Physio is Vital

Before and after surgery, patients are given instructions and exercises by the team physiotherapists; How to move after surgery – and, maybe most importantly, how not to move! New this year, they’ve brought an iPad with them to show patients short videos on how to transfer in and out of a car and how to put on a pair of socks.
Beyond surgery, CAMTA's work extends to teaching and training sessions as well. On Monday, physiotherapists Brenda Corie and Stacy Rivalin (hidden) along with translator Steve van Diest shared pre- and post-op care with local physiotherapists. Along with answering questions and discussing treatment techniques, the team shared patient handouts with examples of exercises, instructions on how to use walkers and crutches for use with their own patients, and even the car and sock videos (above).
Brenda and Stacy were grateful to their union, HSAA – Health Sciences Association of Alberta, which made generous donations towards their trips to Quito. Here they are with Juan Manuel who had his hip surgery yesterday.
Today Juan is walking and practicing on CAMTA’s “stairway to recovery” with the help of physiotherapist Judy Black.