Will I Need Rehab After Knee Replacement or Hip Replacement?
Getting a knee or hip replaced is no small matter! These crucial body parts are central for movement, so you shouldn’t expect to be at 100% right after surgery. But many patients wonder whether they’ll need rehab after a knee or hip replacement surgery. Let’s discuss the current recommendations for rehab after joint replacement.
Physical Therapy Explained
Physical therapy1 is supervised exercise and recovery treatment following a surgery or injury. For example, when you get a knee replacement surgery, your doctor will recommend a period of physical therapy sessions, during which you’ll work with a physical therapist to:
- Rediscover how to move your knee or hip replacement
- Discover the limits of your mobility
- Learn how to treat any pain or discomfort you may feel
- And more
Physical therapy is always wise and may be medically mandated depending on the circumstances or details of your surgery. The benefits of physical therapy include:
- Improved muscle control and strength in the area around your surgery site
- Better blood circulation around the surgery site, which may boost healing
- Reduced pain and swelling around your surgery site
- Accelerated return to your favorite, everyday activities
- Better mobility once you are fully healed
Is Physical Therapy the Same as Rehab?
No, but they’re oftentimes related. Post-surgical rehab usually means checking into a dedicated rehab or rehabilitation facility. Post-surgical rehabilitation facilities typically include medical care, physical and occupational therapy, dining options, and other therapeutic experiences like meditation or yoga sessions.
At their core, post-op rehab facilities provide well-rounded, revitalizing care to post-surgical patients as they recover. Some rehabilitation facilities, like Santé, offer much more than standard rehabilitation, providing patients with a resort-like experience to relax, recharge, and recommit to living their best lives once they’re healed.
Do You Have to Go to Rehab After a Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery?
You don’t always need to go to rehab after a knee or hip replacement surgery, but it’s best to listen to your doctor’s recommendation regarding the matter. If your doctor recommends, for example, going to rehabilitation for a few weeks after a hip replacement surgery, it’s best to follow their suggestion so you don’t strain yourself or accidentally injure yourself as you heal.
Furthermore, rehabilitation allows you to readjust to your new mobility and lifestyle. It’s a good way to come to any terms that may impact you as you recover, plus just give yourself some time to get back on your feet.
How Long Will You Need Physical Therapy After a Knee or Hip Replacement?
The length of physical therapy necessary depends on how well your body heals following surgery, your overall health, and your dedication to practicing your therapy exercises.
Generally, you’ll need to complete between 3 to 4 weeks of physical therapy2 at a bare minimum after a knee or hip replacement. Furthermore, you may be required to undergo more physical therapy if your recovery is delayed for one reason or another.
Fortunately, most patients can return to their favorite activities fairly quickly. Most knee replacement patients, for instance, can drive within 2 to 4 weeks and return to work within 6 to 8 weeks.
Contact Santé Today
Ultimately, rehabilitation after a knee or hip replacement is always a good idea, especially when you go to rehab at a facility like Santé.
Unlike many other rehab facilities, we offer superior, top-tier care and rehabilitation services designed to treat and revitalize you as a complete person. Ranging from effective physical therapy programs to private rooms to fine dining experiences, Sante has everything you could want from a comprehensive, healing rehab experience. Contact us today to learn more.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561514/
[2] https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/new-knee-rehab-and-pt
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.
