A lack of understanding around the role of the orthopaedic physiotherapist exists among patients and professionals both within and outside of the hospital environment, according to educator Michael Edmonds.

“I have lost count of the number of times a patient or patient’s relative has said to me, ‘oh, I had no idea physios did this as part of their job’,” said Mr Edmonds.

From a hospital perspective, an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist works within a multidisciplinary team that is responsible for the care and recovery of orthopaedic inpatients as well as their follow-up outpatient care.

“This can involve the post-operative rehabilitation of elective surgery, such as total hip and knee replacements, to teaching someone the skills and providing them the equipment they need while they recover for their broken limb or limbs,” Mr Edmonds said.

“I suspect many people don’t understand or realise the extensive scope physiotherapy has and the myriad knowledge and skills needed to be competent within their chosen area.”

More than muscle or injury recovery, orthopaedic physiotherapists are a central figure in the recovery of patients that have experienced orthopaedic trauma.

“It’s usually an unexpected, potentially life changing trauma they didn’t have written in their calendar to do that month, so it’s an emotional time for them,” explains Mr Edmonds.

Orthopaedic trauma can vary between something minor, such as a sea urchin lodged in someone’s foot that requires surgical extraction, to a car accident victim with a life-changing multi-trauma.  Most common are fractures from falls or sporting injuries.

“Alternatively, elective orthopaedic patients would have had their surgery date in their calendar, but have probably been suffering for 12 to 18 months waiting for their surgery to happen. So they have their own demons.”

Elective orthopaedic surgery may include total knee and hip replacements, foot surgery, back surgery, arthroscopies, or corrective surgery for things like dislocated shoulders or scoliosis.

According to Mr Edmonds, to be an effective orthopaedic physiotherapist requires a very good knowledge of anatomy, fracture types, orthopaedic surgeries, and post-operative protocols.

“They must have excellent people skills that include good communication and empathy, yet be able to motivate and educate and congratulate.

“This is made all the more challenging when adding elements such as cognitive impairment, mental health problems, substance abuse issues, emotional or financial strains, on top of a patient who may already be suffering high levels of physical pain.”

Not only is it important for patients to understand the physiotherapist’s diverse role, but physios themselves, must also understand how critical their role is.

“My job is clinical educator, so I see and prevent inexperienced physios from making simple mistakes, that could have much more serious consequences.

“This includes, not following post-op orders accurately, giving the wrong instructions, inadequate or incorrect education and ongoing advice, applying devises inappropriately, failing to discharge plan etc.”

But, done right, Mr Edmond said orthopaedic physiotherapy is one of the most rewarding professions to enter.

“I tell my students, most days I feel like I come to this place, help people out that are going through a hard time., provide them with a positive, caring experience that helps them achieve their goals, and I get paid for it.

“That, I think, is a pretty good gig.”