The Importance of Rehab After a Total Joint Replacement

May 17, 2019 | By: Raleigh Orthopaedic Team

Your joints are where the ends of two bones meet. They play a big role in your mobility, balance, and, in some instances, weight-bearing. Unfortunately, factors such as injuries, aging, and obesity can damage the joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints of the knee and hips. Damaged joints can be limiting and debilitating.

Nonsurgical treatments such as lifestyle changes, medications, and an appointment with one of our Physical Therapists at Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic to help relieve pain and loss of mobility caused by damaged joints.

However, if these don’t work, your orthopedic doctor might recommend a total joint replacement surgery.

joint replacement Raleigh nc

Total Joint Replacement in a nutshell

A total joint replacement is a surgical procedure typically indicated for patients with moderate to severe arthritis. This procedure involves the removal of the damaged joint to be replaced by an artificial body part known as a prosthesis. The prosthesis (can be ceramic, metal, or plastic) replaces the function of the damaged joint.

The most common types of joint replacement surgeries are: total knee replacement, total hip replacement and total shoulder replacement.

Conditions commonly treated by our total joint replacement surgeons include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Fractures
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rehab and Recovery

Recovering from total joint replacement surgery is different for every patient. You may feel pain in your new joint as your body adjusts and the tissues surrounding your prosthesis heal.

The surgery alone will not solve your mobility problem. After a successful surgery, your Raleigh Orthopedic Clinic doctor will refer you to our team of highly trained physical therapists to kickstart your recovery process. Your doctor and physical therapist will work closely to come up with an individualized rehabilitation and exercise program to help with your recovery. The sooner you begin the therapy, the better the outcome.

Research has shown that physiotherapy, exercise, and monitoring the patient’s recovery after a total joint replacement surgery are beneficial to the recovery of the patient. Moreover, the benefits of rehabilitation include the following:

  • Restore the joint’s normal range-of-motion
  • Ease swelling and pain in the surgical site
  • Bring back the strength in your new joint and the surrounding soft tissues
  • Facilitate blood circulation and prevent blood clot formation

Patients will have to use mobility aids such as crutches or walkers to help them move about on their own and perform their daily routine independently.

Physical therapy Clinics in Holly Springs, Garner, Raleigh, Morrisville, and Cary

For comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation services, you may get a referral to Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, or make an appointment on your own. Our team of licensed physical therapists, and athletic trainers provide world-class, cost-effective physical therapy services through well-educated, experienced professionals and support personnel.

For your convenience, physical therapy is offered at all of our clinic locations in the Triangle. To schedule a physical therapy appointment at one of our clinics or performance centers, please call (919) 863-6996. For any other questions or concerns, please call our main therapy number (919) 781-4060.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.