What is a Joint Replacement? Joint replacement surgery consists of replacing, in part or completely, the affected joint by a prosthesis.
It allows later use with good mobility, improved joint function, thus relieving the patient with their pain.
In most cases, it is performed in the hip or knee, rarely in the shoulder.
Joint replacement may be recommended when a joint is no longer working correctly.
Our expert physical therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness know that osteoarthritis of the hip and the knee are two of the most common forms of a joint disease.
The joints may be affected by:
- osteoarthritis (wear of the joint)
- arthritis (joint inflammation)
- injury (e.g. fracture)
- cancer (when the tumor has reached a joint and must be removed)
Common Diseases that Need Joint Replacement
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Hip fractures
Cause and Effects of Joint Diseases
They cause severe pain and significant functional disability, since they affect the most important joints supporting the body weight.
This pain and disability will reduce mobility, contribute to social isolation and depression, and limit functional autonomy.
The surgical decision may be the result of a collaboration between you, your doctor, your surgeon and therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness in Houston TX.
The results are generally good with a reduction in pain and a satisfying restoration of mobility. However, keep in mind that a prosthetic joint is rarely as efficient as a normal joint.
Joint Replacement Rehabilitation
Physical therapy in Houston, TX, after joint replacement is crucial to get the best result.
Rehabilitation aimed at functional recovery, implying sufficient mobility and good muscle control.
It is important that the patient follow the advice of the expert physical therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness.
The joint rehabilitation is initially to relieve pain, restore articular range of motion and recover some autonomy.
For this purpose, Physical Therapists in Houston, TX, can use cryotherapy to relieve pain. Massage before mobilization allows to prepare and facilitate the work of mobility by stimulating relaxation. For the first few days after surgery, passive mobilization crucially takes place to increase articular range of motion.
In the first stage, Physical Therapy in Houston, TX works on muscle training. The goal is to improve the stability of the operated joint by strengthening the surrounding muscles.
The return to walking begins the day after the surgery with the objective of recovering a painless walking and reduce the lameness.
Later, the goal of expert therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness in Houston TX, is to get a mobile, painless and stable joint, with good muscle strength.
Proprioceptive exercises with load are imperative to ensure the safety of walking function and longevity of the prosthetic implant.
Physical Therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness, continue to rehabilitate the walking on flat and various ground, increasing endurance, with or without technical assistance.
Call an expert physical therapist at Absolute Physical Therapy and Fitness, to start rehabilitation and improve your mobility without pain.