Your First Week of Physiotherapy After Joint Replacement: What to Expect

What to Expect in the First Week of Physiotherapy After Joint Replacement

Knee Replacement

Day 1: Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

Our physiotherapists will dive into your medical history, including details about your surgery and any previous conditions that may impact your rehabilitation. We’ll use specialized assessment techniques such as Range of Motion (ROM) assessments to measure your knee’s flexibility and strength testing to evaluate the condition of surrounding muscles. Additionally, we’ll conduct a gait analysis to observe your walking pattern and identify any areas needing improvement.

Days 2-3: Gentle Movements and Basic Exercises

As you progress into days 2 and 3 of your knee replacement recovery, we’ll focus on gentle exercises designed to promote mobility and flexibility without overwhelming your knee. Our registered physiotherapists will guide you through each exercise, making sure you’re comfortable and performing them correctly.

We’ll start with ankle pumps, which involve moving your ankles up and down to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Leg lifts will also be introduced to gradually strengthen your thigh muscles. Additionally, knee bends will help improve your knee’s range of motion, ensuring you regain flexibility safely.

Days 4-7: Pain Management, Education

As we progress through days 4 to 7 of your knee replacement recovery, effectively managing pain is crucial for your comfort and progress. Our knee joint physiotherapy uses manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness. Additionally, we’ll utilize modalities like ultrasound therapy to promote tissue healing and shockwave therapy to relieve pain and stimulate tissue repair. These modalities complement our approach to managing discomfort effectively.

Education is another key focus during this phase. Physiotherapy after knee replacement provides you with insights into knee anatomy, explaining the healing process and offering guidance on how to avoid common pitfalls that could hinder your recovery. 

Hip Replacement

Day 1: Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

For hip replacements, we use initial assessments such as strength testing to assess the strength of muscles surrounding the hip, like the glutes and quadriceps, to gauge functional ability. It involves discussing your medical history and surgery details. Our joint replacement physiotherapy in Edmonton helps you set goals like improving mobility and reducing pain.

Days 2-3: Gentle Movements and Basic Exercises

As you progress into days 2 and 3 of your hip replacement recovery, we’ll focus on introducing gentle exercise after hip replacement designed to enhance your hip’s range of motion and strength. Our licensed physiotherapists will guide you through each exercise, ensuring you’re comfortable and performing them correctly. We’ll start with Hip abductions to enhance the movement of your hip joint and support functional activities. 

Days 4-7: Pain Management, Education

As the week progresses in your hip replacement recovery, effective pain management remains crucial for your comfort and progress. Our physiotherapists will demonstrate how to use manual therapy techniques such as gentle massage and myofascial release to alleviate muscle tension and enhance relaxation around your hip joint. Additionally, modalities like shockwave therapy will be utilized to reduce pain and inflammation, aiding in your recovery process.

Education plays a vital role during this phase. We’ll provide insights into hip anatomy, explaining the healing process and what to expect during your recovery journey. Understanding these aspects will empower you to actively participate in your joint replacement rehabilitation and make informed decisions about your care.

Shoulder Replacement

Day 1: Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

For shoulder replacements, our physiotherapists will begin with a comprehensive assessment of your medical history and surgery details. This includes evaluating any previous conditions that may affect your rehabilitation. We’ll utilize assessment techniques such as Range of Motion (ROM) Assessment to understand the current mobility and flexibility of your shoulder joint. Setting goals is a collaborative process aimed at enhancing your recovery. 

Days 2-3: Gentle Movements and Basic Exercises

On days 2 and 3 of your shoulder replacement recovery, we’ll introduce gentle exercises to improve your shoulder’s range of motion and strength. These include pendulum swings for fluid movement, passive arm raises to enhance flexibility, and shoulder shrugs for muscle strengthening around the shoulder girdle. Our registered physiotherapists will guide you through each exercise safely and effectively, supporting your recovery and helping you regain mobility with confidence.

Days 4-7: Pain Management, Education.

As you progress through days 4-7 of your shoulder replacement recovery, effective pain management is crucial. Our physiotherapists will teach you techniques such as using ice packs, proper elevation methods, and gentle massage to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. Additionally, modalities such as laser therapy to promote tissue healing, trigger point therapy to release muscle tension, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) for pain relief may be incorporated into your treatment plan. Understanding your shoulder’s anatomy and the healing process will empower you during your recovery journey.