Joint replacement surgeries are common procedures that are performed in areas of the body including hips, knees, shoulders and ankles. The procedure removes a joint with arthritic changes and replaces it with an artificial joint.
Total knee and total hip replacements are of the most common joint replacement procedures performed and are called Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) or Total Hip Arthoplasty (THA).
Physical therapy is a vital component of helping you through your journey both before and after a joint replacement surgery.
Physical therapy prior to your joint replacement surgery is called Prehabilitation or “Pre-Hab”. Pre-hab is intended to help decrease pain, improve range of motion, and increase strength prior to surgery. Prehab can help improve your recovery and pain after surgery.
The benefits of physical therapy before and after your joint replacement surgery include:
- Decrease pain
- Increase range of motion and strength
- Improve function
Your physical therapist will also provide education on topics that may include:
- Pain management
- Proper use of assistive devices such as canes, crutches and walkers
- Home safety considerations
- Appropriate precautions for the joint replacement
- Balance and safety considerations
Your treatment before and after a joint replacement may include:
- Pain relieving modalities (cold/hot pack, electrical stimulation)
- Manual therapy
- Trigger point dry needling
- Aquatic/Pool therapy
- Cupping
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Functional activities
- Balance activities
- Kinesiotape/Sport taping