Keeping moving: joint replacement rehab and beyond

In March of 2021, Virginia J. of Pittston suffered a fall in her home. She received physical therapy following the fall but in due course, was diagnosed with progressive osteoarthritis in her right hip joint.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when cartilage at the end of your bones wears down. Symptoms for this can include pain, stiffness, tenderness, bone spurs, and swelling.

Everyday activities that were once simple became harder to do, and before long, Virginia was forced to resign from her job. “Things got so bad that I could barely walk” says Virginia.

In December, that all changed when she underwent a total right hip replacement. The damaged bone and cartilage was removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Virginia chose to do her post-surgery rehab at Allied Services Transitional Rehab Unit in Wilkes-Barre.

“Because I lived so far out in the country, I wanted to make sure that I was strong enough before I had to be so far away from medical care.”

Virginia returned home with the help of Allied Services Home Health.

“My at-home nurses helped me transition back to normal living. They taught me new ways to do things and helped me the whole way. They were nice, professional, and they even brought me Christmas cookies.”

Once Virginia was strong enough, she began attending physical therapy sessions at Allied Services Pittston Rehab Center. That’s where she met clinic manager and physical therapist Loriann Haddick, PT.

“I never realized how accessible the Pittston Clinic was for me. It was so close to home, and it was less crowded! The crew at Pittston was so nice, and Lori helped me a lot. I felt that they treated me not as a patient, but as a person.

Everyone was so respectful, and they really focused on what I could do rather than making me do something that I couldn’t. Of course, there’ll be ups and downs, but the staff are trained and they can help you through it.”

When Virginia began outpatient therapy, she was initially daunted by how much work she still had to do. However, knowing that she wasn’t along helped her to succeed. The people around gave her encouragement and support.

“I never felt isolated. Seeing other patients there made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Seeing someone else recovering alongside you, and seeing them make progress just helps so much. I loved the atmosphere.”

Not only did they help her heal physically, but they also helped her to learn how to perceive things differently.

“Throughout my entire experience, I learned a new way of thinking. I learned to think through my actions more, and now I look at healing as a way of thinking. Physical healing and mental healing go hand in hand, and all of my therapists taught me that. Everyone worked with me, and they always gave me fun activities to do.”

“I always say, don’t sit still otherwise you’ll rust. Allied definitely helped me to get better, and when I need my other hip done, I’ll go back to Allied.”

Allied Services Pittston Rehab Center

The Pittston Rehab Center offers physical therapy for a wide range of conditions including Parkinson's disease, Stroke recovery, post-surgical rehab, back and neck pain, balance and vestibular rehab, injury rehab and more. The center is located at 1842 S. Township Boulevard in Pittston.

• Call 570-655-5200
• Learn more here

Post-Surgical Rehab

Allied Services Integrated Health System offers a comprehensive joint replacement rehab program in Scranton and the surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable team can help you regain your strength and instruct you and your family or support team on how to care for your joint replacement after surgery. Learn more here.