Physiotherapy

deisemum

I broke my ankle just before Christmas and got very helpful information here so just looking for some opinions please. I'm not looking for medical advice.

I'm seven weeks out of the cast but I'm now a bit concerned about the physiotherapy that I've had.

I had a total of 3 physio appointments and have never been shown any sort of exercise to help my recovery.

The first time I was shown how to walk with both crutches, had a stocking bandage put on to help with the swelling.

Second appointment I was put walking with one crutch then had a round machine thing put on my foot for 10 mins to help reduce swelling.

Third appointment which lasted about 2 mins was to stand on my good foot and lift my weaker foot, then stand on the weaker foot and lift good foot. Then I stood for 30 seconds on a machine to get my balance while the physiotherapist went to pick my file off her desk. She then said I didn't need any more physio just to put ice on my foot and ankle and the swelling will go in time.

Thing is anyone who's asked how I'm recovering are taken aback that I haven't been shown any exercises to help strenghten my ankle. I had to take my son for physio last week and he was put through his paces and given a printout of specific exercises for him.

I'm walking with an obvious limp and my foot is still swollen and sore in places especially if I've done a bit more walking than normal which hasn't been much but I feel it's still a bit stiff.

I'm heading to Australia for a holiday in just over 7 weeks and I'm hoping for a big improvement by then or I won't be able for much sightseeing.

I'd welcome anyone's opinions or who've have physio for similar.

2Scoops

I've been through something similar and I did lots of range-of-motion type exercises in the early days and strength work later during my recovery. I would recommend visiting a different physio or a sports medicine physician who will be more in the know about these things.

deisemum

Thanks for that. I've decided to go private and not let things go on as they are. I don't want to end up with a permanent limp. Just to get my foot into my shoes would be an improvement.

N8

M8 get a good dynamic orthotic (as opposed to static) – The Orthotic Group in Ennis will refer you to someone in your area – 065 68 41140 – get a good physio in your area, private by recommendation, who deals with rehabilitative sports care who will do the work necessary and prescribe the correct exercises for you – this will probably be the quickest way to get back on your feet (forgive the pun) and maintain the work done whilst you are in Aussie – good luck!

deisemum

Thanks, my hubby has been to a good one whenever he's had an accident or sports injury and other people have also recommended the same one so I'll make an appointment to see him.

I guess walking in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney will be a good test on my ankle and I don't want anything getting in the way of my enjoyment of Oz which is a prize I won along with a 40" Sony Bravia HD TV, skyhd box and 1 year subscription to Sky's world package. I needed good karma after the bad luck I had breaking my ankle and having to cancel our first big family holiday to Florida

Thanks again