Physiotherapy Practices in Postoperative Orthopedic Patients across Hazara Division

Hameed F, Masood H, Ashfaq S and Fatima U

Published on: 2025-08-04

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy has been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for post-operative orthopedic patients as it lowers the risk factors and complications following surgery,

Objective: The purpose of this study is to ascertain how physical therapy practices for post-operative orthopedic patients are common across the Hazara division.

Methods: Total 104 physiotherapists throughout the Hazara division were available for this cross-sectional and observational study design.  IBM SPSS Statistical 20.0 was then used for analysis. A questionnaire devised from previous studies was used to gather data, including demographics of physiotherapists and questions related to their physiotherapy practices for post-operative orthopedic patients.

Results: Most physiotherapists applied physiotherapy treatment to patients who had undergone fracture reduction procedures (67.31%), followed by soft tissue repair (11.5%) and excision surgeries (8.65%). Orthopedic patients who underwent surgery were treated by majority of physiotherapists using combination of modalities, manual therapy and range of motion interventions (37.5%). Ninety-three percent of physiotherapists reported treating both direct-contact and referred patients. Access to physiotherapists, and work-setting were not statistically associated with patients’ recovery responses (respective p values .350 and 0.659>.05).

Conclusion: The study's findings indicate that post-operative orthopedic patients can both directly access and be referred to physiotherapy services throughout Hazara division. Many types of post-orthopedic patients received physiotherapy treatments, with the most prevalent procedures being fracture reduction, soft tissue restoration and excision surgeries. A large number of patients had positive response to the implication of physiotherapy treatment. By identifying current practices, the results of this study have the potential to drive positive changes within the healthcare system and elevate the quality of patient care in Abbottabad and beyond.