Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Backgrounder
St. John's Rehab is the only hospital in Ontario solely dedicated to specialized rehabilitation. Our musculoskeletal rehabilitation program offers care for patients recovering from elective surgeries and complex orthopaedic conditions such as surgical procedures for fractures due to osteoporosis or a fall. Patients are referred to us from acute care hospitals throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
- The program provides extensive rehabilitation after surgery or injury, including education and treatment for patients with disease.
- As a teaching site of the University of Toronto, we excel in teaching and researching rehabilitation care.
- Patients who have undergone elective joint replacements participate in an intensive inpatient rehab program for up to seven days.
- Once discharged, patients can benefit from a seamless continuum of care by being referred to our outpatient rehabilitation program.
- Patients are referred to St. John's Rehab by family physicians and hospitals throughout the GTA.
- Our highly skilled and committed multidisciplinary rehab team includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, speech-language pathologists, physicians, dietitians, social workers, psychologists and pastoral care.
- If appropriate, patients may receive aquatherapy in our heated indoor pool, helping them recover flexibility and strength.
- Our team of rehabilitation professionals develops realistic goals and timelines with each patient and keeps in close contact with the patient and his or her family. This helps achieve maximum recovery, independence and quality of life.
- Our staff may make home visits prior to a patient's discharge to recommend lifestyle adaptations to further assist with rehabilitation.
- Program services such as psychology, social work, psychiatry and rheumatology are available to address the diverse needs of adults of all ages.
- Individual or group therapy is available, which helps patients reintegrate into their community.
- The individually customized program consists of assessment, treatment and support focused on the whole person – body, mind and spirit.
- Patients can enjoy the hospital's 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways – a key element in their spiritual and emotional recovery.
Canadian musculoskeletal statistics
- The Canadian Institute for Heath Information estimates that 40,529 people were hospitalized in Ontario as result of musculoskeletal injuries in 2003.
- According to Canadian Joint Replacement Registry 2006 Annual Report on Hip and Knee Replacements in Canada:
- In 2004 – 2005, 58,714 patients received hip or knee replacements in Canada , an 87 per cent increase over the last ten years.
- The largest rate of increase was in patients 45 – 54 years of age. Hip replacements doubled in this age group from 1,313 in 1994 – 1995 to 2,664 in 2004 – 2005.
- 65 per cent of hip replacement and 68 per cent of knee replacement patients in 2004 – 2005 were aged 65 and older.
- In 2004 – 2005, 33,590 knee replacements were performed in Canada .
- According to Statistics Canada, one million Canadians suffer from osteoporosis; 80 per cent are women.
- Health Canada estimates that one out of four women and one out of eight men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.
- According to Osteoporosis Canada :
- There are approximately 25,000 hip fractures in Canada every year. Seventy per cent of hip fractures are osteoporosis-related.
- Hip fractures result in death in up to 20 per cent of cases, and disability in 50 per cent of cases.
- According to Health Canada, fewer than 50 per cent of people experiencing hip fractures regain full function, and many are permanently disabled.
- Rehabilitation can improve quality of life for people with osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise and swimming are effective treatments to maintain and increase bone mass.
St. John's Rehab musculoskeletal program patients (April 2006 – March 2007)
- Total inpatient beds: 61
- Inpatients admitted: 1,722
- Outpatient visits: 9,050
- Typical length of stay: 15 days
- Average age of patients: 73 years
- Patients aged 55 or older: 94.7 per cent
- Gender of patients: 37.8 per cent male, 72.2 per cent female