Physical Therapy for Total Joint Replacement

Physical therapy is an integral part of the rehabilitation process after a total joint replacement. Its primary goal is to help patients regain strength, mobility, and function in the new joint.

After surgery, there is likely pain and swelling in the new joint, which can cause stiffness and limit the patient’s mobility. Therefore, work should start soon after surgery to maximize the success of the procedure and to gradually restore the joint’s range of motion and function.

What Does Physical Therapy Do?

Some of the benefits of physical therapy after a total joint replacement includes:

Promoting Healing

Physical therapy helps reduce swelling and inflammation, promoting healing around the surgical site. Patients heal faster and better when physical therapy is part of their post-surgery rehabilitation plan.

Restoring Range of Motion

Physical therapists work with patients to gradually improve joint flexibility and range of motion by increasing the elasticity of the muscle tissue. They use a variety of methods to move and increase the range of motion in the joint. For example, they may use passive range of motion exercises, where the joint is moved through its maximum capacity using a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine.

Strengthening Muscles

Some physical therapy exercises promote muscle health, targeting the surrounding muscles to rebuild strength, stability, and balance in the new joint. As the muscles get stronger, there will be reduced strain on the joint.

Improving Gait and Walking

Through the help of a licensed physical therapist, patients can learn proper walking techniques and gait training to enhance their ability to walk without assistance and reduce the risk of falls, which is important after a hip or knee replacement.

Enhancing Functional Abilities

Physical therapy is part of a rehabilitation program that slowly restores a patient’s functional abilities necessary for daily activities, such as standing, sitting, climbing stairs, and reaching, and the skills you need to return to work or sports.

What is a Physical Therapy Session Like for Post-Operative Joint Replacement Patients?

Orthopedic surgeons usually refer joint replacement patients to a licensed physical therapist soon after surgery. The first meeting may go something like this:

#1 Initial Evaluation

The first physical therapy session typically involves a thorough evaluation of the patient’s range of motion, muscle strength, and any postoperative complications. The physical therapist needs to assess the patient’s abilities and limitations to document the current status of the joint and develop a personalized treatment plan.

#2 Exercise and Movement

Physical therapy sessions consist of various exercises and movements tailored to the patient’s specific needs. These exercises may include gentle stretching, joint mobilization, resistance training, and balance exercises. The therapist will explain each exercise and movement and what each is expected to do for the patient.

#3 Gait Training

Gait training is an essential aspect of physical therapy for total hip and knee joint replacement patients, so they learn proper walking techniques, even with the help of assistive devices if necessary, to gradually transition to independent walking.

#4 Pain Management

Physical therapy also helps manage pain after a joint replacement. The physical therapist may use modalities like heat or ice therapy, as well as manual techniques, to relieve pain and discomfort during recovery.

How Long Does Physical Therapy Take?

The duration of physical therapy after a joint replacement varies depending on the patient’s previous condition, the type of joint replacement surgery, and how well they are progressing. Patients who are highly committed to their physical therapy can help speed up their recovery.

Generally, patients continue physical therapy for several weeks to a few months post-surgery.

The frequency of sessions typically decreases as the patient gains strength and mobility.

In the initial weeks after surgery, in-person physical therapy may be needed 2 to 3 times a week to focus on pain management, wound healing, and initial range of motion exercises. As the patient’s condition improves, the frequency of physical therapy sessions may decrease to once a week or every other week (along with an at-home regimen to be done every day). At this stage, the focus shifts to more advanced exercises and functional activities.

Toward the end of physical therapy, the therapist may provide a more extensive home exercise program to continue progress independently. Follow-up sessions may be scheduled periodically to monitor the patient’s continued improvement.