After years of running her own cleaning business and being extremely active, Virginia Anastasopoulos (63) experienced some knee pain following a long bike ride six years ago. She went to her GP who referred her to Cabrini’s orthopaedic services.

After a left knee arthroscopy and a Synvisc injection, Virginia was happily back into her exercise for five years. However, when pain returned this year, Virginia consulted Cabrini orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Harry Tsigaras, who oversaw her left knee replacement in July and right knee replacement in early December.

As Virginia notes, “The surgeons were fabulous and the speed of recovery from my first knee replacement gave me the confidence to have the second shortly after. Within a couple of months of rehabilitation, my left knee was pain free and as good as new. So, I decided to get my right knee replaced before Christmas.”

Rehabilitation has been key to Virginia’s speedy recovery. But instead of going to the hospital for rehabilitation, it came to her!

Cabrini’s Rehabilitation in the Home program is one if its fastest growing ‘At Home’ services – increasing 29% in the last year. It allows patients like Virginia to return to the comfort of their home after surgery, with the security of continued care from allied health experts.

Cabrini Grade 3 Physiotherapist, Amber Colin, visited Virginia at her home the day following discharge from her first knee replacement. Twice a week for five weeks, Amber worked with Virginia to assist her with mobility and strength exercises.

Virginia was so happy with her recovery, that she sought Amber’s support after her second knee replacement. Amber is passionate about helping patients get back to their normal life as soon as possible. “Rehabilitation in the Home is such a convenient option for patients, as many can’t drive for weeks after a procedure,” Amber said.

Home rehabilitation doesn’t just offer comfort and convenience for patients; it also has treatment benefits. As Amber notes, “With home visits, I can really tailor my treatment to a patient’s specific needs and long-term goals in a way that can’t be done in the inpatient setting.

“I find that patients are often more engaged this way, as they can see the relevance of my advice and the exercises I prescribe, to help them get back to the activities they enjoy. Interestingly, research is starting to show that many home patients recover and get back to normal life quicker than if they were to complete their rehabilitation in hospital,” Amber said.

When Amber visits, Virginia’s husband Kon watches on and gets involved in sessions so that he can encourage Virginia to do her rehabilitation exercises between home visits. Amber is impressed by Kon’s active participation. They joke that once Virginia is walking confidently in a few weeks, Kon (a retired factory supervisor) can join the rehabilitation team as an assistant!

Virginia doesn’t need much encouragement to do her knee rehabilitation exercises though. “I’m really looking forward to getting back to my gym and doing water aerobics and weights and getting on the treadmill. I also love my beach walks, so that’s a great motivator,” Virginia said.

With Virginia’s healthy and positive approach to life, she is particularly excited about being actively involved in Christmas festivities at her daughter’s place. “Christmas lunch is a big occasion for our family, with over 20 guests including my sister, three children and two grandchildren all coming together. If I do my exercises diligently, I should only need one crutch for support on Christmas Day,” she said enthusiastically.

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