Getting back on your feet quickly after joint surgery

It takes some courage to have a new knee joint fitted when you are over 80. However, if mobility is severely restricted by wear and tear and pain, this step is worthwhile. Erika N* also came to this conclusion. The fit pensioner survived the operation well, but it took her time to regain her ability to walk. Her doctor therefore submitted a cost approval for a rehabilitation stay at Bethesda Hospital. The health insurance company gave the go-ahead. From the very first moment, she felt she was in good hands. "Older patients usually not only have the joint problem, they are also weakened after the operation and often have additional pre-existing conditions. In such cases, inpatient rehabilitation makes sense," says Dr Christoph Hartmann, Head of Rehabilitation at Bethesda Hospital. Especially after a knee replacement, older people may need a little longer to get back on their feet.

As the length of stay in hospital is getting shorter and shorter, the newly operated patients come into contact with the rehabilitation team at an early stage. "Initially, the focus is on issues such as wound healing, reducing swelling and pain relief, and later on on restoring joint mobility as a prerequisite for regaining mobility that is compatible with everyday life. It is also about promoting independence in everyday life, for example dressing independently, going to the toilet and personal hygiene, so that the patient is well equipped for further outpatient treatment and everyday life at home." It was important for Erika N. to be able to climb the short flight of stairs to her flat again without help. "During rehabilitation, we don't just look at the joint, but at the overall situation and can also organise support services such as Spitex or pastoral care in parallel to the inpatient stay."

Water therapy highlight

Erika N. was given a personalised treatment plan. After the stitches were removed, she received therapy in the water bath at Bethesda Hospital. "The 37-degree water temperature was very pleasant and I was able to walk without difficulty," she reports enthusiastically. Even when she returned home, she was still able to benefit from the full range of therapies on offer. "We have a good situation in rehabilitation at Bethesda Hospital. As a rule, we are close to home and have a very good range of medical training therapy (MTT), i.e. a gym with equipment as well as competent physiotherapy and occupational therapy," Dr Hartmann sums up. The entire range of services can also be used on an outpatient basis, which is very popular. "Thanks to our partnership with the orthopaedics department at the university hospital, our patients also benefit from holistic treatment from surgery to follow-up rehabilitation under one roof."

Certified by SW!SS REHA

The Clinic for Rehabilitation has been certified for the second time by the Association of Leading Rehabilitation Clinics in Switzerland. This certificate gives patients the certainty that they are receiving the best possible treatment and care.

* Name changed to protect the patient