Joint Replacement Therapy

Physical therapy and occupational therapy play a key role in the rehabilitation of people who have received a total joint replacement of the knee, hip, or shoulder. Joint replacement physical therapy can also benefit people who are limited in their daily lives due to joint pain from all types of arthritis.

Physical therapy helps restore range of motion, strength, mobility, flexibility, endurance, self-care skills, and the ability to perform prior activities. A physical therapist can provide you with the education needed to walk and climb stairs, get in and out of a chair or car, tie your shoes, and other daily activities. Assistive devices such as canes and walkers are also common with joint replacement surgery, and Athletico therapists can identify the correct device to meet your specific needs.

Often, total joint replacement surgery is recommended when people have:

  • Severe joint damage due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the hip
  • Congenital malalignment or dislocation
  • Severe knee, hip, or shoulder pain causing difficulty with mobility, daily activities, or occupational requirements
  • Severe trauma to the joint that cannot be addressed through less invasive methods

If you would like more information about rehabilitation of your hip, knee, or shoulder replacement, request an appointment at an Athletico Physical Therapy clinic to learn about:

  • What to expect before and after surgery
  • How to know when you are ready for a total joint replacement
  • How physical therapy can help you prepare for surgery
  • How physical therapy can help you get back to doing the things you love in life
  • Preparing for your return home
  • Helpful tips for assistive devices

Why is rehabilitation still a critical part of a successful joint replacement?

Agemak: Getting up and moving soon after joint replacement surgery is key to a successful outcome. It also helps prevent life-threatening complications, such as blood clots. Both physical and occupational therapists will see you in the hospital after your surgery and begin a mobilization and exercise program before discharge. In fact, we aim to get our total joint replacement patients up and moving around the same day as their surgery.

What does rehabilitation and mobilization look like?

Agemak: Once discharged, you’ll usually get two to three weeks of home physical therapy to ensure you can get around at home and meet range-of-motion and strength targets. Three weeks after surgery, you will likely begin outpatient treatment with weekly appointments. On average, joint replacement patients participate in five to seven physical therapy visits – far fewer than the average even two to three years ago. Most patients appreciate the time to learn more about their healing process and the support to ensure they are meeting projected goals.

What should you expect from rehab?

Agemak: You will experience pain following surgery, especially for total knee replacements, but it will gradually decrease over time. A physical therapist will talk to you about your recovery, goals and past medical history while also assessing your range of motion, strength and gait. The goal is to develop a plan of care that makes sense with regard to your goals and challenges.

Every patient is unique and plans for physical therapy should be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and capabilities. While some patients may only need a couple of rehab visits, others may need more. The key is to complete the entire recommended course of treatment.

Patients who do not complete rehab may experience prolonged pain, stiffness and swelling of the joint. These deficits can also lead to a breakdown in other areas of the body, such as with the leg that wasn’t operated on or in the lower back, and lead to pain or orthopedic problems down the road. Through rehab, though, these issues are eliminated, and during outpatient physical therapy, your therapist will devise a plan of care that enables you to achieve your goals and targets in an acceptable time frame.