Renal and Liver Transplant Rehabilitation Programme

For all living or deceased donor liver and renal transplant recipients, the long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs leads to side effects such as osteoporosis and excessive weight gain. Carefully prescribed exercise helps to prevent and possibly reverse these side effects, promote blood circulation, strengthen muscles, improve endurance and overall health. 

Transplant recipients can be referred for physiotherapy at various stages during the pre- and post-transplant period. Physiotherapy intervention is individually tailored to give Education, Exercise and Support to all living or deceased donor liver and renal transplant recipients, and patients on liver or kidney transplant waiting lists.

Referrals may be directed from any of the physicians from the Liver or Renal Transplant Teams, who will determine the suitability of the patient and initiate the work-up.

In the inpatient setting after transplantation surgery, the recipient can be referred to physiotherapy for rehabilitation, progression of mobility, and pre-and post-operative management. The transplant recipient will undergo an assessment of his physical function after which a tailored exercise regimen is prescribed prior to discharge from the hospital.

Upon discharge from hospital, the recipient is reviewed at the outpatient clinic to address rehabilitation needs and progression of exercise. At the outpatient clinic, the physiotherapist conducts regular assessments of the patient's physical function. Education and modification of the individualised exercise regimen are provided to improve aerobic fitness and strength.