Trauma and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
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The Trauma and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Team specialises in treating patients admitted to hospital with traumatic injuries. This includes patients with lower or upper limb fractures, spine fractures, poly-trauma, as well as other musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions.
The team also supports patients undergoing planned (elective) procedures, such as knee replacement, hip replacement, knee arthroscopy, and back surgery.
Contact details
Trauma and Orthopaedics Therapy
Tel: 0208 725 0985 (answerphone available)
Email: traumaptot@stgeorges.nhs.uk
08.30-16.30 (seven days a week)
Outpatient physiotherapy and appointment enquiries:
0208 725 0007
Key staff
Physiotherapy
The Trauma and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy team supports patients recovering from traumatic injuries and orthopaedic surgery at St George’s Hospital. This includes patients with fractures, musculoskeletal injuries and those recovering from procedures such as hip, knee or spinal surgery.
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement, improving strength and helping you return to safe and independent mobility as quickly as possible. Early rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery or injury can help reduce complications and support a faster recovery.
What does a physiotherapy assessment involve?
Your first physiotherapy assessment usually takes place on the ward and lasts around 15–30 minutes.
Your physiotherapist may assess:
- Joint range of movement
- Muscle strength and muscle tightness
- Altered sensation
- Your mobility, with or without a walking aid
- Transfers, such as moving from bed to chair
- Activities of daily living
- Your breathing or chest, if required
You may also be asked about your home environment, work or hobbies. This helps the team understand your usual level of activity and plan your safe discharge from hospital.
What happens after the assessment?
Your physiotherapist will explain their findings and discuss how your injury or surgery may affect your recovery. Together you will agree a treatment plan and rehabilitation goals.
Treatment may include:
- Range of movement exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Transfer practice
- Mobility training with walking aids
- Gait re-education and mobility progression
You will usually be reviewed again during your hospital stay. Some patients may also need ongoing physiotherapy rehabilitation after discharge, which could include inpatient rehabilitation, community physiotherapy or outpatient physiotherapy.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy supports patients recovering from trauma or orthopaedic surgery to regain independence in everyday activities.
After an injury or operation, tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking or returning to work can become more difficult. Occupational therapists work with you to develop practical strategies and provide equipment or advice to help you manage these activities safely.
The team specialises in supporting people with orthopaedic injuries and post-surgical recovery, helping patients prepare to return home and resume daily routines.
How occupational therapy can help
While you are in hospital, your occupational therapist will discuss:
- Your daily routines and self-care activities
- Leisure, family roles and work activities
- Your home environment and support network
You may be asked about the layout of your home, including stairs, entrances and where key rooms such as the bathroom or bedroom are located. This helps the team plan a safe hospital discharge.
Occupational therapy support may include
- Practising daily activities such as dressing or washing
- Learning strategies to make everyday tasks easier
- Advice on equipment to support independence at home
- Wheelchair assessment and prescription, if required
- Splints to support healing tissues or improve function
- Advice about home adaptations or referrals to other services
Your occupational therapist may also liaise with community therapy teams or social services to ensure the right support is in place after you leave hospital.
