Introduction

This page is for you if you are about to have or have had an operation on your bones or joints - orthopaedic surgery. 

It contains information on the role physiotherapy plays in helping you recover from surgery, including guidance on specific exercises.

How to access the elective orthopaedic physiotherapy service

If you are about to have orthopaedic surgery, you will be invited to attend a therapy pre-assessment clinic one week before your operation.

You will then receive physiotherapy input from admission to the ward to discharge home.

You cannot refer yourself into this service.

What to expect during the therapy pre-assessment clinic

Your physiotherapist will explain how physiotherapy can help you recover from surgery.

The physiotherapist will ask you about:

• Level of social support
• Occupation/hobbies
• Home set up. For example, do you have stairs?

They will assess your:

• Mobility
• Range of movement
• Strength

They will provide you with:

• A booklet with information on your surgery, walking with your mobility aids, how to manage the stairs and exercises to complete.
• An opportunity to try using a walking frame and elbow crutches.

If you have been assessed and attended intervention by the Orthopaedic Prehabilitation team, please make your physiotherapist aware of this.

Telephone numbers

• Ward E, Neath Port Talbot Hospital - 01639 862652
• Theatre Admission Unit  Morriston Hospital - 01792 530738