Physiotherapy After Limb Lengthening
Short answer
Physiotherapy is as important as the surgery. During lengthening, muscles and tendons must be stretched regularly to keep the knee and ankle moving. Our physiotherapist, Pt. Suna Gedik, works with each patient 6 days a week while they are in Istanbul and sets a home program for after they leave.
Why physiotherapy decides your result
The bone grows on schedule; the muscles have to be taught to follow. Without regular stretching, the knee and ankle stiffen and the lengthening has to slow down or stop. Good physiotherapy keeps you moving and protects the final result.
A typical day in Istanbul
• Stretching: hamstrings, quadriceps and calf, to keep the knee straight and the heel down
• Strengthening: gentle exercises for the thigh and hip
• Gait training: walking with crutches, then learning a normal step
• Home exercises: a short routine to repeat later in the day
Sessions last 1 hour, 6 days a week (every day except Sunday), onsite, so you do not need to travel to a separate clinic.
Your physiotherapist
Pt. Suna Gedik works with patients from the first days after surgery and sets the home program for when they leave Istanbul.
After you go home
You receive a written and video home program. You send short exercise videos, and our team checks your progress and adjusts the plan. Remote follow-up is free. See Going home and remote follow-up.
Warning signs to report
• Loss of knee straightening
• The heel lifting from the floor
• New numbness
• Swelling
Related pages
• Running and sports after limb lengthening