The intent of this program is to provide guidelines for progression of rehabilitation. It provides the basic exercises and techniques you will need to guide the patient to return to normal function.
At the 12 week follow-up visit, Dr. Skendzel will determine whether the patient can progress to an advanced functional training program for return to sport, a maintenance strength program, or to continue working on “the basics” before progressing further.
- Use the rehabilitation outline and exercise description as a guide. This is a proven program in terms of exercises and treatments, but some patients may move at a slower pace.
- Use clinical decision-making to adjust treatments as needed within the provided guidelines and precautions.
- The patient’s progression through each phase of rehabilitation is based on clinical criteria and time frames.
- Understand that the program should be tailored for each individual based on his or her ability to progress and respond to the various treatments. This concept should be continually emphasized to the patient. Advancing through the rehabilitation process involves an accurate assessment of joint function, strength,mobility, and progressive overload based on the patient’s response.
- Primary goals at approximately 6 weeks post-operatively (non-microfracture) and 10 weeks post-operatively (microfracture) are a normalized gait and good gluteal recruitment. We expect ROM restrictions at this time, especially in terms of external rotation, internal rotation, and extension. Do not “push through the pain” to achieve more motion as the motion will improve as the patient returns to functional activity.
If there are any questions regarding rehabilitation, please call Dr. Skendzel’s athletic trainer, Melissa Bowers, MSED, ATC, OTC at 651-968-5360.
