A common concern among people considering total or partial joint replacement surgery is the recovery time and outcomes of the procedure. People obviously want to know when they’ll be back to normal, and/or what their “new normal” will look and feel like.
But every joint procedure is different, and no two people heal the same way. We can provide a few general expectations, but the best way to know what to expect for your joint replacement rehab timeline is to talk to your surgeon, primary care provider, or physical therapist.
Comprehensive care for long-term success
Rehabilitation is the critical phase that bridges surgery and full recovery. It’s during this time that the body adapts to the new joint and regains strength and flexibility. Because of the highly personalized nature of each procedure, the rehab process also needs to be tailored to each individual.
The best experience of the not-so-fun process of healing after surgery arises from a true partnership with your health providers, rather than feeling rushed through a standardized process that “should” provide the best outcome. That’s why we seek to have open conversations about your condition both before and after surgery, and how best you can prepare and recover no matter what your procedure or goals.
Physical therapy techniques for post-surgery rehab
Physical therapy after surgery of all kinds is about restoring movement and function while minimizing pain. Depending on your surgical plan, lifestyle, overall health, and goals from the procedure, our physical therapists can utilize several evidence-based treatments to get you back to full fitness, including:
- Strengthening exercises: These include activities like leg raises, heel slides, and mini squats, aimed at building muscle strength around the joint.
- Range-of-motion exercises: Such as knee bends and hip rotations, these exercises help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness while the joint heals.
- Balance and stability training: This involves exercises like standing on one leg or using balance boards, crucial for improving coordination and reducing the risk of falls.
- Coordination training: As the sensory processing organ, your brain will need to slightly re-learn how the joint feels and moves before you’ll feel fully naturally coordinated in the joint affected by surgery.
Physical therapists may also use other treatments like ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy techniques to enhance recovery in various ways. You’re always free to mention treatments you’re curious about as well as any concerns you have as soon as you have them.
Types of joint replacement surgeries
Just one of the major factors for your physical therapy plan is the extent of the surgery. Joint replacement surgeries typically take two main forms:
- Partial joint replacement: This involves replacing only the damaged part of the joint, preserving as much of the original structure as possible.
- Total joint replacement (TJR): This involves replacing the entire joint with prosthetic components. It’s more extensive but can provide significant pain relief and improved function.
Common joints that undergo replacement include:
- Knee replacement surgery
- Hip replacement surgery
- Rotator cuff surgery
- Elbow replacement surgery
- Ankle surgery
Discussing the plan for surgery with your healthcare provider can provide clearer expectations of recovery timelines and post-surgical care.
What to expect from your joint replacement therapy appointments
Entering physical therapy after surgery can be daunting and uncomfortable, but knowing what to expect can ease anxiety. In the early days post-surgery, therapy focuses on gentle movements to encourage circulation and prevent complications like blood clots. This phase is characterized by short and frequent PT sessions concentrating on limited, controlled exercises to promote healing.
A few weeks into rehab, appointments become more rigorous, gradually incorporating strength training, endurance exercises, and more dynamic movements. Our therapists will closely monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to the program, ensuring a steady pace towards recovery while avoiding overexertion.
Patients should expect to engage in open discussions about pain levels, challenges faced, and milestones achieved. It’s also common for our therapists to volunteer additional resources, such as posture training, joint protection techniques, and lifestyle modifications to support long-term joint health.
Taking an active role in therapy sessions by asking questions and expressing concerns helps optimize the rehabilitation process. Remember, physical therapy is not just about overcoming limitations but also about building confidence and independence in your daily activities.
Learn more about joint replacement rehab
Whether you’ve got a surgery date scheduled or are looking for relief from side effects that haven’t yet resolved after your surgery and initial rehab, our physical therapists can help. We’ll work with other health professionals to better understand your situation, and help you achieve the goals you’re after with targeted, comprehensive care. Start a conversation with our team by calling a clinic near you or requesting an appointment online today.
