16 Aug Up and Running After Injury
One of the reasons I love being a Physio is the great satisfaction I get from treating people and helping them to achieve their full potential and meet their goals.
The human body is remarkable and should never be underestimated. It has an incredible ability to heal. Equally the human spirit is amazing and is a huge contributor to what a person can achieve after injury.
With the correct guidance, support and of course a great Physio (!) anything (well, almost anything) is possible.
For example, a patient came to Halo Physio with the following set of X-rays.
Left Ankle Fracture
Ankle Reconstruction
The patient had sustained a serious ankle fracture in a skiing accident. Whilst still in the mountains the ankle was expertly reconstructed and pinned back together. After post op rehab and a period of time, the metal work was removed in the UK. It is not uncommon to have metal work removed for a number of reasons including to reduce the risk of infection, to improve movement and function and to help achieve future goals.
This patient had set themselves 2 goals:
- Return to Playing Football
- Run a Half Marathon!
At the time I thought both goals were ambitious, but I’m a Physio who loves a challenge! I was lucky that the patient was exceptionally compliant with everything I asked them to do. They followed a structured rehab program to regain range of movement, strength, balance and function control.
With sheer determination and, at times, holding the patient back, 5 months after the start of rehab the patient returned to playing football and was well on the way to achieving goal number two.
12 months after starting physio, and having continued the exercises, advice and education I had provided the patient achieved their 2nd goal and completed a half marathon in 1:47!
This patient shows what can be achieved! Oh, and it helps to have a great Physio!
Blog compiled by Rachael Adams, Principal Physiotherapist at Halo Physio
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