Joint Replacement Rehab

Adjusting to Life After Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement is an intensive surgery that puts significant strain on the body. It will take time for patients to recover and adjust to the new joint. After an initial period of recovery following surgery, most patients will need to undergo rehabilitation before they can resume their normal activities.

Joint replacement surgery is usually recommended if patients have not responded to more conservative treatments for the following:

• Arthritis
• Serious injuries
• Fractures
• Spondylitis
• Serious infections

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.

The Rehab Process

Depending on the type of joint replacement surgery a patient had, they may begin their rehabilitation as an inpatient or outpatient. Inpatients will usually begin their rehabilitation within 24 hours of completing surgery – performing simple tasks such as walking or extending limbs to test the joint replacement. If patients are capable of walking and performing simple tasks, they will be discharged from the hospital after a few days to continue their rehabilitation as an outpatient.

Joint replacement rehab may consist of:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Aquatic therapy
• Exercises and stretches
• Instruction on how to use assistive devices such as canes and walkers
• Strength training
• Improving range of motion
• Resuming normal activities

Patients often have many questions about what they can and cannot do after joint replacement surgery, as well as how long it will take before they can resume normal activities. This will depend on the individual patient’s condition and the type of surgery they received. Patients who had a total hip or knee replacement surgery usually require the most extensive recovery and rehabilitation periods.

Allied Services Integrated Health System provides joint replacement rehabilitation for all types of joint replacement operations.

For specific questions on how to obtain a referral, please call 570-348-1359 (Wilkes-Barre) or 570-826-3885 (Scranton). Contact us to learn more or start your referral process today.