Abdul Basit Qureshi
Basit is the newest member of our team at the Royston Centre in Hastings; he works on the ward with orthopaedic post-op inpatients, and at our clinic with post-discharge patients at various stages on their recovery journey.
The majority of orthopaedic surgery at Royston is hip and knee (full or partial) replacement. Compared to knee replacement, post-op shoulder surgery patients typically spend less time on the ward (usually overnight or day surgery) but their post-discharge recovery takes longer - with physiotherapy proceeding at a slower pace.
This is because the cluster of muscles around the shoulder are not as robust as a knee joint, and care is needed not to aggravate the joint or, in a worst-case scenario, undo the surgical repair.
Basit, or another member of our Royston team, will fit a brace to support the arm and shoulder. The patient will then be coached through a series of mobilisation exercises they can do at home.
At this stage, all movement is painful and part of Basit’s job is to help the patient relax as much as possible as they work through the pain.
Basit points out that each case is different and treatment is tailored to each patient’s unique situation. It considers factors such as age and physical health, the type of injury, and whether there is someone at home to help them with their rehabilitation.
The first follow-up outpatient appoitment is usually two weeks after discharge. The frequency of further appointments may depend on patient progress and availabilty of home support. For example, those living alone may require a little more time with our physios..
At all stages of the rehabilitation journey, care must be taken and exercises must be done slowly and carefully. A good rule even for those fully fit, suggest Basit.
More about the Focus Health team here
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