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Joint Replacement Rehabilitation

Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one. This procedure is commonly performed on knees, hips, and shoulders to relieve pain and restore function. Rehabilitation plays a vital role in maximizing the outcomes of these surgeries.
 

Role of Physiatry in Care

Our physiatrists at Rehabilitation Associates provide specialized care for patients following joint replacement surgery. Our services include:

  • Comprehensive evaluation of functional abilities and surgical recovery.

  • Customized rehabilitation plans for knee, hip, or shoulder replacements.

  • Collaboration with surgeons and other medical staff.

  • Patient and family education and support.
     

Joint replacement surgeries for the hip, knee, or shoulder come with unique recovery challenges. Each type of surgery involves different precautions, potential barriers to progress, weight-bearing guidelines, and range of motion (ROM) restrictions. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective rehabilitation and recovery. Our physiatrists at Rehabilitation Associates are well versed in these differences, providing specialized care tailored to each patient's needs and surgical recovery progress.

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Here's what patients and their families can expect regarding potential barriers to progress, weight-bearing, and ROM restrictions for each type of joint replacement surgery:
 

Hip Replacement

Recovery from hip replacement surgery involves a systematic approach with the ultimate goal of returning to functional independence.
 

Weight-Bearing Restrictions:
Depending on the surgical technique used, some patients may have weight-bearing restrictions. This can range from non-weight-bearing, to partial weight-bearing, or weight-bearing as tolerated. These restrictions are usually in place for 6-12 weeks post-surgery.
 

Range of Motion (ROM) Restrictions:
Post-surgical hip precautions often limit certain movements to prevent dislocation. This may include avoiding crossing your legs, bending your hips past a right angle, or turning your feet excessively inward or outward.
 

Potential Barriers:
Pain, swelling, and stiffness are common after surgery, and these factors can limit progress initially. Other potential barriers include pre-existing conditions like arthritis in other joints, cardiovascular disease, or cognitive impairments which can slow recovery.
 

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery aims to relieve pain and restore function in a severely diseased knee joint.
 

Weight-Bearing Restrictions:
Most individuals will be encouraged to use their surgical leg from the first day after surgery. However, you may need to use walking aids like crutches, a walker, or a cane until your leg can support your full body weight.
 

ROM Restrictions:
Knee stiffness post-surgery can be a challenge. The goal is to achieve a range of motion from 0 degrees of extension (straight leg) to 120 degrees of flexion (bent knee).
 

Potential Barriers:
Progress may be hindered by pain, swelling, or muscle weakness. In addition, complications like blood clots or infection can prolong recovery. Individuals with obesity, diabetes, or other chronic conditions may also face slower recovery.

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Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement surgery aims to relieve pain and restore range of motion and function in a severely diseased shoulder joint.
 

Weight-Bearing Restrictions:
Weight-bearing restrictions don't typically apply to shoulder replacements. However, patients are usually advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks to months post-surgery.
 

ROM Restrictions:
Following surgery, patients will be given a set of gentle exercises to start moving the shoulder and prevent stiffness. Full recovery and range of motion can take up to 6 months.
 

Potential Barriers:
Pain, stiffness, and limited mobility are common after surgery and can impact progress. Other potential barriers include infection, nerve damage, or complications from anesthesia.
 

Treatment Plan and Rehabilitation Goals

Rehabilitation following joint replacement surgery generally involves:

  • Knee Replacement: Focus on restoring range of motion, strength, and stability to the knee.

  • Hip Replacement: Emphasis on regaining mobility, balance, and independence in daily activities.

  • Shoulder Replacement: Specialized therapy to improve shoulder movement and function.

  • Pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications across all joint replacements.

 

Understanding Prognosis

Recovery following joint replacement surgery can be a lengthy process, depending on the joint involved and individual factors such as age and overall health. However, with dedicated rehabilitation, most patients can expect to regain function and lead a more active life.


Family Support and Education

We provide families with the knowledge and guidance they need to assist in their loved one's recovery and ongoing care.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can normal activities be resumed?
    Most patients can return to normal activities with some adjustments and continued care.

  • How long will rehabilitation take?
    This varies but generally ranges from a few months to over a year.

  • What does post-surgical care involve?
    Care includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, pain management, and regular follow-up appointments.

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Bringing Excellence in Physiatry Care to Your Facility​

If you or a loved one is currently at a facility that could benefit from our comprehensive physiatry and rehabilitation services, we'd love to help. Rehabilitation Associates is always ready to extend our top-tier care to more patients and facilities.

 

Partnering with us means access to personalized care plans, pain management programs, and an approach aimed at enhancing patient independence and quality of life. Our team can seamlessly integrate with your facility's existing operations, ensuring a smoother transition and better patient outcomes.  Please fill out our contact form and provide us with the name of the facility where you or your family member is currently staying. We will promptly respond to explore how we can help elevate rehabilitation care at your facility. Remember, quality care is just a click away.

 

Click Here to Contact Rehabilitation Associates​

 

At Rehabilitation Associates, we believe in the power of collaborative care. Let's join forces to create a better rehabilitation journey for patients.

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