Joint Replacement Therapy
How We Treat Patients Pre/Post-Surgery
After a thorough evaluation by a physical therapist, goals will be set to minimize the adverse effects of surgery such as pain and swelling as well as to restore normal movement, flexibility and function. The therapist and patient will work together to establish functional goals related to resuming normal activities of living as well as preventing an injury from recurring. The therapist will then design an exercise program tailored specific to the patient’s needs and abilities, and work.
Therapy is often divided into distinct phases. The first comes immediately after surgery when the body part may be immobilized while pain and swelling subside. Then comes a series of progressively challenging exercises to restore range of motion, stability, and strength. The final goal is to return the patient to a pre-injury activity level. Post-operative treatments may specifically include:
- Flexibility exercises to improve range of motion
- Modalities such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation
- Exercises to strengthen muscles
- Posture, balance, and coordination training
- Gait analysis and training
- Manual therapy techniques
- Self-care training
- Home exercise instruction
