Replacements of the Hip and Knee are perhaps the most common joint replacements seen in our society. There are many reasons patients end up having these elective surgeries. Most common indications for total joint replacements include: pain (often due to osteoarthritis), congenital joint deformity, adult onset joint deformity, following a fracture or fusion, as well as for a variety of different disease processes that cause pain or deterioration at the joint.
I’ve gone to the research to provide some information regarding these procedures.
There was a study done to find out patient perspectives of their ability to access care for hip and knee arthritis.
Major barriers found: patients were saving total joint replacement for later; provider felt that the patient was too young; patients had difficulty getting an appointment to see appropriate medical doctor; others were unable to take time off of work.
The number one reason that stood out which led to patients ability to find and receive care for hip and knee arthritis was private health coverage. Another reason was proximity to hospitals and services.
So you’ve discussed your options with your doctor, family, and caregivers and you’re thinking about going ahead and having a total joint replacement. Now what?
More recently, there are doctors that recommend “pre-rehabilitation” or “pre-hab” to increase strength and range in motion, in order to decrease your recovery time after the surgery. Some facts I’ve found in the research include:
After you wake up, groggy and confused about just which room you’ve been placed in after the surgery, you will soon have to get up and move around. Often you will be on your way out of the hospital before the next day. That often means walking on your new joint! A physical therapist in the hospital may instruct you in how to walk with crutches, a walker, or cane.
Eventually you will start formal physical therapy. This may include home health physical therapy where the therapist comes to your house, or outpatient physical therapy where you visit a clinic. At Athletico we offer both options in select locations, allowing patients to start treatment in their home and continue treatment with the same therapist at a nearby clinic. To learn more, contact homehealth@athletico.com.
Goals for outpatient therapy include: understand your precautions, home exercise instruction, improve motion and strength, family education if needed, improve mechanics for walking, stairs and other activities of daily living.
If you’re experiencing hip pain, request a free assessment at an Athletico near you!
The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions
Resources:
Ackleman, I.N., Livingston, J.A. & Osborne, R.H., Personal perspectives on enablers and barriers to accessing care for hip and knee osteoarthritis. J Am Phys Ther Assn, 2016 96(1): p. 26-35.
Bade, M.J. and J.E. Stevents-Lapsley, Early high-intensity rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty improves outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2011 41(12): p. 932-41.
Mizner, R.L., et al. Preoperative quadriceps strength predicts functional ability one year after total knee arthroplasty. J Rheumatol, 2005, 32(8): p.1533-9.
Peterson S.C. Disease-specific gender differences among total knee arthroplasty candidates. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2007. 89(11): p. 2327-33.
1 Comment
Taylor Hansen
It’s good to know that common joint replacements are indicated by pain or from a fracture. My dad has been dealing with a bad hip over the past few years and we think it’s about time that he should have a replacement surgery done. We’ll have to find a qualified specialist that takes his insurance so he can start feeling better.