Ballywho News

Patients who suffer from osteoarthritis or other debilitating conditions often find relief with joint replacement surgery. But the surgery itself is simply the start to recovering joint function. Physical rehabilitation plays a vital role in rebuilding strength, agility, and range of motion. It can also give patients the tools they need to protect their new joint over time.

The Rehabilitation Process

For patients who have minimally invasive joint replacement, rehabilitation begins on the surgery day. Patients will stand or walk using a walker or crutches. They’ll also sit up in a chair and complete several exercises from the bed. On the second and third days, the patient should be able to walk around a bit. The physical therapist also usually starts more physically demanding exercises, including strength building and stretching. By Days 4 and 5, the patient is not only sitting and standing, but also doing everyday activities like dressing and using the restroom.

After discharge, rehabilitation usually continues both on an outpatient basis and at home. The physical therapist teaches different exercises and activities that the patient can do at home, to complement the activities done during outpatient therapy sessions. The goal of this continued rehabilitation is three-fold:

• To ease recovery after surgery and facilitate return to daily activities
• To improve strength, range of motion, flexibility, and endurance
• To prevent injury and protect the joint from further damage or unnecessary wear

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation

With proper rehabilitation, the vast majority of patients can participate in low-impact activities (such as swimming and walking) with no physical restrictions. A patient’s condition before surgery significantly impacts how well the patient will recover. Physical condition, previous activity level, and patient motivation all influence recovery after joint replacement.

Most patients who suffer long-term limitations have other physical conditions that restrict their mobility. Heart disease, pulmonary conditions, and physical inactivity are common culprits of restricted mobility after joint rehabilitation.

Even after a full recovery, experts generally recommend that joint replacement patients refrain from activities that could place undue stress on the artificial joint. These include heavy lifting, jumping, running, and contact sports.

Choosing a Rehabilitation Center

Before choosing a place to have joint replacement surgery, consider the hospital’s rehabilitation program. When it comes to rehabilitation after joint replacement, expertise is everything. Look for a hospital with a robust joint replacement program and a proven track record with joint replacement rehabilitation patients.

Especially in the first few days after surgery, daily rehabilitation is critical. The best programs have physical and occupational therapists on staff every day, even on weekends, to deliver specialized post-surgical care. These experts should work closely with each patient to craft an individualized rehabilitation plan that will get patients back on their feet—and back in the action as soon as it’s safe and healthy.

Ask about the usual patient recovery. After proper rehabilitation, the vast majority of patients can participate in low-impact activities (such as swimming and walking) as frequently as desired. Look for a rehabilitation center that consistently delivers these results.

If you have questions about hip, knee, or other joint replacement, please contact us at Largo Medical Center. Visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-877-442-2362.