Total joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, helps people with damaged joints regain the function, strength, balance, and independence they desire. Whether you are an athlete, construction worker, active senior, or someone else, expect some weeks to months to rehab from this life-changing procedure fully.
Let’s talk about the things you need during recovery from total joint replacement surgery and where you can go for outstanding treatment in Watertown, NY.
1. Time in the Hospital
The amount of time you spend in the hospital after your surgery depends on you:
- Overall health
- Age
- Procedural details
Some patients return home the same day; others stay overnight or longer. Regardless, your vital signs, return to full consciousness, level of pain, sensation, movement, and more will be fully monitored. Plus, you will be out of bed and ambulating with DRE and medical personnel to assist the same day or the next.
2. Recovery at Home or in a Rehab Facility
You will recover at home or in a rehabilitation facility as you and your doctor deem necessary. At home, you must have one person available at all times to help you with dressing, bathing, meals, and more.
Your orthopedic team will instruct you on how to take care of your incision and the best ways to shower, climb and descend stairs, enter and exit your vehicle, and more. You will not be allowed to drive or return to work, sports, and other activities until your doctor OKs them.
3. Follow-up Care and Physical Therapy
Expect to have some pain. Some people perceive more discomfort than others. So, take your medication as directed, and if you are still very uncomfortable, contact your provider. Most people start with a short course of prescription pain relievers and then quickly advance to over-the-counter medications.
Additionally, expect to begin physical therapy in the hospital before discharge. You will receive exercises at home after discharge and an intensive physical therapy program on an outpatient basis or in your rehab facility.
Physical therapy helps patients recover more quickly and successfully. Therapists employ a wide range of passive and active techniques which promote healing, reduce pain and swelling, encourage stable movement, and fine-tune home- and job-related tasks for greater safety and success.
4. Precautions at Home
For the first week or so, have your living area on the same floor in your home. That means a recliner, TV, phone, laptop, remote, and more, all within easy reach and your bathroom or commode close by. Be sure a responsible adult is with you for the first week to assist with household chores, dressing, and bathing as needed.
Call your provider if you have any pain increases, have more swelling in your operated limb, run a fever, or experience numbness in your leg or arm.
5. Patience and Persistence
Ninety percent of people who undergo joint arthroplasty say their lives have improved dramatically with improved mobility, independence, and pain reduction. However, recovery takes time, and patients must carefully follow their treatment and rehabilitation plans. Don’t try to do too much too soon.
Total Joint Replacement in Watertown, NY
If you are suffering from any form of musculoskeletal discomfort or limited range of motion, the board-certified orthopedic surgeons at North Country Orthopaedic Group in Watertown, New York, can provide you with a thorough evaluation and an effective custom treatment plan.
Our multi-specialty practice is devoted to your musculoskeletal health, offering the most advanced nonsurgical and surgical services to provide a comprehensive approach to your care, including total joint replacements.
For more information, contact us today at (315) 782-1650. If you want to arrange a consultation, fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
We look forward to helping relieve your pain and restore your mobility.
