From the Research
Physiotherapy is crucial after talar fusion surgery to optimize recovery, functional outcomes, and quality of life, as it helps adapt surrounding structures to maintain functional mobility and prevent compensatory issues in adjacent joints. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the importance of physiotherapy in post-surgical rehabilitation, highlighting the benefits of subtalar joint axis balance exercises in improving ankle strength, stability, and function.
Key Components of Physiotherapy
- Range of motion exercises for surrounding joints (knee and forefoot)
- Gentle stretching and progressive strengthening of lower limb muscles
- Proprioception training and gait retraining
- Balance exercises using wobble boards or single-leg stands to restore proprioception
Rehabilitation Timeline
Physiotherapy typically begins after the initial healing period of 6-8 weeks, with a structured program that continues for 3-6 months post-surgery. The frequency of physiotherapy sessions decreases as function improves.
Importance of Rehabilitation
Without proper rehabilitation, patients may develop abnormal gait patterns, muscle weakness, and increased stress on neighboring joints, ultimately affecting morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 2. The goal of physiotherapy is to minimize these risks and optimize functional outcomes, making it an essential component of post-talar fusion surgery care.