Why should I have Physiotherapy Before My Joint Replacement Surgery?

You can expect to have physiotherapy after your joint replacement (hip or knee replacement) but did you know that by having physiotherapy before you have surgery you are giving yourself the best chance of a quick and full recovery.

Research has shown that participating in a prehabilitation program results in a shorter stay in hospital, decreased pain and better objective outcomes than patients who have not done any targeted exercise before surgery.

Among patients who received preoperative physiotherapy (in the year prior to surgery) a significant improvement was found for pain, daily functioning, vitality, psychological health and social life (Czyzewska et al, 2014). You can start your physiotherapy treatment at any time prior to surgery.

Edel and Tanya at Bathurst Family Physiotherapy have extensive experience in treating clients after joint replacements, so are well placed to discuss how exercise will improve your recovery from surgery. Call us on 02 6331 8354 to discuss how we can help you.

Your physiotherapy program prior to surgery will focus on strength, flexibility, education about the surgery itself as well ‘prehab”. We will also educate you on what you can expect post surgery eg. any movement restrictions as well as trialling any equipment you may use after your surgery eg, walking frames, crutches.

Every person is different, therefore specific assessments and tailor made programs are constructed to suit your functional ability and to help achieve specific goals in a safe, efficient manner.

Hydrotherapy may also be recommended as it is a great way to experience the benefits of movement, reduce pain and achieve weight loss if needed before surgery. If this will be beneficial to you we will design a program to help achieve your goals

We will also give you tips for dressing, sleeping and negotiating stairs with crutches, as well as create a home exercise program for you to complete independently.

If you are on the waiting list for an joint replacement in the near future or already have a date for your surgery, please come see either Tanya or Edel for a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan to put you in the best physical position before surgery and give yourself the best chance of a speedy recovery post surgery.