Even when it’s performed using minimally invasive techniques, a joint replacement operation is a significant undertaking for your body that will require weeks and months of post-operative rehab. Many patients find it easier to reconcile with their recovery if they break the process up into chunks, and that’s pretty easy to do because your rehabilitation tends to happen across four distinct phases. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the four stages of recovery following knee or hip replacement.
The 4 Phases Of Joint Replacement Recovery
Here’s a look at the four phases of recovery you’ll progress through on your way back towards maximum improvement after a joint replacement procedure.
- After Surgery Hospital Care – After surgery, you’ll be transferred to a recovery room while the anesthesia fades and you wake up. Before you’re discharged from the hospital, you’ll undergo some basic therapy exercises and functional screening exams to ensure it is safe for you to be released on your own. Dr. Botero often has his patients navigate stairs and practice getting in and out of a car on a simulator before they are deemed fit enough to be discharged. For most patients, this occurs on the same day or a day after their procedure. This early movement is essential for helping to kickstart the recovery process.
- At Home Following Surgery – The next stage in your recovery occurs at home in the wake of your operation. You’ll be asked to follow a specific rehabilitation course during your time at home, but therapy exercises are only part of your recovery at home. Performing daily tasks, like standing, sitting, walking to a different room and using the bathroom, when performed using correct techniques, help to strengthen the weakened area and fuel your recovery. Don’t just lay in bed during this time, because movement and exercise at home will help you achieve the best recovery results.
- Outpatient Physical Therapy – The next step in the process is outpatient physical therapy. This is where you’ll head to a clinic or connect via a virtual visit with a physical therapist in your area. They’ll conduct some baseline tests and examine your physical strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a care plan suited to your individual needs. Following through with a professionally-guided physical therapy plan over the course of a few weeks is likely the single best thing you can do for your body following joint replacement. This typically requires between 6-12 weeks of regular sessions.
- Continued Exercise And Activity – Finally, once you’ve been cleared to resume normal activities, even if there are restrictions in place, it’s important that you continue to remain active and strengthen the structures around your artificial joint. This is what’s going to put the bow on your recovery and help you truly achieve maximum medical improvement. Complete recovery following joint replacement surgery can take up to a year, so developing healthy exercise habits during this time will be key for helping you slowly improve function and strength in the area. Don’t settle for good enough. Stick with an exercise program and help your new hip or knee reach its full potential.
If you need help with any aspect of your recovery, or you just want to learn more about your joint replacement option, reach out to Dr. Botero and his team today at (865) 558-4444.
