Services for conditions affecting the body’s systems

Muscles, bones and joints (musculoskeletal out-patients)

Our musculoskeletal physiotherapists treat a variety of conditions that affect the muscles, joints, bones, nerves, ligaments and soft tissues.

Some of the conditions for which physiotherapy has proved to be beneficial include:

• neck and back pain
• sports injuries
• lower limb injuries including groin, hip, knee, ankle and foot
• upper limb injuries including shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand
• joint problems
• post-operative rehabilitation
• occupational work disorders

Our physiotherapists use a number of different techniques to help improve function and wellbeing following injury, pain or disability. We have extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and are trained to evaluate and improve the movement and function of the body. Patients are assessed on an individual basis and may be referred on to group sessions as appropriate:

• group sessions
• back reconditioning class
• functional restoration programme
• lower limb classes

Referrals

We receive referrals from GPs across the Sussex area and from our hospital consultants working in all specialities.

All referrals from GPs and consultants are prioritised by experienced clinicians into urgent or waiting list according to established guidelines.

Where we are

Patients are generally seen in the outpatient department that is closest to their home but they may need to be seen at other sites to prevent extensive waiting times.

Heart, lung and blood vessels (cardiorespiratory service)

Our cardiorespiratory physiotherapists assist patients with cardiovascular and respiratory problems. These difficulties may be as a result of long standing disease e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), surgery or a condition requiring a stay in intensive care.
The cardiorespiratory team provides care 24/7 to a wide range of inpatients across many specialties.

Inpatients

• The team provides treatment and advice in the field of respiratory care and also to patients with acute mobility problems. Patients that may benefit from input include:
• High risk upper abdominal surgery patients (>75 years, COPD or chronic respiratory disease, ↑ BMI, general weakness), Cardiac patients, and post operative gynaecological surgery
• Patients in respiratory distress i.e. unable to clear their secretions, ↑ WOB, lung collapse
• Patients with reduced mobility i.e. recent discharge from ITU (RSCH or other), general malaise and weakness, elderly patients
• Amputee patients
• HDU and ITU patients

Outpatients

This service also provides treatment to outpatients in the areas of:

Pulmonary rehabilitation

This 6 week course of exercise and education promotes health and well being for people with long term breathing problems.

Cardiac rehabilitation

Rehabilitation patients are assessed in the physiotherapy department and offered a 6 week course of structured comprehensive exercise and education known as ‘Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation”. This includes supervised exercise sessions and health education run by the whole cardiac rehabilitation team (physiotherapists and cardiac rehabilitation nurses).

Bone and joint surgery

We support elective and trauma patients admitted under an orthopaedic consultant.

The trauma service covers both sites, as patients move from the acute post-operative phase to the early rehabilitation phase of their hospital stay.

Elective patients are seen mainly at the Princess Royal Hospital site, but day cases are seen at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.