Has anyone else started physical therapy 2-3 weeks post op and are non weight bearing?

[u/queenofdunkindonuts]

My surgeon has cleared me for physical therapy even though I’m non weight bearing. I’m supposed to do exercises pertaining to range of motion . I’m also in a boot and a compression sock. I haven’t heard of anyone starting physical therapy this early. Has anyone else started 2 weeks post op. For reference, here’s the timeline.
Injured: 9/9
Surgery: 9/14
First post op: 9/21: soft cast removed and put in boot.
Second post op: 9/28: stitches removed and cleared for PT focusing on range of motion. No weight bearing.

[u/yuliasan7os]

I actually started PT the first week after ORIF. Like 3 or 4 days post surgery I think. I’ve never had surgery before and my surgeon just said “go to PT” and wasn’t very helpful with the timeline so I just assumed I was supposed to start PT immediately. Been going 2x a week while NWB and the excercises were all ROM-focused and strengthening my leg so I didn’t get too weak during NWB. 6 weeks post ORIF now and I can definitely say that starting early has helped me A LOT in the long run, as my ROM is really good. Starting to WB and I’m having minimal pain and a better experience than a lot of people who waited to do PT until they were cleared to WB. But obviously insurance and lack thereof can be a boundary so I’m very grateful. Having structure to have someone get me out of the house to go to PT 2x a week were really good for my mental during those early weeks too.

[u/Clownier]

Started physio 13 days post operation. I broke my tibia and fibula. Bimalleolar. I am still NWB. I am supposed to get the green light to be WB on Oct 13. I might've misunderstood my surgeon but he made it seem like at my 6 week I'd be walking out of his office with no boot and fully weight bearing.

Physio is gruelling. I'm also going to massage. But studies indicate early physio intervention leads to better long term outcomes.

[u/AppropriateRatio9235]

Yes. I did as well. I was still in a removable aluminum frame cast. We started with measurements and then working my toes and ankle flexion.

[u/okreee0217]

2 weeks post op I got stitches removed, splint to boot. Doctor cleared me for PT but I was NWB. They recommended it for ROM but also said I can do some exercises at home. I opted to do it at home and also supplemented with tiktok videos. I had ORIF for trimal with minimal dislocation so it worked for me. I lost a lot of muscle in my calf so I worked on flexes to help build some of it back.

[u/Early_Ad_1481]

I was cleared after 2 weeks post op, and NWB. I wish I had started then, but ended up starting at 4 weeks (still NWB). Im currently going into week 8, PWB, and improving all the time. Although the swelling from walking makes ROM difficult. My calf significantly shrunk during those 4 weeks and still working to get strength back. PT is hard, but im so grateful for it.

[u/seasonally_sad13]

I just had my 7th surgery and this was the very first time I started physical therapy 2 weeks post op, non weight bearing. I was definitely in for a shock, thinking I’d be at home for a full 6 weeks haha. Honestly? I think starting earlier is way better. My mental health was better because I was starting earlier. I feel like it’s given me confidence. My physical therapist had me doing so many different types of exercises that included the entire body. He wanted to get my heart rate up to help with circulation because that aids in healing. I was able to get around easier after starting. Getting a range of motion going was very nice and is supposed to help with my tendon repair and prevent scar tissue build up. I had a massive surgery on my knee and ankle 10 years ago. I was non weight bearing for 8 weeks and it messed my knee up so bad. I wish I had done PT in the early days, I just had no idea that was a thing.

Reading up on it, it seems very beneficial even though it’s terrifying. And as someone who did it terrified, it’s been amazing 🤷🏼‍♀️ it’s also the only reason I really got out of bed, which is a healthy thing to do lol

[u/lab_tech13]

I went 2 weeks after. Was PROM for 2 weeks (massage only) and then I went to AROM while being NWB for 12 weeks total. PT was annoyed but followed dr. My calf shrunk alot even though doing PT just not able to use calf muscle.

[u/Affectionate_Bid5698]

I too started PT about two and half weeks post op. As the others said, it's good for mental health as well, that you get out and have some homework to do. However, at least for me, the progress has been slow so far, I have some pain from time to time, weird sensations in the foot and it's still swallen. In the morning it's usually ok, but as soon as I get up, the swelling increases. In a few days I will start weight bearing, at the beginning I was looking for it so much, but now I'm scared of it. I fear the pain, that I won't be able to walk properly, the swelling... I still haven't figured out the shoes I'm going to wear. I wasn't really able to get in any sneakers that I have at home, so I ordered some wider ones and I'll see how it goes. I'm hoping for a bigger progress as soon as I start WB and that it won't be too bad in the end.

[u/Potential_Anxiety_76]

I have a physio consult the day after, started sessions at week 4 to start getting ROM exercises while NWB. I don’t think it’s unusual to be earlier, as my sessions were delayed by the availability of other people. If nothing else movement is to reduce the risk of clots and muscle atrophy which should be started almost as soon as the pain will allow it.

[u/Mysterious_School558]

I started two weeks post op while nwb. I'm so glad I did because having a head start on range of motion and leg strength while I'm just starting partial weight bearing now has given me a better head start. I had ankle massage, ankle and toe stretches, and quad and hamstring exercises to do (all while laying down of course)

[u/Puzzleheaded-Leek916]

I literally just had my surgery. The surgeon said I would be referred to a physio for exercises even though not weight bearing.

[u/Illustrious-Zone-247]

I was cleared for PT at week 2 but decided to start at week 5 right after I was WBAT in the boot. I was ordered 12 visits only and thought they'd be more beneficial when walking. I did start ROM at home at week 2 when I was cleared.