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