Physical therapy plays a key role in the rehabilitation of people who have received a total joint replacement of the knee, hip, or shoulder. Likewise, joint replacement physical therapy can benefit people who are limited in their movement due to joint pain from all types of arthritis.
Joint replacement physical therapy starts before surgery and ultimately helps restore range of motion, strength, mobility, flexibility, endurance, self-care skills, and the ability to perform prior activities.
Pre-operative Joint Replacement Rehabilitation
Starting rehabilitation before joint replacement surgery helps to improve muscle memory for patients preparing to have surgery and speeds post-operative recovery. A study performed at the Department of Clinical Transformation, OhioHealth, Columbus has found that as few as 1 to 2 sessions of pre-operative physical therapy can reduce post-operative care use by 29% for patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement. Also, health care cost savings is also realized. Pre-operative rehabilitation allows a therapist to help patients maximize the functional use of that body part before surgery. Assessing the patient’s pre-existing level of function before surgery also helps the therapist create a post-operative plan.
Post-operative Joint Replacement Rehabilitation
Post-operative rehabilitation helps patients return to normal activities after surgery. Our physical therapist can create a post-operative rehabilitation plan to fit your specific needs to help you heal from surgery faster and greatly improve your chances for long-term success.
If we can be of assistance in your joint replacement therapy, please contact us via email or by calling (303) 536-1949.