Pain in your hip from arthritis or other causes can be debilitating and interfere with your quality of life. When non-surgical options fail to provide adequate relief from your pain, an orthopaedic surgeon can replace the damaged joint with an artificial one that is custom-designed to fit your needs, relieve your pain, and get you moving again. At the nationally-ranked UPMC Orthopaedic Care Center, our expert physicians strive to get you back on your feet and back to doing what you love in the shortest time possible.
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7705 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(60021) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "958" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-04-09 12:00:27" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-04-09 17:00:27" ["post_content"]=> string(3157) "If joint pain has slowed you down and stopped you from doing things you love, it's time to get back in motion. Surgery or medical treatment is only the first step in repairing joint damage. Physical therapy is next to help you get the most benefit from your surgery and return to an active lifestyle. While managing pain and getting back on your feet (literally) can be incentive enough to consider physical therapy, it's also important to know what to expect during your rehabilitation journey.What Are the Goals of Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy lets you take the next step in getting back to feeling normal and mobile again. After treatment for a joint condition or injury, you will likely undergo outpatient physical therapy provided by specialists at a certified rehabilitation center. Whether you've undergone knee, hip, or shoulder replacement surgery or are struggling with chronic joint pain, physical therapy is essential to your recovery. Physical therapy helps you build:
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- Regain function
- Reduce pain
- Prevent future injury
What Happens During Physical Therapy?
Progressive exercises are they key component of a physical therapy program after a total joint replacement. These exercises are tailored to your:- Injury
- Limitations
- Recovery goals.
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Joint mobilization
- Specific guided exercises
What to Expect During Physical Therapy
Easing joint pain is a multi-step process. Even after your surgery or other treatment, physical therapy is important to help your recovery and pain management go smoothly. Read more to find out what you can expect during your rehabilitation journey.Read More
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7393 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(81501) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "958" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2016-03-03 16:30:34" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2016-03-03 21:30:34" ["post_content"]=> string(7445) " If you've had hip replacement surgery, here are some things to keep in mind as you recover. Continue to follow these guidelines until your doctor tells you otherwise. After hip replacement surgery, you should avoid:
- Bending past 90 degrees.
- Twisting your leg in or out.
- Crossing your legs.
Lying in Bed After Total Hip Replacement
- Lie on your back while resting in bed.
- Keep a pillow between your thighs to prevent your knees from touching, especially if you lie on your side.
Standing Up from a Bed or Chair
- Scoot to the edge of the bed or chair before standing.
- Keep your your leg that was operated on in front of the other when getting up from a chair or bed.
- Avoid low beds.
Sitting
- Sit in chairs higher than knee height.
- Sit in a firm, straight-back chair with arm rests.
- Do not sit on soft chairs, rocking chairs, sofas, or stools.
Walking After Total Hip Replacement Surgery
- Continue to use your walker, crutches, or cane until your doctor says you can stop.
- Wear shoes that fit well and have non-skid soles.
- Get up and move around every hour. Take short, frequent walks.
- Be careful on uneven ground or wet surfaces.
- Maintain your weight-bearing status as instructed until your doctor or therapist tells you otherwise.
- Avoid pivoting your operated leg. Take small steps when turning.
Toileting
- Use a raised toilet seat at or above knee height.
- Avoid twisting during personal hygiene.
Bathing After Total Hip Replacement
- Take sponge baths or purchase a tub bench. You may use a walk-in shower.
- Do not bend or reach for the tub controls.
- Do not bend or squat to wash your legs and feet. Use long-handled equipment to reach them.
- Do not sit in the bottom of a regular bathtub. Use a tub seat or bench.
Dressing
- Use long-handled equipment to get dressed.
- Sit down when passing clothing over your feet.
- Do not bend over, raise your legs, or cross your legs when you get dressed.
Household Chores After Total Hip Replacement Surgery
- Use long-handled reachers, mops, brooms, or dustpans to do simple chores that involve bending, stooping, or twisting (such as washing floors, dusting low tables, or making beds).
- Do not bend to pick up objects from the floor. Use a long-handled reacher.
- Do not run the vacuum cleaner or sweeper.
- Use a rolling cart to transport items.
- Place items you use often above knee level or on the top shelf of your refrigerator.
- Slide items along the kitchen counter.
- Sit while preparing food.
Riding in a Car After Hip Replacement
- Do not drive until your doctor says you may.
