Physiotherapy: Orthopaedic
Our goal is for our patients to achieve the best possible post-operative recovery, improving mobility and independence.
Our orthopaedic physiotherapy service runs 7 days a week in order to deliver a comprehensive rehabilitation service to all inpatients. Our specialist Orthopaedic Chartered Physiotherapists care for all patients who undergo orthopaedic surgery at Beacon Hospital. From admission to discharge and afterwards as an outpatient, our patients are cared for to the highest of standards.
Post-surgery, our team works closely with both surgeons and nursing staff to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation program under the care and supervision of an experienced Chartered Physiotherapist. Your Physiotherapy team will assess your individual needs in order to develop the most appropriate plan of care in the immediate post-operative phase. Your plan will continue right through to discharge.
Patients and their families will work with our Physiotherapy staff to establish realistic goals, expected outcomes, and the most appropriate plan of care for the individual. Our state-of-the-art orthopaedic facilities have been furnished with the most modern equipment available. Our orthopaedic floor includes a physiotherapy gym, with all the equipment needed to enable our patients progress through their inpatient stay.
Common Surgeries
-
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure which orthopaedic surgeons use to visualise, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.
In an arthroscopic examination, a surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin and then inserts a pencil-sized instrument that contains a small lens and lightening system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint.
If the surgeon discovers a problem which can be fixed on the day, this may also be carried out through some additional small incisions guided by the arthroscope.
-
Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal surgery is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the small bones in the spine.
Essentially, it’s a ‘welding’ process. The basic idea is to fuse together two or more vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. This is done to eliminate painful motion or to restore stability to the spine.
-
Other Common Surgeries Include
- Joint Replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Upper and lower limb fractures
- Shoulder Surgery
- Foot / Ankle Surgery
Great to have the visits and advice, made the transition to home very easy and gave me such confidence in leaving Beacon Hospital to return home.
John, Dublin
Enhanced Recovery Programme
Following joint replacement surgery, suitable patients undergo an enhanced recovery program to get back to full mobility as quickly as possible. The goal of this programme is to improve the post-operative experience and to increase the patient’s independence and wellbeing.
Why is this so important?
- Research indicates that after surgery, the earlier we get you out of bed, start walking and start eating and drinking the better.
- An important element of the programme is the pre-operative education prior to surgery. This involves educational sessions from both physiotherapy and orthopaedic nursing staff which provides advice and information on the post-operative journey and discharge planning.
- You will be encouraged to carry out your tailored programme independently with the support of your physiotherapist.
- We like to put an emphasis on goal setting for post-op. You and your family can expect to participate in treatment planning and goal setting with your physiotherapist.
On discharge from in patient physiotherapy, we recommend attending post-operative physiotherapy to continue to progress with rehabilitation. This can be undertaken in the form of individual treatment or group back-to-fitness exercise class, depending on what is most appropriate for the individual patients needs.
Continuity of care was excellent. Knowing I had the support of the supportive discharge team was wonderful and was the main reason I chose to come home directly from hospital.
Marguerite, Kildare
Back to Fitness
“In keeping with international best practice, we have observed our enhanced recovery program has had a positive effect on our patients in terms of improved pain relief and earlier functional rehabilitation. Our multidisciplinary regime has definitely enhanced the patient journey”. Maurice Neligan, Chief of Orthopaedics, Beacon Hospital
In order to supplement our enhanced recovery programme, we have commenced a supported discharge programme for our joint replacement patients.
Patients who are close geographically to us (South Dublin/North Wicklow) will be supported to go home on Day 4 post surgery by Beacon Hospital Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and healthcare staff. These patients will be visited to provide them with support in their own homes free of charge. We take pride in being the first hospital in Ireland to offer this service.
This home service will include assisting the patient with all exercises, activities of daily living and general home care. Results to date show that patients recover at a more rapid pace in their own home with the support of Beacon Hospital staff. Satisfactory surveys completed by patients have found that the experience of the additional support on discharge home most reassuring and beneficial to their recovery.
Provided confidence and exceeded expectations.
Laura, Wicklow
Patient Information
Getting Here & Parking
Departments & Services
