Overview
Total joint replacements have improved the quality of life for millions of people worldwide by relieving pain and restoring function caused by arthritis and other joint conditions. People with successful joint replacements are able to stand, walk, rest and participate in recreational activities with little pain. Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process, helping patients modulate pain and regain range of motion, stability and quality of life.
If you are considering joint replacement surgery, you should have an open, honest discussion with your surgeon about setting expectations for pain relief and function after surgery. You can learn about what to expect from the early recovery phase through the final result, including the addition of pre and post op physical therapy to aid in recovery. Based on your unique medical history and your physical condition prior to surgery, your surgeon and physical therapist will also have expectations about your level of function after surgery. Setting high expectations that are unrealistic can lead to dissatisfaction with the final result. Setting expectations too low may not allow you to achieve the best possible function and result after surgery. Your expectations and your provider’s expectations should be aligned so that you can achieve the highest level of satisfaction with your procedure.