If you're scheduled for joint replacement surgery, it's time to start making plans for your recovery. If you want to ensure a full recovery, be sure to follow the rehabilitation plans that your doctor schedules for you. Part of the rehabilitation process will include physical therapy. If you're not sure that you'll need physical therapy, read the list provided below. Following joint replacement surgery, physical therapy can provide you with the following benefits.
Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Following joint replacement surgery, you may experience some pain and inflammation in the affected joint. Without proper care, the pain and inflammation could become more severe. Not only that, but the pain may interfere with your desire to walk. Unfortunately, that can delay the recovery process, which is why you need physical therapy. One of the benefits of physical therapy is that it gets your joints moving, which can reduce pain and inflammation.
Restore Strength and Mobility
If you're going in for joint replacement surgery, you may notice some decreased strength and mobility during the recovery process. That's why physical therapy is such an important part of post-operative rehabilitation. With guided physical therapy, you can regain full strength and mobility in the affected joint. That means you can enjoy your favorite activities once you've fully recovered from surgery.
Avoid Issues With Circulation
After you've had joint replacement surgery, your doctor will want to monitor your circulation, especially in the affected joint. Poor circulation can hinder the recovery process and can increase the risk of post-operative infections. To reduce the risk, your doctor will add physical therapy to your rehabilitation treatment plan. Physical therapy helps to keep your joints moving, which ensures proper circulation.
Monitor the Healing Process
If your doctor has scheduled you for joint replacement surgery, they'll want to continue monitoring the healing process. One way to do that is through your physical therapy appointments. Each time you go in for physical therapy, your physical therapist will examine the wound site, and make note of any changes. If there are any signs of infection, your doctor will be notified right away.
Alleviate Risk of Reinjury
Now that you're going to have joint replacement surgery, you want to avoid reinjury. The best way to protect yourself against reinjury is to complete physical therapy as part of the rehabilitation process. As part of physical therapy, you'll learn how to protect your bones and joints against accidents and injuries.
For more information, visit a local physical therapy clinic.
