Physiotherapists in Bradford treat many different conditions including the issues profiled below.

Continuous Passive Motion after Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is an increasingly common treatment for knee osteoarthritis and large numbers of elderly people undergo this operation every year. Physiotherapy management and treatment of these patients post-operatively is therefore becoming increasingly important if the best functional outcome is to be achieved. Early rehabilitation focuses on improving strength in the quadriceps muscle, restoring range of motion of knee flexion and facilitating gait and activities of daily living. The restoration of knee ranges of movement is one of the key elements on which success is judged and much physiotherapy time is dedicated to this part of the treatment.

A continuous passive motion machine is commonly used to improve knee flexion range of movement, as regular passive movement of a joint has been shown to result in better healing as compared to resting. Research work has shown a minor short term effect of using this treatment technique and it is often reserved for difficult cases such as after manipulation under anaesthetic for a stiff joint. Patients can remain on the machine for long periods but it is important not to forget active practice of the ranges of motion to improve muscle function. Overall continuous passive motion has not been shown to play a significant role in standard knee replacements.

Physiotherapy for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is an increasingly common condition, mostly but not exclusively occurring in women after the menopause when hormonal changes mean the bone density drops steadily with time. Those women who have good bone density to start with and whose density does not drop at a high rate may never reach the risky category. If osteoporosis is present then the incidence of fractures is higher, with vertebral body fractures and fractured neck of femur being the most common, both requiring intervention and causing distress and expense. Physiotherapists are involved in the assessment and management of people with low bone density.

Physios assess patients for their lifestyle, refer them for dietary advice if appropriate, generally advise on management, warn against inappropriate functional activities and prescribe exercise routines to maintain independence and maximise bone health. Physios may advise that lumbar flexion to pick up weights is inappropriate as the front aspects of the vertebral bodies are vulnerable in this activity to crush fractures. General and weight bearing exercises are taught as weight bearing stimulates bone maintenance and growth due to the jarring involved. Swimming and cycling are good aerobic exercise methods but do not have the bone stimulating effect of walking or doing exercises in a gym.