Pre-surgery Physical Therapy for hip and knee replacements: By Erica LaRiccia, LPTA

If you have an upcoming surgery scheduled for a hip or knee replacement, or are considering 

surgery, studies show that you may benefit from Physical Therapy prior to your surgery.  

Multiple studies have shown that pre-surgery Physical Therapy has many overall benefits to 

recovery.  You may wonder what the benefits are as well as what is included in your treatment sessions?

What are the benefits to Physical Therapy prior to my hip or knee 

surgery?

1.  Improves/restores normal hip or knee range of motion.

2.  Improves hip or knee strength and stability.

3.  Control pain and swelling prior to surgery and educate you on how to continue pain control and swelling at home.

4.  Training on postoperative assistive walking devices.

5.  Education on preparing your home for a safe and easier return.

What would my treatment sessions look like?

1.  Educating you on self range of motion techniques and performing passive range of motion to improve and normalize your joint mobility.

2.  Educating you on a home exercise program to strengthen your joint and performing exercises during your treatment session that help to build muscle memory for after surgery.

3.  Utilizing modalities such as cold packs, moist heat or IFC to help manage current pain and swelling and educate you on postoperative pain management.  

4.  Training you with a walker, cane or crutches to assist walking after surgery. An evaluation will be done to assess the most appropriate and safe assistive device to be used.

5.  Patient education for home preparation can include:  Stair training, transfers into/out of bed/car,  preparation for self-care and the removal of unsafe home obstacles.

We at Advanced Rehabilitation are eager to help you to prepare for any upcoming surgery you may have.  Please call us for an evaluation at any of our three offices so we can prepare you for a more successful outcome.

Studies:  

1.  Ibrahim MS, Khan MA, Mizam I, Haddad FS.  Perioperative interventions producing better functional outcomes and enhanced recovery following total hip and knee arthroplasty:  an      evidence-based review.  BMC Med. 2013; 11:37.  Published 2013 Feb 13.

2.  R. Snow,  J. Granta,  A.V. S. Ruhil,  K. Vogel,  M. McShane,  R. Wasielewski.  Associations Between Preoperative Physical Therapy and Post-Acute Care Utilization Patterns and cost in Total Joint Replacement.  The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 2014;  96(19):  e165 DOI:  10.2106/JBJS.M01285