Is your Total joint rehab TOO easy?

 

Following a total joint replacement procedure we have a window of time where we need to take things easy and allow the area to heal. We are trying to reduce inflammation, reduce swelling and maximize range of motion improvements at the same time. During this window our goal is to not over stress the new joint. We are trying to offload unnecessary tasks or, better yet, tasks that do not improve the current situation in the specific area. Whether it be a total knee replacement, total hip replacement, or a total shoulder replacement, we have to respect this window of time. 

BUT, once we have maximized range of motion and have given the joint time to heal and find a baseline we need to start increasing the pace of physical therapy. 

We currently have 2 clients at our practice who fit into this category. They both are in their 50’s and both had big goals for life after total knee replacement. The challenge is that they went to practices that are fantastic in the early post-operation phase, but they lack the awareness to move beyond those early stages. One of these patients wants to play pickle ball with their daughters and the other wants to get back to rec league softball. 

When they came to us these two clients were in REHAB PURGATORY. Left to their own devices they likely would not find a way back to their respective sports over time. They were working low level exercises in the gym out of fear of pushing too hard but at the same time they were pushing hard with their respective sports. This is not ideal as they were opening themselves up to potential injury in other areas or giving up on their sport entirely due to constant pain and feelings of instability. 

Luckily, we got the chance to intervene and maximize their return to play experience. Instead of low level therapy exercises, we took the time to get to know them, analyze their deficits, and determine a path forward. We chose exercises that focused on building strength unilaterally (one sided) to reduce reliance on their “strong” side, we worked on developing dynamic control to help them return to the faster pace that these sports require, and we worked on developing cardiovascular capacity to help them slowly and appropriately get back on the court/field. 

 

Were you left feeling like your therapy left you unprepared? Let us help! 

 

Give us a call and we can set up a no-cost screen. 

This is 20 minutes of time with a doctor of physical therapy to determine if we can help you make a plan to get back to what you love! 

With Physical Therapy offices in both DeLand Florida and Pierson Florida, we are a convenient and qualified option to maximize your recovery.