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Structured Physical Therapy & Long-Term Recovery
Rehabilitation is the most important part of limb lengthening surgery. Our team has been working with limb lengthening patients for over 10 years, ensuring structured and medically guided recovery programs.
Physical therapy ensures that bone, nerves, and soft tissues heal properly following surgical intervention. Without disciplined rehabilitation, recovery outcomes may be compromised.
Common Post-Lengthening Challenges
- Mobility limitations
- Equinus deformity (Ballerina foot)
- Flexion deformities
- Muscle atrophy
These complications can alter lower limb biomechanics and may lead to further issues if not addressed early and correctly.
Our Rehabilitation Focus
- Improving circulation in the legs
- Strengthening muscles progressively
- Preventing joint stiffness
- Reducing scar tissue formation
- Managing pain effectively
- Restoring joint range of motion
Over the past 11 years, no major deformity has been reported under our structured physical therapy supervision.
Long-Term Commitment
Surgery is only one phase of the journey. Rehabilitation is a long-term commitment that may span several months to a year, depending on individual progress.
Basic recovery principles such as guided exercises, maintaining good circulation, and preventing vascular complications (like clot formation) play a critical role in faster and safer healing.
It is important to understand that rehabilitation is a gradual, structured process — discipline and consistency directly influence final outcomes.
Pre-Op & Post-Op Exercise Plan
Pre-Operative Exercises
Pre-op exercises prepare your muscles and joints for the demands of lengthening and recovery.
1. Calf Stretches
Intense calf stretching increases ankle range of motion. Keep one leg back with the knee straight and heel flat on the floor. Slowly bend the front knee and shift hips forward until a stretch is felt.
2. Hamstring Stretches
Sit with one leg straight and the other bent. Reach forward toward the straight leg to improve knee mobility and prevent stiffness.
3. Strengthening (Quadriceps, VMO, Gastrocnemius-Soleus)
Strengthening helps prevent muscle atrophy caused by reduced weight-bearing. Press the knee over a towel roll for quad activation. Perform heel raises on stair edges to strengthen calf muscles.
During Lengthening
0–4 Weeks
- Ankle & toe movements
- Front & side leg raises
- Isometric quadriceps contractions
- Knee bending (heel slides)
- Sitting bedside quad exercises
5–8 Weeks
- Standing with support
- Calf stretching
- Static quadriceps & hamstring
- Straight leg raises (abduction)
- Isometric adduction
- Dynamic free quads
- Knee terminal open chain
- Glute squeezes
8–12 Weeks
- Increase assisted standing duration
- Foot splinting in plantar flexion (24/7) to prevent equinus
After Frame Removal
Post removal (after 4–5 days):
- Hamstring, Quadriceps, Calf & Piriformis stretching
- Isometric exercises for Hamstring & Quadriceps
- Supported standing
- Progressive strengthening
- Gradual walking time increase as muscle strength improves
Strengthening and mobility progression are guided according to individual muscle recovery and medical supervision.