Total Joint Rehabilitation Program

Our therapists are experts in understanding the optimal period in which different levels of stretching, strengthening, and activities should begin in order to regain the best possible joint function while maintaining precautions to protect the new joint and its surrounding tissues.

Common joint replacements we treat

• Total knee
• Partial (uni-compartmental) knee
• Total hip
• Total shoulder
• Reverse shoulder replacement
• Partial hip replacement
• Ankle replacement
• Disc (see Back Program)
• Joints of the arm and hand (see Hand and Splinting Program)

Pre-op Education, In Home Assessment and Evaluation

Before having your surgery, talk with your doctor about ordering our Pre-op Education and In-home Assessment and Evaluation. You will receive:

• Education on what to expect following surgery in order to prepare sufficiently
• Evaluation of home safety and accessibility
• Exercises to begin before surgery

Evalution

We thoroughly evaluate your current condition and gain an understanding of your functional and physical goals. We work closely within your surgeon’s protocol to develop a customized care plan to meet your specific needs.

Treatments

Treatment plans vary upon the physician protocols and your condition.

Manual therapy

• Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Strain/counterstrain
• Range of motion (stretching)
• Joint mobilization

Aquatics therapy or body-weight-supported treadmill

Walking on a body-weight-supported treadmill, (a treadmill with a harness for suspension) or walking on an underwater treadmill (using buoyancy) will decrease the pressure on the affected joints or bones. This supported activity enables patients to get back to activity earlier, create a smooth transition to weight bearing activities, maintain optimal fitness, and increase healing by bringing a supply of oxygenated blood to the injured area.

Balance and Joint Integration

In order to get the full use of your new joint, you will be taught activities that will strengthen your muscles and train your body to use the new joint with proper body mechanics. This training includes whole body mechanics and balance training.

Gait Training

Most injuries and surgeries of the back, hips, and legs alter body mechanics and require gait training (walking mechanics). The lack of proper gait training could lead to additional disabilities.

You will receive continual evaluation and corrections of your gait as you begin to integrate you knew joint. Your gait training will include:

• Symmetry of gait cycle
• Safe and appropriate step sequencing
• Stride length and cadence
• Proper weight distribution
• Correct foot placement and positioning>

Strengthen

Your therapist will teach and supervise as you do Active Rehabilitation (Exercises) which will build your strength to sustain the demand of your required activity level and overcome any long-term weakness due to historically arthritic joint.

Modalities

You might receive other treatment tools such as: heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation to decrease pain and inflammation.

Education

• Teach you to work within pain threshold to get the maximum function
• Teaching limits
• Home care plan to maintain and improve conditioning
• How to get back to gardening and other activities of life with your new joint

Call today to schedule with a therapist who has specialized in the treatment of joint rehabilitation.