Joint Replacement Recovery: 3 Types of Physical TherAPy

Undergoing joint replacement surgery is a significant step towards regaining mobility and improving your quality of life. However, the journey to full recovery involves a crucial phase of rehabilitation and physical therapy. At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we understand that every patient's needs are unique. We’ll guide you through the three main types of physical therapy after joint replacement surgery: outpatient, home health, and inpatient rehab.

Outpatient Physical Therapy:

The most common form of rehabilitation post-joint replacement is outpatient physical therapy. Here's what you can expect:

• Initiation: Outpatient physical therapy typically begins five to twelve days after your surgery. During your hospital stay, a physical therapist will introduce a home exercise program. This program includes handouts and pamphlets detailing the exercises to perform daily.

• Duration and Frequency: Once outpatient therapy starts, you will attend sessions two to three times a week for four to eight weeks. Each session lasts about one to two hours.

• Home Program: After completing your outpatient therapy, you will continue with a home exercise program for three to six months to ensure sustained improvement.

Home Health Physical Therapy

For those who might have difficulty traveling to a clinic, home health physical therapy is an excellent alternative:

1. Initiation: This therapy generally begins two to four days post-discharge from the hospital.

2. Duration and Frequency: Home health physical therapy sessions occur two to three times a week for two to four weeks, with each session lasting approximately one hour.

3. Transition to Outpatient Therapy: Once your functional status improves, you will transition to an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Our office will assist with any necessary referrals to make this process smooth.

Inpatient Rehab or Skilled Nursing Facility

In some cases, more intensive rehabilitation may be required, and inpatient rehab or a skilled nursing facility becomes the best option:

1. Initial Stay: After spending two to three days in the surgical hospital, you will be transferred to the inpatient rehab facility via medical transport.

2. Therapy Sessions: You will receive physical therapy twice a day, with each session lasting around one hour. Occupational therapy may also be provided to enhance your overall functionality.

3. Duration and Discharge: The typical stay at an inpatient rehab facility ranges from seven to fourteen days. Upon discharge, a social worker will help determine whether you will transition to home health therapy or move directly to outpatient therapy based on your specific needs.

Personalized care for optimal recovery

Each patient's rehabilitation journey is unique, and at San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we tailor our approach to fit your individual circumstances. Our goal is to facilitate and optimize your post-operative recovery, ensuring you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Whether you are dealing with avascular necrosis or knee arthritis, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need guidance on your rehabilitation options, please reach out to us. We're committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome on your road to recovery.

At San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, we understand the challenges that come with joint replacement surgery and the crucial role rehabilitation plays in your recovery. Following joint replacement surgery, our team is dedicated to guiding you through a personalized recovery plan to help you regain mobility, strength, and return to the activities you enjoy.

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM knee Pain or hip pain, DON'T hesitate to SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH one of OUR joint experts TODAY! TAKE THE FIRST STEP ON YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY — LET’S GET YOU BACK TO LIVING Pain-Free!