Managing Pain in Total Joint Replacement Recovery: Effective Techniques
Will you be undergoing a total joint replacement sometime soon? You may have heard that these procedures can be painful, with long rehabilitation periods. Don’t worry: physical therapy with Helix Physical Therapy and Chiropractic is here to help with pain management in total joint replacement recovery!
A total joint replacement is a procedure in which a surgeon replaces parts of a damaged joint with a metal, plastic, or ceramic prosthesis. Hip and knee replacements are the two most common, although the approach also works for other joints, including the shoulder, wrist, or elbow.
Most people undergo a total joint replacement to correct damage from osteoarthritis, a painful condition in and of itself. Someone might also have a joint replacement to address an injury or another musculoskeletal condition.
One thing that unites total joint replacements is that they are major surgeries with lengthy rehabilitation times–and the need for pain management immediately following the procedure. Fortunately, the physical therapists at Helix Physical Therapy and Chiropractic have several approaches to help you find relief as you learn to use your new joint.
Curious about your options? Keep reading!
Pain Management in Total Joint Replacement Recovery: The PT Approach
After your surgery, we’ll work closely with you, your surgeon, and other care team members to create a customized rehabilitation plan that meets your needs.
While your surgeon will prescribe pain medication for those first few weeks after the procedure, staying on them for longer than that can be potentially dangerous. Physical therapy offers a safe and effective alternative.
Furthermore, pain management in total joint replacement recovery is particularly important in helping to ensure you don’t struggle with chronic pain later on.
Here are some of the drug-free techniques we might utilize in your program:
- Manual therapy: These hands-on treatment methods use the power of touch to reduce acute pain, facilitate your body’s healing, and help improve your mobility.
- Mobility work: It’s crucial that you begin mobilizing the joint as early as possible after your surgery, as this helps reduce scar tissue that can cause restriction and pain in the future. We’ll show you simple, effective mobility exercises that will help ensure a successful rehabilitation.
- Strength training: As you start to improve, we’ll help you rebuild the muscle strength around your affected joint, allowing you to use the joint but can help reduce your pain.
Worried About Pain Management During Total Joint Replacement Recovery? We’ve Got You!
At Helix Physical Therapy and Chiropractic, we understand that going in for surgery can be nerve-wracking. But you don’t need to fear the pain. Physical therapy plays an enormous role in post-operative rehabilitation, and dedicated pain management is part of the process.
If you’d like to learn more about pain management in total joint replacement recovery, as well as receive specific information about your particular situation, request an appointment at our (town) clinic today!