Joint Replacement

Joint Replacement Rehabilitation

Our occupational and physical therapists work with patients before and after total joint replacement surgeries to help them recover and regain function and mobility. Before your surgery, your physician may suggest that you attend a preoperative class, where you will be introduced to the use of adaptive equipment, assistive devices and functional exercise programs that are designed to speed your recovery and build confidence and independence.

Occupational therapists work with a variety of orthopaedic patients—most commonly people who have had knee and hip replacement surgeries and various shoulder surgeries. The purpose of occupational therapy is to provide you with a set of skills to make you as independent as possible while caring for yourself following surgery. Therapists provide training in activities of daily living, the importance of surgery-specific precautions, maintaining proper body mechanics and the use of adaptive equipment such as reachers or long-handled shoehorns.

Physical therapy is an integral part of acute-care rehabilitation after hip and knee joint replacement surgery. Following surgery, your physical therapist will help you with exercises and mobility training. The goal of therapy is to help you feel comfortable getting in and out of bed, walking with an assistive device and completing an exercise program. Your physical therapist will also recommend the appropriate level of support and assistance to ensure your continued progress and a safe transition home.