When Should I Start Physiotherapy After a Joint Replacement?
Physiotherapy should begin within 7 days of being discharged from the hospital. It may even start earlier if the client is considered at high risk for complications.
How Long Will I Need Physiotherapy?
The duration of rehabilitation typically differs for knee and hip replacements.
- Knee replacements require intensive exercise to achieve full range of motion and function throughout the first 12 weeks after surgery.
- Hip replacements are usually guided more by the client's individual needs. The maximum duration of in-home rehabilitation is generally around 12 weeks.
How Often Should I Have Physiotherapy Appointments?
The frequency of appointments also varies between hip and knee replacements.
- Knee replacement sessions are more frequent in the first few weeks (2-3 times per week) to prevent a loss of range of motion. After this initial period, sessions can shift to once a week or every two weeks, depending on the client's progress.
- For hip replacements, the typical frequency is about once a week for the first few weeks, with subsequent visits based on the patient's ongoing progress.
What Should My Rehabilitation Include?
Your treatment should take place in a safe and inclusive space that respects your personal identity, health beliefs, and values. The program should focus on:
- Ensuring your safety at home.
- Optimizing your physical and functional abilities for daily activities.
- Integrating principles of a healthy and active lifestyle.
- For knee replacements, interventions to reduce swelling, which can improve quadriceps strength and walking speed.
- For hip replacements, interventions to reduce swelling and help you return to a normal walking pattern.
- Education for you and your care partner on the benefits of continuing to exercise.
- A self-management plan to empower you to continue with your exercises after your therapy ends.
When Should I Stop Physiotherapy After My Joint Replacement?
You should stop physiotherapy when you have met your goals or when you have reached a plateau, meaning you are no longer making progress after a few sessions. This should be an ongoing conversation you have with your therapist, who should provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.