Avoiding Joint Replacement Surgery In Your Hip or Knee

Many people need to have surgery on their hips ortotal jointreplacement?
knees, due toarthritis when they get older. By meansA well developed plan for exercise will increase the
of exercise, stretchingregimens, and painfunctioning ofyour new joint. Some people have pain
management, Physical Therapists can helpyou delayor limited ability aftersurgery due to decreased
or avoid surgery. Ultrasound, low level laser,strength or range of motion. Your doctorwill specify
electricstimulation, and taping techniques, allwhat the progression of flexibility and
alternative modes, can helpwith pain management.strengtheningexercises should be. Some procedures
Your Physical Therapist will evaluate your condition towill limit the amount ofweight you can place on your
find thesource of the pain in your leg; it could beleg, or how much you can bend yourleg.
weak muscles, stiff joints,or poor body mechanics. AAn exercise regimen that restores flexibility and
well-trained Physical Therapist canidentify a uniquestrength to youtrunk, hip, and leg muscles should be
rehabilitation program to match your own goalsanddesigned by your physicaltherapist. Neuromuscular
needs. You will also get some training about how tocontrol is very important part in activities,when using
limit thestress put on your injured joint in order toleg muscles for balance. Thus it helps to
ease the pain.includebalance training in your rehab program to
If there's no way around joint replacement surgery,improve movement andco-ordination. Two other
talk to aphysical therapist beforehand, and start athings your Physical Therapist's programshould
program to maximizeyour strength. They will let youaddress are scar tissue and muscle imbalances caused
know what to expect as a result ofthe surgery.bythe surgery.
What is the importance of Physical Therapy after a