ultrasound enhances type 1 collagen
synthesis which is the dominant
component
of
scar
tissue
2
formation. Low-level laser therapy
(LLLT) was used on the surgical site
to improve healing, decrease pain,
and decrease inflammation. LLLT
uses electromagnetic radiation in
the form of photons; by a process
know as photobiomodulation. This
process
stimulates
cellular
responses,
especially
the
mitochondrial respiratory chain,
and stimulates ATP synthesis, which
accelerates tissue repair. 3 LLLT
causes vasodilatation which aids in
decreasing inflammation, and it
releases endorphins and enkephalins
which provide analgesia. LLLT was
also used on the surrounding
musculature to help alleviate spasms
and tautness due to muscle
compensation, and to the small
abrasions at the gastrocnemius
muscle-tendon junction caused by
the
orthotic.
Massage
was
performed
to
alleviate
compensatory
muscle
compensation, and passive range of
motion was performed on all limbs
to keep Maya’s joints mobile.
Therapeutic
exercises
were
introduced at 9 weeks post-
operative to strengthen the muscles
of
the
hamstring
complex
(semimembranosus, semitendinosus,
Maya on
on Ramp
Ramp
Maya
and biceps femoris), quadriceps and
the gastrocnemius, and to provide
stability through the common
calcaneal tendon. At 14 weeks post-
operative, Maya was introduced to
the underwater treadmill, where she
was able to load the calcaneal
tendon in a low-impact fashion
using the buoyancy of the water. At
this time, low impact therapeutic
exercises were also introduced