Avoiding Total Hip or Knee Joint Replacement Surgery

A feature article by Rob Tendick, Oct 26, 2007         

Summary: Due to arthritis and other causes, many people may need total hip or knee joint replacement surgery later in life. Physical Therapists may help you delay surgery or prevent it altogether via exercise, stretching, and pain management. Pain management may also include methods like taping, electric stimulation, ultrasound, and lasers.

 
Due to arthritis and other causes, many people may need total hip or knee joint replacement surgery later in life. Physical Therapists may help you delay surgery or prevent it altogether via exercise, stretching, and pain management. Pain management may also include methods like taping, electric stimulation, ultrasound, and lasers.

Physical Therapists will help you know the source of pain, by evaluating you. A good Physical Therapist will ensure that your specific needs and goals are addressed in the program of rehabilitation. You should also receive education on how to limit stress on your injured joint to minimize pain.

If a joint replacement has to happen, work with a Physical Therapist before the surgery to get stronger and to understand what will happen after the surgery.

After total joint replacement surgery, why is Physical Therapy important to your recovery?

Your joint will function better with a good exercise program. Limited range of motion and strength after surgery can lead to pain and difficulty walking. The exact procedures your doctor has performed, should dictate the progression of strengthening and flexibility exercises. In order for healing to take place, you will have specific limitations placed on bending or putting weight on your leg.

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Your Physical Therapist will design a regimen to restore flexibility and strength to your trunk, hip, and leg muscles. An important role is played by neuromuscular control in coordinating your leg muscles, so that you can balance. It is helpful to improve muscle movement and co-ordination by including balance training in any rehabilitation program. Your physical therapist should also help to limit the effects of post surgical scar tissue. Thus, limiting it's effects on your ability to move your limb due to muscle imbalances.
Rob Tendick is a physical therapy student who has helped rehabilitate patients after a total knee replacement. Rob knows firsthand the importance of trying to prevent surgery with physical therapy. Based on his experience Rob recommends Westwood Physical Therapy for all of your Los Angeles physical therapy needs, including injury prevention and sports medicine westwood.

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