02.03.14
Good communication and collaboration between orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and occupational therapists are key to maximizing clinical outcomes after shoulder procedures, a New York orthopedist said.
"It is important to remember that the physical therapist and occupational therapist will have a role,"noted Evan L. Flatow, M.D., professor and chairman of the Orthopaedics Department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, N.Y. "The question is will it be a good role in concert with your role."
Patients must fully understand the postoperative regimen before shoulder surgery, and orthopedic surgeons should discuss rehabilitation at every visit, he said at a recent conference. Flatow suggested that surgeons supervise the rehabilitation as well as scrutinize the process. "If a patient gets a good result, then tell them they had a good therapist," he said.
Surgeons, ideally, should provide clear, individualized prescriptions. If a surgeon recommends a slower rehabilitation process, he or she must ensure that physical therapists agree and follow the plan to avoid potential conflict.
"Most importantly, make sure patients understand the issues going on with their rehabilitation and make sure they understand what they have to do," he concluded.
Flatow spent 11 years at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center before joining Mount Sinai in 1998.
"It is important to remember that the physical therapist and occupational therapist will have a role,"noted Evan L. Flatow, M.D., professor and chairman of the Orthopaedics Department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, N.Y. "The question is will it be a good role in concert with your role."
Patients must fully understand the postoperative regimen before shoulder surgery, and orthopedic surgeons should discuss rehabilitation at every visit, he said at a recent conference. Flatow suggested that surgeons supervise the rehabilitation as well as scrutinize the process. "If a patient gets a good result, then tell them they had a good therapist," he said.
Surgeons, ideally, should provide clear, individualized prescriptions. If a surgeon recommends a slower rehabilitation process, he or she must ensure that physical therapists agree and follow the plan to avoid potential conflict.
"Most importantly, make sure patients understand the issues going on with their rehabilitation and make sure they understand what they have to do," he concluded.
Flatow spent 11 years at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center before joining Mount Sinai in 1998.