4 Ways to Prepare for a Joint Replacement
Hey Team! As we see surgeries postponed and people delay their care, we know worry and concern are prevalent. Having to wait for your knee, hip, or shoulder replacement will feel like torture. Please use these "Tips" to help with your symptoms until your surgery can proceed. Joint replacements are becoming more common and are frequent rehabilitation in our clinic. A joint replacement is a thriving option for individuals who cannot continue to perform a safe activity, live life fully, or are self-limiting due to severe osteoarthritis.
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Click Here to Learn the Best Ways to Prepare for a Total Knee Replacement to Guarantee yourself a speedy recovery.
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WHAT IS A JOINT REPLACEMENT?
Joint replacement is as it sounds, replacing the surface of the involved degenerative joint. A metal replacement (chromium or titanium) and a joint spacer (polyethylene/plastic) replace the damaged joint region. Muscles around the involved joint are not affected during the surgery; however, some procedures require the surgeon to cut through a nearby muscle. Any pre-existing limitations will determine the overall outcome of the joint replacement and the tissues involved during the surgery.
4 WAYS TO PREPARE FOR A JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
1. Stay Flexible. Many individuals feel they will only need to show up for the day of surgery to have success, but this is not always the case. To prepare for a joint replacement, you will need to maximize mobility to the joint and the surrounding structures. A lack of mobility to the surrounding structures will remain after surgery and limit successful rehabilitation.
2. Strength Train. Staying fit and active before surgery will allow these gains to assist the body after surgery. Osteoarthritis will affect mobility and the desire to remain active. A lack of movement, activity, or exercise will create weakness in the surrounding muscle from disuse. Adding strength training to your body months before surgery will allow you the best opportunity to have an efficient recovery.
3. Prepare Your Home: A lower body joint replacement will be painful and limiting initially. You will use a walker or wheelchair for mobility, and moving within your home can be a challenge. You will need to evaluate your home to determine the number of stairs you will be required to climb, if a commode is initially required, and if any furniture or rugs are a tripping hazard. By evaluating these needs today, you will not be scrambling to arrange these as you arrive home after surgery.
4. Talk to a Caregiver/Family Member: Having a family member, friend, or caregiver available for the first week is vital to a good recovery. Pain, medication, and lack of mobility will lead to unsafe conditions at home. A family member available consistently the first week will be essential to assist with any sensitive time concerns. Plus, they are your best ADVOCATE!
TAKE HOME MESSAGE
Deciding to have a Joint Replacement is serious. However, an elective procedure requires a commitment to your recovery to experience the full benefits. The preparation before your surgery is also vitally important. A commitment to improving your mobility, strength, fitness, and function before surgery will only enhance your opportunity for the best outcome. To have your house in order and a family member to care for you assures you the best chance for success. If you have any specific questions regarding preparation for a joint replacement, please send me a quick email or give me a call at the clinic. I'm happy to help!
• The author, Rob Sumner, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Sumner Specialized Physical Therapy. He's happy to answer any questions about this article, wellness, or physical therapy overall by phone at (509) 684-5621 or by email at Rob@SumnerPT.com
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