Non-surgical Rehabilitation
Treatment for OCD depends on when the problem is discovered. If the problem is discovered immediately after a twisting injury to the ankle, immobilization in a cast or boot for six weeks may be suggested to see if the bone injury heals. You may need to keep weight off the foot and use crutches during this period of immobilization. Your Physical Therapist at Excel Rehabilitation Services, LLC can instruct you in the proper use of crutches so that you don't put too much weight on your healing foot. We can also provide you with stretches, exercises and other supportive care to help speed your recovery once your cast or boot are removed.
Post-surgical Rehabilitation
Patients normally require crutches to keep from putting weight on the ankle for four to six weeks after surgery. You will probably wear a bandage or dressing for a week following the procedure. The stitches are generally removed in 10 to 14 days. However, if your surgeon used sutures that dissolve, you won't need to have the stitches taken out.
Our Physical Therapists usually have OCD patients begin their therapy by doing motion exercises very soon after surgery. Patients wear a splint that can easily be removed to do the exercises throughout the day.
Your first few Physical Therapy treatments are designed to help control the pain and swelling from the surgery. Our Physical Therapists will also work with you to make sure you are only putting a safe amount of weight on the affected leg.
We will choose exercises to help improve your ankle motion and to get the muscles toned and active again. Our Physical Therapist will initially place emphasis on exercising the ankle in positions and movements that don't strain the healing part of the cartilage. As your program evolves, we will choose more challenging exercises to safely advance the strength and function of your ankle.
Some of the exercises we provide are designed to get your leg and ankle working in ways that are similar to the activities you do every day, such as rising on your toes, walking, and going up and down stairs.
At Excel Rehabilitation Services, LLC, our goal is to help you keep your pain under control, ensure safe weight bearing, and improve your strength and range of motion. When your recovery is well underway, regular visits to our office will end. Although we will continue to be a resource, you will be in charge of doing your exercises as part of an ongoing home program.
Excel Rehabilitation Services, LLC provides services for Physical Therapy in Gonzales.