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After Joint Replacement, Physical Therapy Is Key
Returning to mobility after a joint replacement surgery depends on proper follow-through with a physical therapy program.
Physical Therapy After Surgery
Our physical therapists offer the latest postoperative therapy techniques for a variety of surgeries.
Physical therapy (PT) is a key part of recovery after many types of procedures, including joint replacement surgery, spine surgery and sports-related surgeries such as ACL and rotator cuff repair. Without proper healing, you can increase your risk of long-term mobility issues, muscle weakness and other challenges. At Henry Ford Health, experts in our comprehensive postoperative therapy program offer personalized treatment plans to help improve your long-term surgical outcome.
Physical therapy after surgery: Why choose Henry Ford Health?
- Experienced team: Many of our physical therapists have specialty certifications from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). You receive care from highly skilled experts who are always learning new and better ways to provide PT after surgery.
- Convenient access: With locations throughout southeast and south central Michigan and the greater Flint area, we make it easy to find postoperative therapy near you. Our large staff and extensive network mean you can get timely treatment near home, work or school.
- Prehabilitation before surgery: For some types of surgery, you’ll benefit from our prehabilitation techniques. These enhance strength and range of motion, both before and after a procedure, which can lead to better outcomes during recovery.
- Integrated care and support: PT after surgery is a collaborative effort. Our team stays in close communication with your referring surgeon. We work with them to ensure we are following their surgical protocols as well as provide support before, during and after surgery to help aid your recovery.
- Streamlined referrals for complex cases: When necessary, your physical therapist can refer you to other services within Henry Ford Health, such as pain management and integrative medicine.
FAQs about PT after surgery at Henry Ford Health
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What Procedures Are the Best Fit for PT After Surgery?
Postoperative therapy offers the most benefit for procedures on your bones, joints and soft tissues. We offer physical therapy after surgery for:
- Total joint replacements including hip, knee and shoulder
- Rotator cuff repair (specific tendon repair)
- ACL repair (specific tendon repair)
- Meniscal surgeries (specific knee tendon repair)
- Ligament/tendon repair
- Flexor tendon repair
- Carpal tunnel surgery
- Fracture repair
- Spine surgery
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What Can I Expect Before My Surgery?
Our comprehensive presurgical therapy is designed to help prepare your body for your procedure. We’ll also review safety information. This includes:
- Assessment: We’ll conduct a thorough review of your range of motion and muscle strength, identifying any issues. We’ll also discuss your goals following your surgery.
- Initial therapy: Your physical therapist will help you strengthen your muscles and improve your flexibility and range of motion.
- Education: They will also help you understand what to expect during your PT after surgery. Depending on the specific procedure you’re having and which part of the body it will affect, this may include teaching you some exercises you can perform at home, showing you how to use walking aids such as a walker, reviewing precautions to create a safe home environment, and discussing how to minimize your fall risk and safely perform activities at work and home.
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What Can I Expect During Physical Therapy After Surgery?
- Assessment: Like the presurgical assessment, we’ll conduct a thorough review of your range of motion and muscle strength.
- Personalized care plan: Based on your specific goals and needs, our physical therapists can use a variety of manual therapy, functional training and other techniques to help you increase range of motion and strength following a procedure. We’ll also develop a personalized exercise program that’s designed to address specific areas of weakness.
- Education: During treatment, we’ll assess your pain level and help to coordinate pain management while your body is healing. This includes providing guidance on how to manage your pain while you’re at home. In addition, we’ll answer any questions you have about your treatment and review any home modifications you need to help ensure a safe environment while you recover.
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What Do I Need to Start PT After Surgery?
- Get a referral: A referral for postoperative therapy that’s dated and has been signed by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner within the last 90 days.
- Make an appointment: With this referral, you can schedule an appointment by calling one of our locations, or through your Henry Ford MyChart account.
- Provide your information: Either way, our team will gather information from you about your surgery and referring provider, and will also verify your insurance coverage.
- Start your postoperative therapy: Then you’ll be paired with the most appropriate specialist for your needs and start your postoperative therapy.
You should also plan to attend regularly scheduled appointments to ensure that you get the most out of treatment.
Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Surgical Outcomes
Making healthy changes before surgery can help you heal more quickly afterward.
