Virtual Physio after a Total Knee Replacement.
Rehabilitation is crucial for a successful recovery following knee replacement surgery. While traditional in-person physiotherapy has been the standard approach, recent research suggests that virtual physiotherapy, also known as tele-rehabilitation, offers superior benefits. In this blog, we will delve into the findings of a systematic review and meta-analysis titled "The comparison of telerehabilitation and face-to-face rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty" and discuss why virtual physiotherapy should be the primary recommendation for post-operative rehabilitation.
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation compared to face-to-face rehabilitation for patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Researchers conducted an extensive search across various databases and analyzed four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 442 patients. The results of the meta-analysis provided compelling evidence supporting the advantages of telerehabilitation.
The meta-analysis yielded significant findings.
Comparable Pain Relief: Telerehabilitation achieved pain relief comparable to face-to-face rehabilitation, indicating its effectiveness in managing post-operative pain.
Improved Functional Recovery: Telerehabilitation showed better improvement in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) compared to face-to-face rehabilitation. This suggests that virtual physiotherapy contributes to enhanced functional recovery and overall quality of life compared to standard in-person care.
Enhanced Range of Motion and Strength: Telerehabilitation resulted in significantly higher extension range and quadriceps strength compared to face-to-face rehabilitation. This indicates that virtual physiotherapy helps patients regain mobility and strength more effectively.
Based on the study findings, virtual physiotherapy should be recommended as the primary approach for post-operative rehabilitation after TKA. It offers comparable pain relief and superior functional recovery outcomes compared to in-person physiotherapy. Moreover, virtual physiotherapy provides several advantages that make it an ideal choice:
Convenience and Accessibility: Virtual physiotherapy eliminates the need for travel and allows patients to attend sessions from the comfort of their homes, promoting better adherence to the rehabilitation program.
Personalized Care: Virtual sessions enable one-on-one interactions between patients and therapists, facilitating personalized care and tailored treatment plans that address individual needs (most total joint rehab is done in an in-person group exercise program - I don’t know why)
Technological Advancements: Virtual physiotherapy harnesses advanced technologies such as video conferencing and interactive software, enabling real-time monitoring, feedback, and guidance. These tools enhance the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process.
The systematic review and meta-analysis comparing telerehabilitation and face-to-face rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty provide strong evidence supporting the superiority of virtual physiotherapy. By offering comparable pain control, better functional recovery, and greater convenience, virtual physiotherapy emerges as the recommended choice for post-operative rehabilitation. Orthopedic surgeons should prioritize recommending virtual physiotherapy to their patients, as it can contribute to a successful and smoother recovery journey after knee replacement surgery.
