Thinking about finally getting that hip, knee, or other joint replacement? It may seem like a pretty straightforward surgery, and for the most part it is. Almost one million hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States annually, making it one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed today.
Since these procedures are so common, you more than likely know someone who has undergone some sort of joint replacement. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 90% of people who have a knee replacement experience a significant reduction in pain and those replacements are still functioning after fifteen years.
physical therapy. However, once you're discharged from the hospital it's up to you to continue your rehabilitation journey. Typically, your surgeon will order 4-6 weeks of post-operative physical therapy to begin a couple of days after your discharge. This is call out-patient physical therapy.
Depending on where you had your surgery and where you live, you may be offered the opportunity to continue your therapy with the therapists who started your in-patient physical therapy. This choice is completely up to you. Some people feel more comfortable sticking with one therapist; however, if you have a previous relationship with another physical therapist in the same or even a different clinic, they will be capable of picking up where the other therapists left off.
Muscle Weakness, Joint Stiffness, & Arthritis
P: 308-872-5800 F: 308-872-5803
2021 South E St., Suite #1 Broken Bow, NE 68822
Still exploring your options? We'd love to discuss them with you and help in planning for surgery and rehabilitation. If you'd like to set up a time to speak with one of our therapists for a free consultation, give us a call and we'll find a time that works for you!
There are a few complications that can arise after a joint replacement, including:
- infections
- blood clots
- stiffness
- pain
Because of these potential issues, most surgeons are adamant that their post-operative patients get up and get moving as soon as possible to reduce the chances of these complications. Often times, PT happens within hours of your surgery's completion.
Getting the joint moving after surgery is important to start getting the blood flowing to promote healing, muscles moving to prevent scar tissue formation, and to prevent blood clots. This is called in-patient
Dr. Greg Sextro
Orthopedic Surgeon
Dr. Sextro comes to the Melham Specialty Clinic and even performs joint replacements right here in Broken Bow.
Dr. Sextro and Becky discuss the surgical options he provides in Broken Bow, as well as the many advantages offered by his approach to a total hip replacement.
You've finally had that joint replacement you've been thinking about for years.
But what happens once you're discharged from the hospital?
It can be a bit nerve wracking getting up and moving after a surgery like that, but starting the recovery process as soon as possible is important if you're going to get a good result. Here's what each of our therapists said they most wanted their patients to know when starting their rehabilitation:
Andrew: "During your rehabilitation, there’s often a rough spot each patient goes through where they feel like they should be doing better. Understand that’s normal and don’t give up on yourself. It’s hard to see the big picture and how far you have come. This is one of the most successful surgeries out there. Don’t get discouraged when things aren’t happening at the speed you expected. Therapy can be difficult but it’s a rewarding experience in the end."
Becky: "I think the most important part of any joint replacement is going into the surgery with as much range of motion as you can. It gives you a head start going into your rehab. Also, there’s this misconception that physical therapy going to involve massive amounts of pain and that it’s the only way to achieve your goals. But what I’ve found is that you need to strike a balance between pushing the patient and going at a speed that they are comfortable. So as a patient, it’s important that you speak up about what you can and can’t handle, because if I make you so sore that you don’t want to come back to see me the next time that’s not a good outcome either."
Errin: "It's important to recognize directly after surgery you will still have pain, but the pain will be different than before. The initial few weeks after surgery are often difficult for patients. That's why it's vital for my patients to understand the limitations of healing and be patient with that process. It's well worth the result. There's a balance in post-surgical rehabilitation between doing too much and not enough. My job is to help you find that balance. What I will tell you is, by the time my patients are finished with their physical therapy, 9/10 wish they'd had the joint replacement sooner."
Muscle Weakness, Joint Stiffness, & Arthritis