Download
1 / 14
140 likes | 149 Views
Discover the secrets learned by a renowned sports medicine doctor over 30 years, as he shares insights from therapists and patients. Learn about the importance of physical and psychological readiness, effective communication, managing expectations, and personalized rehabilitation.
E N D
Return to Play: What I learned from the therapist and my patients over 30 years…..my secrets !!! Peter A Indelicato MD Emeritus Professor Sports Medicine Department of Orthopedics University of Florida OSET…Las Vegas…2019
Brief Overview • In addition to what we learn as residents in the OR…One of the keys to a successful career in medicine is to pay close attention to what your physical therapist and patients tell you…..
What I’ve learned from my physical therapist • (1) Try and avoid surgery on females with red hair and freckles…..
What I’ve learned from my therapist… • (2) “Hands on” time has a huge effect on how the patient perceives the value of the time they spend in therapy…. • (3) There is a big difference between “physical readiness” and “psychological readiness”….
“Psychological Readiness” • We, as orthopaedicsurgeons, ( and particularly those who also serve as team physicians ) need to recognize that there are significant factors that effect “return to play” issues in addition to “fear of re-injury”…. • Psychological and psychosocial factors frequently come into play following injury and surgery….
Progression with Rehabilitation…??? • Rehabilitation starts off good but, early on, the physical therapist calls with concern and progress gets derailed…
The physical therapist tells you the patient has stated: • “I don’t want to do that exercise because I think it will make things worse”…. • “I will do twice as many of those particular exercises and get better in half the time !!!”
Problems with Post-Op Rehabilitation your PT may tell you • Unreasonable fear of re-injury… • Continued denial of injury severity… • General impatience and irritability… • Rapid mood swings… • Withdrawal from friends and team mates… • Extreme guilt about letting the team down… • Dwelling on minor physical complaints… • New somatic complaints unrelated to original injury… • Obsession with RTP questions…
What I’ve learned from my patients over 30 years • (1) The more time you spend explaining the surgical and post-surgical program, the better prepared the patient….the better prepared the patient, the less frustrated they may be post-op ….the less frustrated they may be post-op, the happier you will be….. • (2) Take to time explain away unrealistic expectations…. • (3) Try and match up in PT patients with the same post-op rehabilitation programs…
What I’ve learned from my patients over 30 years • (4) The patients perception of the skills/talents of the physical therapist reflect back on you as their surgeon….so try and not only chose the personalized rehabilitation program that suites your patients situation, but also, if possible, chose the physical therapist the best fits the “psyche” of the patient….
What I’ve learned from my patients over the 30 years • (5) It’s important to the patient, they clearly feel that there is frequent communication between you and their physical therapist…..
Take home messages: • (1) Listen to what your physical therapist and patients are trying to tell you…. • (2) There is a difference between physical readiness and psychological readiness….both are important…. • (3) Take the time pre-operatively to personally explain to patients what to expect…. • (4) Try and match personalities between physical therapist and your patient….
Try and “pair up” patients with the same rehabilitation program ( ACL’s….PF Surgery ) • If possible, take time to speak to the PT if front of the patient….communication is key !!!!
