Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
-
Chat With Us
+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Tendon Transfer
A tendon transfer is a surgical procedure in which a damaged tendon is replaced with a healthy tendon from another area of the body. This helps to restore function and movement at the affected joint and can reduce any pain previously experienced. Tendon transfers may be necessary for a number of reasons, including:
- Tendon rupture or severe tendon damage that cannot be repaired
- Loss of muscle function due to nerve injury or neurological conditions
- Chronic tendon disorders that have not responded to conservative treatment
- Correction of deformities caused by imbalance between opposing muscle groups
- Following trauma or previous surgery that has compromised tendon function
Physiotherapy at acephysiosports.com is essential both before and after tendon transfer surgery to optimise your recovery. Pre-surgery physiotherapy helps maintain strength, flexibility, and joint function, while post-surgery physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement, strengthening the transferred tendon, and ensuring a safe return to daily activities, work, or sport.
Physiotherapy prior to tendon transfer in the ankle
The specialist physiotherapists at acephysiosports.com will work with you to design a personalised rehabilitation programme tailored to your individual needs. If you are placed on a waiting list for your surgery, it is important to maintain the strength and mobility of the affected area as well as surrounding joints and muscles to optimise your recovery. Physiotherapy at this stage may include:
- Targeted strengthening exercises for surrounding muscles
- Range of motion exercises to maintain joint mobility
- Gentle stretching to prevent stiffness
- Balance and proprioception exercises
- Soft tissue massage or manual therapy
- Guidance on posture and movement to reduce strain
- Advice on activity modification to protect the affected tendon or joint
Symptoms after tendon transfer in the ankle
For the first ten days after your operation, you will be walking with the aid of crutches and will therefore only be partially weight-bearing. During this time, it is normal to experience temporary symptoms following surgery. These may include swelling around the surgical site, bruising, mild to moderate pain or discomfort, stiffness in the joint or surrounding muscles, temporary weakness in the affected limb, limited range of motion, and occasional numbness or tingling near the incision. Your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will guide you on how best to manage these symptoms to promote a smooth recovery.
- Swelling around the surgical site
- Bruising or discoloration of the skin
- Mild to moderate pain or discomfort
- Stiffness in the joint or surrounding muscles
- Temporary weakness in the affected limb
- Limited range of motion in the joint
- Numbness or tingling sensations near the incision site
Physiotherapy after tendon transfer in the ankle
Your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will not only help you manage and reduce any temporary post-surgical symptoms but will also work to improve the strength and function of the affected joint and surrounding muscles. This targeted rehabilitation allows you to maximise your recovery and achieve the best possible outcomes following your surgery.
Weeks 1-2
Immediately following tendon transfer surgery, your foot will be supported in an aircast boot for the first six weeks to protect the surgical site. During this initial stage, physiotherapy will focus on managing post-surgical symptoms and instructing you on how to safely partially weight-bear using crutches. Your physiotherapy programme may include:
- Gentle range of motion exercises for non-affected joints to maintain mobility
- Elevation and icing to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Instructions and practice for safe partial weight-bearing using crutches
- Gentle isometric exercises to maintain strength in surrounding muscles
- Pain management techniques and guidance on protecting the surgical site
- Education on activity modification to avoid stressing the transferred tendon
Weeks 3-6
At this stage, your foot will still be supported by the aircast boot, but your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com may allow you to begin putting more weight through the affected leg. As your temporary post-surgery symptoms reduce, your programme will focus on helping you safely return to work, hobbies, and daily activities. This stage will include gradual progression of weight-bearing exercises, gentle strengthening of the foot, ankle, and lower leg muscles, balance and proprioception training to improve joint stability, and functional exercises tailored to your specific activities. Stretching and mobility exercises for surrounding muscles and joints will also be incorporated, along with education on safe movement patterns and activity modification.
- Gradual progression of weight-bearing exercises while still in the aircast boot
- Gentle strengthening exercises for the foot, ankle, and lower leg muscles
- Balance and proprioception exercises to improve joint stability
- Functional exercises tailored to your work, sport, or daily activities
- Stretching and mobility exercises for surrounding muscles and joints
- Education on activity modification and safe movement patterns
Week 6 and onwards
By this stage, the aircast boot should be removed, and your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com may advise you to fully weight-bear without crutches. Individuals with sedentary jobs should now be able to return to work, while those in more physically demanding roles may require additional time. Your physiotherapist will guide you on strategies to manage your workload safely and pace your activities to reduce the risk of recurring symptoms. The physiotherapy programme will now focus on more functional and activity-specific rehabilitation, including progressive strengthening, balance and proprioception exercises, sport- or hobby-specific drills, endurance and mobility training, and guidance on safely returning to your daily and occupational activities.
Summary
Tendon transfer in the ankle is a surgical procedure designed to restore movement, strength, and function by replacing a damaged or diseased tendon with a healthy tendon from another part of the body. This surgery is generally highly effective when combined with a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. At acephysiosports.com, our specialist physiotherapists will create an individualised programme tailored to your needs, both before and after surgery. Following your physiotherapy plan closely provides the best chance of a successful recovery while minimising the risk of complications. To book an appointment, please call acephysiosports.com on +65 81535374 today!
Get treated today!
We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.
Find out more »
We are open...
Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
Find your nearest clinic
Acephysio Sports have clinics located throughout the Singapore.
Find out more »
