What is Total Joint Replacement Rehab?
Total joint arthroplasty (joint replacement) is often recommended for people that have joint problems that are affecting their ability to complete work, recreational, and home tasks.
Benefits
When undergoing joint replacement surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in the recovery process. Physical therapy for a joint replacement includes both pre-operative rehabilitation and post-operative rehabilitation.
Before Surgery
Before receiving your joint replacement, even one visit of physical therapy can lead to a faster recovery. During this visit, you will learn how to perform appropriate exercises after surgery, and tips for completing basic activities, such as getting out of bed, walking up and down steps, and how to use an assistive device (i.e. – walker). You will also learn exercises to perform prior to surgery.
After Surgery
After your surgery, an outpatient physical therapy program will be developed to quickly restore your motion, strength, and function.
Typical programs will include:
- Range of motion
- Strength exercises
- Flexibility
- Manual therapy
- Endurance training
- Balance and coordination
- Gait training
- Activity modification
- Modalities
Common Diagnoses
- Severe arthritis
- Avascular necrosis of the hip
- Congenital problems such as hip dysplasia
- Severe trauma that fails conservative treatment
*Services are not available at all locations. Call or click the location page near you for that center’s services.
What to Expect
Every patient has a unique health history, diagnosis and personal goals. When you come for your first appointment, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you.
We work with most major insurance providers and do our best to help keep the paperwork pain-free. If you’d like to confirm your insurance coverage, please let us know and we can verify when you schedule. If your insurance provider requires a co-pay, we will ask for this payment at each visit. We accept payments by cash, check or credit card.
When to Arrive
On average, a patient’s first visit lasts about an hour. We typically ask patients to arrive 15 minutes early to sign-in, complete paperwork and/or change clothes.
What to Bring
On your first visit, you’ll need to bring your physician referral or prescription (if needed), your insurance card, your primary registration forms, your ID or driver’s license and your co-payment (as applicable). If desired, you may bring a change of clothing.
How it Works
During your first visit, your physical therapist will do an initial evaluation and discuss your plan of care. The therapist uses this information to set goals for your continued treatment. Physical therapy goals may include improved movement, strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as decreased pain. Your subsequent visits will focus on treatment that is based on your diagnosis and individualized goals.