Transplant Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an integral component to the rehabilitation of transplant patients. Patients are routinely referred to physiotherapy both before and after transplant surgery to assess and treat chest and mobility issues. Our physiotherapist will plan and define specific physiotherapeutic interventions tailored according to individual patients’ needs in different phases of the disease process.
Pre-operative physiotherapy : Patients waiting on the kidney- pancreas waiting list usually show loss of muscle mass, low mineral density, reduced muscle strength, increased levels of fatigue and decreased aerobic capacity. Malnutrition (due to poor dietary intake, loss of appetite and medical dietary restrictions), cardiopulmonary dysfunction and altered metabolism are the main reasons for this.
Post-operative physiotherapy : There are multiple factors that may lead to postoperative muscle atrophy, diminished bronchial drainage, decreased lung expansion, and inhibit the physical activities of the patient. This includes
Long surgical duration
Anesthesia
Mechanical ventilation
Immobilization during the surgery and in the ICU
Postoperative pain due to extensive surgical incision
Post-transplant physiotherapy includes
Pulmonary physiotherapy (Lung expansion and diaphragmatic breathing exercises, coughing techniques, incentive spirometry, manual techniques such as chest percussion & vibration)
Mobilization (Active-assistive or active limb exercises- performed in supine position, sitting in bed, sitting on the edge of the bed, standing and preparatory walking exercises; muscle strengthening exercise, stretching exercises, posture exercises, ambulation)
Inpatient physiotherapy should continue until the patient is discharged from the hospital and then, changed to individualized home exercise program.
Rehabilitative approaches may help transplant recipients to improve quality of life by increasing muscle strength, prevent excessive fatigue, enhance aerobic capacity and increase physical activity level. A time period of 3 months is usually required to achieve optimal muscular endurance and aerobic capacity.
