What is Joint Replacement?
Joint replacement is a type of surgical procedure used to remove and replace a damaged joint with an artificial joint. There are many common joint replacements, which include the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle and wrist, among others. Most joint replacement surgery is a result of a completely worn down, damaged or diseased joint that is beyond physical therapy treatment. While there are partial replacement surgery options available, they have a tendency to last for a lesser period of time, leading to repeat surgery. At Advanced Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, we will explore your condition and assess a program for you to see if you are in need of joint replacement surgery or if you are a good candidate for a physical therapy program.
What Leads to Joint Replacement?
Knee and hip replacements are the most common types of joint replacements. But what causes someone to need a replacement? Well, that depends on a lot of things. Each case is unique and not all require a full replacement. Some health conditions that may lead to needing a joint replacement include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Injury
- Unusual bone growth disorders
- Natural occurring deformities with loss of cartilage
- Many others
Physical Rehabilitation
Whether you are a candidate for a joint replacement or someone with a joint-related injury, there are a variety of physical therapy options on your road to recovery. Of course, you can’t do it on your own. That’s where Advanced Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy comes in. We offer a range of services that, alone or in combination, are targeted toward the post-surgical area. These treatments help you realign your body, strengthen the area that was operated on, and reduce pain plus increase ability. The result is quicker healing time and a more effective procedure overall. If you care about your health, the proper approach to rehab is crucial.
How Does Post-Surgery Physical Rehabilitation Help You?
Rehab is geared toward a number of benefits. Regular therapeutic treatments will:
- Promote healing – The correct rehabilitation exercises stimulate blood flow and increase your body’s ability to put itself back together. In addition, exercise (even the gentle sort) creates endorphins, which in turn make it easier for you to heal.
- Help you regain strength and mobility – The affected area will come out of surgery weak and painful. Over time, it will heal, but most bodily systems do not naturally regain strength that quickly. Flexibility and fitness are a result of use. That’s why it’s crucial the area be worked by our treatments and supported with your exercises at home.
- Result in speedier healing after an accident or a surgery – Studies show that pain results in slower healing times. However, they also show that exercise reduces sensations of pain, which in turn leads to faster healing. Plus, rehab treatments such as acupuncture and massage also help your immune system work better, minimizing complications and speeding healing overall.
- Engage you with mental and psychological stimulation – Especially if you are used to being active and productive, the post-surgical healing period can be rough. You may feel useless, caged and frustrated by your body’s lack of ability. Physical therapy helps engage you in the process of your own healing. Instead of passively waiting, you can take action to boost the process and improve your outlook on the surgery, as well as on life as a whole.
Come See Advanced Sports Medicine & Physical Therapy
Ready to learn what our treatments can do for you? We offer manual adjustments, Acupuncture, Cold Laser Therapy, Sports Medicine, corrective exercises and more … all combined into a customized treatment plan that addresses your individual surgery type and condition.
Call us at (973) 616-4555 or reach out through our website to make an appointment today.