JOINT REPLACEMENT REHABILITATION

Joint replacement surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon removes a damaged joint and replaces it with a new, artificial part. A joint is where two or more bones come together, like the knee, hip, and shoulder. Replacing a joint can relieve pain and help you move and feel better.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

Several things affect how soon you will be able to return home after joint replacement. These include the type of surgery that you have, your medical history and your support network at home. You may have some temporary pain in the new joint because your muscles are weak from not being used. Also, your body is healing. The pain can be helped with medicines and should end in a few weeks or months.

Physical therapy may help strengthen the muscles around the new joint and help you regain motion in the joint.

As you move your new joint and let your muscles grow strong again, pain will lessen, flexibility will increase, and movement will improve.