment techniques to deliver the highest quality care to our patients. Whether it’s treating acute orthopaedic injuries, or assisting with pre or post-operative rehabilitation, our physiotherapists have the skills and knowledge to guide patients through every step of their recovery journey.
Clinic Based Treatment – The Traditional Approach
Clinic based physiotherapy is the standard structure for orthopaedic rehabilitation. Patients visit a physiotherapy clinic for scheduled appointments, where they receive hands-on treatment, guided exercises, and expert advice from their physiotherapist. This approach offers several advantages, including access to specialised equipment, a dedicated treatment space, and the opportunity for collaborative treatment from other specialists within the clinic. It is also usually a cheaper option, as the physio doesn’t need to travel to you.
Home Visit Physiotherapy – Convenience and Comfort
In more recent years, home visit physiotherapy has become a popular alternative to in-clinic treatment, and in London it is becoming increasingly popular. It offers patients more convenience, especially if you work from home, which many people now do.
With physio at home, patients will receive the same level of expert care and treatment in the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for travel into a clinic. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues; either due to age or injury, busy schedules, or those who just prefer the familiarity of their own home environment.
The Benefits of Home Visit Physiotherapy
Having physiotherapy at home offers a range of benefits for orthopaedic patients, including:
1. Convenience
With physio at home, patients can schedule appointments at times that are convenient for them, without the hassle of having to travel to a clinic, therefore reducing disruptions to their daily routine. This is especially useful for elderly patients or patients who have limited mobility – are using crutches and are not able to bear weight or have a heavy cast or brace.
2. Personalised Treatment and Real Life Functional Training
Often following a major injury or surgery, there are practical limitations as well as mobility issues that people face in their activities of daily living.
Rehabilitation in the home setting enables your physiotherapist to design exercises that are directly applicable to your daily life. Treatment can be more functional, helping you to achieve tasks that you are struggling with at home, like climbing the stairs, getting in or out of bed or in and out of the bath or shower.
Your Physiotherapist can also assess the home environment and recommend modifications or adaptive equipment that might help to make your life easier while you recover. This practical approach really helps patients regain confidence and functional independence more quickly.
3. Comfort and Privacy
Receiving treatment at home can help patients feel more relaxed in a familiar environment, and maintain their privacy during rehabilitation sessions. Having major surgery can have a significant impact on your sleep and general sense of well being. Often people don’t feel able to get up and get dressed, let alone trek across London to see their Physio. Some people can be self conscious after an injury or surgery, and so starting at home can help to build confidence and trust; then once they are ready they can start attending appointments in the clinic.
4. Reduced Risk of Infection
Having physiotherapy at home reduces the risk of exposure to infections, such as viruses like colds, flu, norovirus etc that can be prevalent in clinic settings or on public transport. This is especially important for patients with compromised immune systems or those recovering from surgery. Having to deal with being poorly, on top of recuperating from surgery will likely compromise your recovery.
5. Family Involvement
Home physiotherapy treatment allows family members to participate in the rehabilitation process. Having this support and encouragement can really help to boost your recovery. They can also assist with ensuring that the exercises are being carried out correctly and as prescribed; it is very difficult to take in and retain lots of information when you’re feeling tired and in pain from an injury or surgery.
6. Greater Adherence
Research has shown that patients are more likely to stick to their rehabilitation programme when it is delivered in a home based setting, leading to improved outcomes and faster recovery. Without the need to coordinate transportation or navigate busy clinics, patients are more likely to keep up with their physiotherapy sessions.
The Benefits of In Clinic Physiotherapy
While home physio treatment offers convenience and comfort, in-clinic physiotherapy has its unique advantages too. Here are a number of reasons why clinic based treatment can be more beneficial for some pre- and post-operative orthopaedic patients:
1. Access to Specialised Equipment and Treatment
Our London clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and specialised equipment that may not be available at home. These tools can significantly enhance the rehabilitation process by providing more precise assessments and tailored treatments.
We can also offer advanced therapeutic options that may not be feasible at home. These might include shockwave therapy, or joint injections and other specialised treatments that require specific equipment and expertise.
We also have some very advanced measuring and diagnostic tools such as force plates, hand held dynamometry and diagnostic ultrasound, which can help monitor your progress and guide your rehabilitation programme.
Patients also benefit from the use of gym facilities such as treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, resistance machines, reformer pilates machines, etc which can facilitate faster and more effective recovery.
2. Clinical Environment
Clinics often provide a cleaner, bigger, distraction free environment that can enhance focus during rehabilitation sessions. Being in a more clinical setting can sometimes help patients concentrate better on their exercises and treatment plans without the interruptions or distractions that might occur at home; like post being delivered, neighbours visiting or the dog wanting to be fed!
3. Multi-Disciplinary Team Access
Clinic based treatment often involves a multidisciplinary team; at complete we have pilates instructors, podiatrists, massage therapists and strength and conditioning coaches. We work closely together and if needed we can offer joint sessions with other members of our team, to give a more holistic treatment programme. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care and facilitates coordinated treatment plans.
4. Social Interaction and Support
Clinic based treatment provides opportunities for social interaction with other patients who are having similar treatments. This peer support and social interaction can be motivating and encouraging, helping patients stay committed to their recovery goals.
Recovering from surgery at home can feel quite isolating especially if patients are finding it difficult to get back to normal work or activity routines. Attending regular clinic appointments each week can help maintain some level of normality and connection to the outside world.
5. Immediate Access to Emergency Care
In the rare event of a medical emergency or complication during a rehabilitation session, clinics are better equipped to provide immediate assistance and care. This access to on-site medical support ensures patient safety and peace of mind.
Complete Physio’s Approach to Home Visit Physiotherapy
Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all; both approaches offer unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the individual needs and preferences of the patient.
We recognise the value of both at-home physio and in-clinic treatment. That is why we offer both options to our patients. We often find that patients may benefit from home physio in the initial few weeks following surgery, when their pain and fatigue levels are higher and their mobility is limited, but then choose to come into one of our clinics as they get stronger and more confident. As their treatment progresses, we can then utilise some of the more advanced equipment and treatments we have in the clinic, and patients thrive from being pushed in a more clinical setting.
Whichever option you choose, you can be assured that you are receiving the highest quality of care from our expert physiotherapists; and because it is the same clinicians that you will see at home and in clinic, you will have a seamless transition and continuity of care throughout your rehabilitation journey.
Don’t let pain hold you back, book now!
