Galileu performs 8,200 physiotherapy services for orthopedic trauma rehabilitation in 2025

Three months ago, Frederico de Almeida, 44, was hospitalized at the Galileu State Public Hospital (HPEG) in Greater Belém. A victim of osteomyelitis, he had to undergo surgical procedures at the unit, and now he is receiving nutritional and psychological support, as well as physiotherapy sessions, which are essential for his rehabilitation and quick return home.

In Francisco's case, physiotherapy sessions are held every day of the week, which brings results beyond expectations. "They are perfect. I had flaccidity and muscle weakness in my arms, and I noticed progress in muscle mass gain with strengthening exercises using elastic bands and ankle weights," said the sales representative.

The patient also recalls that the rehabilitation process goes beyond the walls of the ward. "The wheelchair rides in the hospital's outdoor area help a lot due to the prolonged hospitalization. The physiotherapy sessions have been especially focused on the strength of my arms and leg stretches; I have shown progress in my arms and improvement in shortening and edema," he added.

Performance

Just this year, HPEG has already performed 8,273 physiotherapy services at the unit. With the service, patients have a better chance of returning to their routine after a trauma. "Physiotherapy helps recover strength, movement, and coordination, in addition to preventing complications that could delay recovery. Without physiotherapy, the patient may have limitations, pain, or even develop new injuries," explained physiotherapist Anne Louise.

The department works on the rehabilitation of orthopedic traumas to recover movements, reduce pain, avoid complications such as thrombosis and muscle atrophy, thus helping the patient return to their normal activities as quickly as possible. "Physiotherapy works with therapeutic exercises to strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and restore functions, joint mobilizations to recover joint movement, and stretches to maintain or gain flexibility," emphasized the professional.

Anne Louise added that the unit also offers gait training. "These are aimed at patients relearning to walk safely, sometimes with the aid of crutches or walkers; we also have Electrotherapy using devices to control pain and stimulate muscles, and Cryotherapy with the application of ice or heat to reduce pain, swelling, or stiffness. We also work on education and postural guidance so that the patient knows how to move without aggravating the injury," she described.

Pre and post-operative

In the pre-operative phase, the physiotherapist prepares the patient for surgery by strengthening muscles, improving mobility, and teaching exercises that will be used after the operation. "This helps reduce recovery time and improves the surgical outcome," detailed Anne Louise.

In the post-operative phase, the service works to control pain and swelling, prevent complications (such as thrombosis and joint stiffness), and recover strength, movement, and function of the operated area. "The goal is to ensure that the patient resumes their activities safely and efficiently," the professional added.

Infrastructure

At Galileu, the equipment used by the service for rehabilitation includes elastic bands, weights to strengthen muscles; walkers, crutches, and canes for training; wheelchairs used for mobility in cases of temporary or permanent limitations; Electrotherapy devices such as TENS for pain control; ice packs used for pain and swelling control.

The unit also maintains an outdoor gym with adapted equipment, installed in an external area, which helps in the rehabilitation of patients. "This environment motivates patients and contributes to physical and emotional recovery. It allows working on physical endurance and autonomy in activities similar to daily life," the physiotherapist added.

Projects

In the department, patients can count on some projects aimed exclusively at rehabilitation, such as the 'Outdoor Walk' for long-term hospitalized patients, activities with interactive games, and collaboration with Occupational Therapy in the creation of orthoses for patients in need.

"The Physiotherapy Team, along with the Multidisciplinary team, defines the days for external care. The goal is to provide a rehabilitation moment with distraction, making the hospitalization process less prolonged, ensuring a safe return home," reinforced Tyssia Cardoso, team coordinator.

Service:

Galileu Hospital offers orthopedic services, with surgeries for medium and high complexity fractures. Procedures are performed at HPGE for diaphyseal tibia fractures, distal forearm and hand fractures, chronic and acute osteomyelitis. The services are referenced and offered through the state regulation network.

Galileu Hospital has 104 inpatient beds and maintains services for bone reconstruction and elongation, trachea surgeries, and urological surgeries, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, renal exclusion, and prostate biopsy screening.

Text by Roberta Paraense