Have you had a recent total joint replacement of the knee or hip? Do you still have pain or weakness when walking, climbing stairs, or squatting down to retrieve a dropped item? You may benefit from physical therapy after surgery. Don’t neglect dedicated post-surgical rehab to optimize your recovery and function.
At Rose City Physical Therapy, our physical therapists can guide you to restore your motion, strength, and ability to perform daily activities without pain or limits!
A total joint replacement is a surgical procedure where an arthritic or damaged joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis device designed to replicate a normal joint’s movement and function.
Our clinic provides joint replacement rehabilitation to those with a replacement procedure or even those experiencing limitations months and years after their procedure.
If your knee or hip joint is a constant source of pain, weakness, or limitation, Rose City Physical Therapy can help provide some relief.
Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists!
How to tell when you need a joint replacement
You may be a candidate for a total joint replacement if you have tried treatments, including medication, physical therapy, and activity modifications without relief.
The most common reasons for a joint replacement include:
- Severe joint damage: This is typically due to the advanced end stage of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Joint trauma: Fractures and dislocations can lead to joint replacements. Some injuries can only be managed through surgical intervention, depending on how critical the damage is.
- Chronic pain: If your pain constantly affects your daily life and no other treatments seem to help, your doctor may suggest surgery.
Preparing yourself for the process is essential if you require total joint replacement surgery.
What can you do to prepare for total joint surgery?
Consulting with one of our physical therapists can help prepare you physically, mentally, and emotionally for your upcoming surgery. Completing a ‘pre-hab’ (rehab before surgery) course of care provides you with an understanding of what to expect and has been shown to optimize post-op function.
Our pre-operative assessment and treatment session helps decrease the length of stay post-operatively, reduces anxiety before and after surgery, improves self-confidence, and establishes a relationship with your physical therapist.
You can help ensure a smooth surgery and speedy recovery by planning. You can also provide an early return of your function by learning what to expect and what exercises to perform. In addition, you can take steps to manage your first weeks at home by arranging for help and preparing assistive items, such as a shower bench or a long-handled reacher.
Physical therapy after total joint replacement
Physical therapy is necessary for rehabilitation if you have total hip or knee replacement. Your physical therapist will provide a treatment plan for you that will assist in restoring your range of motion, flexibility, strength, endurance, and overall mobility of the affected joint.
Your initial appointment will include a physical evaluation to determine the best treatment for your needs. Your physical therapist will create a specialized treatment plan based on your assessment to rehabilitate and bring you back to your optimum physical health.
At first, your treatment plan will consist of passive and early active-assisted or active physical therapy, primarily focused on pain relief, swelling control, and restoring basic mobility. This may include manual therapy, gentle therapeutic exercises, or any other combination of treatment services that your physical therapist deems for your treatment plan.
After your passive therapy, you will continue into active physical therapy treatments. These will include strengthening exercises, balance, and gait training to ensure you progress while preventing falls or other injuries that could inhibit your progress.
In addition, at-home treatments will help make your recovery as quick and comfortable as possible, so your knee or hip can return to its normal level of function!
Call today to schedule your appointments.
If you believe you could benefit from our total joint replacement rehabilitation services, contact Rose City Physical Therapy in Portland, OR, today. We will get you back to living your best life, free from pain and limiting knee or hip pain!