Medical prescription, LAMal reimbursement, how soon you can start after surgery, equipment and functional testing — here are the answers to the questions our patients ask most often at the Pully practice.
What is exertherapy, and how does it differ from conventional physiotherapy?
Exertherapy is a rehabilitation methodology based on supervised exercise, prescribed and monitored at the practice by a physiotherapist working under the supervision of Dr Santiago Echeverri (FMH Orthopaedic Surgery). It differs from conventional physiotherapy in its systematic use of objective functional testing (strength, balance), an individualised exercise programme, and measured progression on AI-assisted strength-training equipment.
Do I need a medical prescription to be treated at Dr E?
Yes — in Switzerland, physiotherapy is only reimbursed by basic health insurance (LAMal) with a medical prescription. Ask your GP or orthopaedic surgeon for a prescription covering 9 sessions (renewable). Without a prescription you are still welcome, but the sessions are at your own expense.
How many sessions does health insurance cover?
LAMal covers 9 sessions per prescription. If rehabilitation needs to continue beyond that, your physiotherapist writes an interim report for the prescribing doctor, who can extend the treatment (up to 36 sessions per series). Supplementary insurance may cover additional sessions depending on your policy.
How soon after orthopaedic surgery can rehabilitation begin?
It depends on the procedure. After an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, rehabilitation starts within 24 to 48 hours of surgery. After a hip or knee replacement, from the following day. Dr Echeverri defines the protocol for each patient together with the Dr E team.
Does Dr E treat athletes and sports medicine cases?
Yes. Dr E works with both recreational and competitive athletes, focusing on re-injury prevention (post-ACL, post-rotator cuff), return to sport guided by functional testing, and strength work specific to the athlete’s movement patterns. Collaboration with Vivian Seulin (nutrition) and Marie-Virginie Esch (yoga) completes the follow-up.
What equipment does Dr E use for rehabilitation?
The practice is equipped with AI-assisted strength-training devices that automatically adjust resistance and measure the force the patient produces in real time. This data feeds a progressive programme and makes it possible to quantify recovery objectively, session after session.
Does Dr E offer strength and balance testing?
Yes — an initial functional assessment is standard: isometric strength tests, static and dynamic balance tests, and proprioceptive evaluation. These measurements serve as a baseline for tracking progress. For patients at risk of falling (over 60, post-arthroplasty), the assessment is repeated every 6 sessions.
Where is the Dr E practice in Pully?
The Dr E practice is located at Avenue du Prieuré 13-19, 1009 Pully (canton of Vaud). Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 07:30–10:00 (other time slots are handled by the Dr E team). Phone: +41 21 601 71 79. Step-free access confirmed. Parking available nearby. See the map and get in touch.
Can’t find your question?
Our team will answer and point you towards the right rehabilitation protocol. Write to us or call the practice.
Avenue du Prieuré 13-19, 1009 Pully (VD) · Monday – Friday, 07:30 – 10:00