Recovering from an arthroplasty or joint replacement surgery takes time and dedication. Physical therapy and rehabilitation will teach you how to move with your new joint, strengthen the surrounding muscles and help you achieve your short- and long-term wellness goals.
Preparing for Your First Appointment
Bring your paperwork: That includes your physical therapy referral, surgery summary, list of medications, insurance information and medical records.
Dress comfortably: Wear loose clothing that doesn’t irritate your incision or restrict your movement. Your therapist may also need to inspect your joint, so avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Have an open discussion: Now is the time to ask questions to ensure you understand the rehabilitation process. Let your physical therapist know about any pain, physical limitations and other concerns you have before going forward.
Expect an initial assessment: Your therapist will conduct a physical exam of your joint and evaluations of your range of motion, strength and balance to determine the baseline of your skills.
Setting Goals for Recovery
Your goals will guide the direction of your rehabilitation. Consider the following questions:
- What do you hope to achieve through joint replacement therapy?
- What physical goals would you like to reach in a few weeks or months?
- Are there activities you struggle with now that you’d like to address?
Your therapist will help you define short- and long-term goals. Short-term goals are defined within the first few weeks of rehab and may include topics like pain management, improving range of motion and supporting safe transitions.
Your long-term goals should focus on what you hope to achieve over the next several months, such as regaining your strength and flexibility. It’s also important to consider personal goals that will be affected by your recovery, such as your ability to return to work or enjoy a hobby.
Types of Physical Therapy Exercises and Techniques
Stretching: Physical therapy includes passive and active stretching to stretch the muscles around your new joint to promote healing and prevent stiffness.
Range of motion exercises: This technique includes continuous passive motion and assisted movements to get you comfortable flexing the joint following surgery.
Strength training: Muscles support joints. You may focus on muscle contractions, resistance training or light weightlifting to improve your overall stability.
Aerobic exercises: Aquatic therapy, stationary cycling and elliptical work help build your endurance without straining your joints.
Functional training: You’ll learn how to safely complete typical movements like sitting, standing, reaching and other maneuvers to complete daily activities at home.
Balance and coordination: Depending on your type of joint replacement, you’ll complete different techniques to improve your stability and prevent falls.
Managing Pain and Discomfort During Rehabilitation
It’s common to experience discomfort and swelling following joint replacement. Hot/cold therapy is used to alternatively reduce swelling and increase blood flow, helping relax the muscles around your joint replacement.
Electrical stimulation is another strategy that uses low electrical currents to block pain signals and stimulate endorphins. Your therapist may also incorporate manual therapy such as massage techniques, gentle movements and focused pressure applications to ease tension and relieve pain. They can also educate you on compression and elevation techniques to support at-home recovery.
The Role of Your Physical Therapist
Your therapist serves as your guide during your joint replacement rehabilitation. They’re your go-to source of information and will create your therapy plan based on your unique needs and personal goals. A physical therapist also evaluates your surgeon’s recommendations and customizes your therapy routine based on that input.
You’ll work with a therapist during every rehab session. They provide instruction, correct your technique and ensure your safety throughout the process. A therapist’s job also includes providing emotional support and motivation to help you stay committed to the process.
Recovery Timeline for Different Joint Replacements
Your recovery time will depend on your type of joint replacement, your age, your activity level before surgery and the presence of chronic conditions.
The following are rough rehabilitation estimates based on different arthroplasties:
- Hip: 6-12 months
- Shoulder: 3-12 months
- Ankle: 6-12 months
- Elbow or wrist: 3-6 months
Personalized Physical Therapy at Embassy Healthcare
We offer a suite of comprehensive in- and outpatient therapy services for those recuperating from joint replacement surgery. Our expert team specializes in strength training, mobility and pain management so you can recover comfortably. Your goals become our goals, and we’ll work with you to achieve your wellness aspirations. Call 216-378-2050 or contact us online to learn more.
