Physiotherapists have a key role in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients who require or who have undergone plastic surgery intervention. They are highly skilled and experienced in the assessment and treatment of a wide range of physical problems which may develop following both planned and emergency plastic surgery.

What problems do we treat?

Physiotherapy input is often required for the following surgery/problems:

• Breast reconstruction
• Skin grafts and/or flaps in the treatment of:
  • skin cancer
  • cancer in the neck, armpit or groin
  • hidradenitis suppurativa (abscesses and scarring on the skin)
  • skin loss/injury/unhealing wounds
• Isolated limb infusion
• Weight loss surgery
• Following a fall
• Any issues with managing at home on discharge

Physiotherapy treatments will be determined following specialist physiotherapy assessment, and may include:

• preventing/managing post-surgery respiratory complication
• scar management and bespoke pressure garment service
• hand therapy
• ensuring maximum function and mobility
• maintaining joint movements and strength
• planning a safe and supported discharge from hospital
• providing advice on returning to work and hobbies

Following discharge from hospital each patient is offered a comprehensive outpatient physiotherapy service. This may occur within multi-disciplinary clinics or within Therapy Services (North Suite) on the first floor of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). The specialist plastics outpatient physiotherapist will work with patient to set achievable goals relating to their specific need and will provided individualised exercise and treatment programs. The aims of outpatient physiotherapy include:

• improving/maintaining joint movements
• improving strength
• ensuring maximum function and mobility
• scar management
• pain management
• working towards returning to work or hobbies

Lead Clinician

Rachel Kettle – Clinical Specialist, Burns and Plastics.

Contact

Email: QEHBphysio@uhb.nhs.uk