Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgeries in the United States. Every year, surgeons perform around 800,000 knee replacements and 450,000 hip replacements — and that number is expected to grow as the population ages.
But the surgeries themselves don’t show the entire picture. While they can offer lasting relief for people suffering from osteoarthritis, they also require extensive rehabilitation to ensure success.
Most people can expect to spend six months to a year restoring the strength and mobility in their lower body. If you skip out on post-surgical physical therapy, especially immediately after your procedure, you might continue to struggle with joint pain and restrictions in your range of motion.
Fortunately, physical therapy at Preferred Therapy Services can help see you through your recovery and rehabilitation.
“Great place. Super clean and friendly staff. Very professional. Jeremy is an outstanding individual as well as a good physical therapist. He helped me heal from an accident and get my life back on track. Thank you guys so much!” – 5-Star Google Review
Madeline’s Story: Finding the Trail Again
When Madeline underwent a total hip replacement at the age of 65, she had one goal in mind: to hike again.
Madeline knew that, to achieve her goal, she would need to take her post-surgical physical therapy very seriously. She began physical therapy as soon as she was cleared by her surgeon, three days after her procedure. Her PT guided her through gentle mobility exercises and helped her move around the room with her walker.
We also helped Madeline manage her initial pain levels with joint mobilizations, soft tissue manipulation, and other manual therapy techniques. In addition to helping with pain, these techniques can reduce the development of scar tissue, which can cause long-term pain issues.
It wasn’t long before Madeline began more intensive physical therapy. At her first appointment, she let her therapist know her dream of taking up hiking again, and they worked together to help Madeline achieve her goal.
Here’s what Madeline’s post-surgical therapy involved:
- Step 1: Improving her hip’s range of motion through targeted stretches and range-of-motion exercises.
- Step 2: Building strength in the muscles surrounding and supporting her hip, helping stabilize her new joint.
- Step 3: Activity-focused training to help Madeline restore her balance and ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform other movements crucial in daily life. As Madeline improved, her therapist began focusing on exercises that emulated hiking (such as walking up an incline) so Madeline could hit the trails again.
- Step 4: A hike with her new hip. After completing her physical therapy, Madeline’s PT cleared her for a gentle, three-mile hike — and Madeline celebrated every step!
Know Someone Who’s Been Putting Off Their Pain?
Recovering from an injury or managing chronic pain is hard — but finding the right care shouldn’t be. If you know someone who could benefit from physical therapy, send them our way. We’ll take great care of them, just like we do you. Refer a friend today — ask us how.
Frank’s Story: Starting Early for Lasting Relief
Frank didn’t have a clearly defined physical goal when he underwent his total knee replacement at age 78. He’d never been particularly active, and his knee pain only made him more sedentary.
To help ensure Frank had the best possible outcomes, we actually started his physical therapy before he even went into surgery. Research shows that pre-surgical physical therapy (“prehab”) gives you a solid foundation for rehabilitation. So we set Frank up for success with a six-week prehab program that included the following:
- General fitness strategies to ensure he was in good health for his procedure
- Exercises to improve the strength and mobility of his knee joint
- Practice using a walker
Frank had initially been nervous about his surgery, but his prehab program helped build his confidence and gave him a taste of what to expect from his post-surgical rehabilitation. In fact, he was pleased to learn that his early exercises were very similar to those he had done during prehab!
Frank’s rehabilitation proceeded similarly to Madeline’s, even though he wasn’t working toward a specific goal. We worked with him to manage his pain and slowly began mobilizing his knee. As his range of motion improved, we began incorporating strengthening exercises and functional training activities so he could perform day-to-day tasks.
Physical therapy was a lot of work for Frank, but it paid off in the end: he no longer struggled with joint pain, and he was far more active and mobile than he’d been in years.
Exercise of the Month
Heel Slides Long Sit
(Knees, Hamstrings)
Start by sitting on the floor with both legs extended out in front of you and your back flat. Loop a strap around your foot on your injured leg and place a towel under your heel. Slowly pull your heel toward your butt by tugging on the strap until you have reached your max comfortable range of motion. Slowly allow your heel to slide back out until your leg is straight. 3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: towel, belt)
We Can Help You Find Relief, Too!
Are you scheduled for a total hip or knee replacement? Don’t underestimate the importance of physical therapy in your rehabilitation. Call Preferred Therapy Services today to learn more about how we can help!
Garden and Yard Work: Approaches to Injury Prevention
Spring has sprung, and many are eager to get their hands dirty in the garden or yard. However, these activities can put an unexpected strain on your body if you’re not prepared. Try these tips to keep you gardening longer while minimizing your risk for injury.
Movement Prep
Gone are the days of old-school static stretching. Instead, use a dynamic warm-up to prep your muscles and joints for gardening.
Spinal Health
Incorporate ‘active breaks’ every 20 minutes to reset your spine. Or alternate between working up high (like trimming bushes) and down low (like planting flowers). This gives specific muscle groups a break and reduces the risk of overuse injuries.
Neuromuscular Control
Practice exercises that engage both your brain and muscles, like balance exercises to avoid trips and falls over uneven terrain or gardening tools, making it easier to navigate through your garden.
Utilizing these cutting-edge approaches can ensure a physically fulfilling and injury-free gardening season, allowing you to fully enjoy the fruits (and flowers) of your labor.
Healthy Recipe: Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can support joint health during recovery. Paired with fiber-rich asparagus, this is a simple, nutrient-dense meal perfect for anyone focused on healing.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or fresh herbs of choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange salmon and asparagus on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Season with dill, salt, and pepper.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily. Finish with lemon zest and serve.