- Do not enter your car while standing on a curb or step.
- Avoid long car rides. Get up and walk around every two hours.
- Avoid cars with deep bucket seats or low seats. Sit on a pillow to raise the seat height.
Sexual Relations After Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Do not feel as though you have to avoid sexual relations. You do need to take certain precautions concerning your position. Discuss this with your doctor or therapist. Learn more about hip pain from UPMC Orthopaedic Care. " ["post_title"]=> string(53) "Total Hip Replacement: Tips for a Successful Recovery" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(92) "If you've had hip replacement surgery, there are some things to keep in mind as you recover." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(46) "total-hip-replacement-tips-successful-recovery" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-08-29 11:25:23" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-08-29 15:25:23" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=81501" ["menu_order"]=> int(463) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(311) "When you return home after a hip replacement surgery, it’s important to follow all instructions from your doctor until they tell you to stop. There are many precautions you should take to ensure a smooth and fast recovery. Read more here to learn what to do and what not to do during your everyday activities." }Total Hip Replacement: Tips for a Successful Recovery
When you return home after a hip replacement surgery, it’s important to follow all instructions from your doctor until they tell you to stop. There are many precautions you should take to ensure a smooth and fast recovery. Read more here to learn what to do and what not to do during your everyday activities.Read More
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7343 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(60551) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "958" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-04-11 15:46:12" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-04-11 20:46:12" ["post_content"]=> string(3268) "Most people have knee replacement surgery when they can no longer tolerate the pain or limitations caused by arthritis in the joint. Even after undergoing knee surgery, there is still a long road ahead in terms of physical therapy to work with your new knee. Your recovery process will involve getting back some range of motion and being able to go about your daily activities.Knee Replacement Surgery
In knee replacement surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon will remove the arthritic surfaces in the knee. The surgeon then resurfaces the bottom of the thighbone and the top of the shinbone with artificial surfaces lined with metal and plastic. The surgery is usually performed on one knee at a time.Recovery 1 Week After Knee Replacement Surgery
Right after surgery, you will receive antibiotics and pain medicine. Most people can walk with crutches or a walker within a day or two. You'll spend a few days in the hospital and will start basic physical therapy exercises to help you bend your knee.Recovery a Few Weeks After Your Knee Replacement
You will have an exercise program to follow while at home and be recommended for an outpatient or at-home physical therapy program. The main goal of these programs is to be able to bend your knee at least 90 degrees. More movement depends on how well you follow an exercise program and how much mobility you had before surgery. Exercise regularly at home to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. Your doctor may recommend some exercises such as:
- Swimming
- Riding a stationary bike
- Walking
Continued Knee Replacement Recovery
Physical therapy will last for at least 3 to 6 months after surgery. Staying active and controlling your weight are the best ways to aid your recovery and keep your knee strong. A replacement knee joint usually lasts about 15 years. Advancements in the implant materials may give you an even longer life from your joint. The more you care for your joint, the longer it will last. If you begin activities that place a lot of stress on the joint or are younger than 60, the parts will wear out faster, and you may need to undergo another replacement. Knee replacement surgery is intended to help you get back to daily activities and some exercises or sports you played before your knee was damaged. The surgery does not restore the same level of function you had before your knee was damaged. " ["post_title"]=> string(35) "Your Knee Replacement Recovery Plan" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(155) "You will be able to use a walker or crutches a few days after knee replacement surgery. Find out how you can regain mobility and return to daily activities" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(25) "knee-replacement-recovery" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 14:20:10" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 18:20:10" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=60551" ["menu_order"]=> int(811) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(341) "Recovery after a knee replacement surgery is continuous. Although you will not return to the same level of function as before your knee surgery, you can still get back to many of the activities you love by taking specific steps. This walkthrough of the days and weeks after surgery will help you understand what the recovery process entails." }Your Knee Replacement Recovery Plan
Recovery after a knee replacement surgery is continuous. Although you will not return to the same level of function as before your knee surgery, you can still get back to many of the activities you love by taking specific steps. This walkthrough of the days and weeks after surgery will help you understand what the recovery process entails.Watch Now
array(2) { ["medical_post"]=> object(WP_Post)#7704 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(60451) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "958" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2015-04-08 12:47:52" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2015-04-08 17:47:52" ["post_content"]=> string(4086) "Do you have shoulder pain that keeps you up at night? Has it gotten difficult to comb your hair or reach up to the top shelf? Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain, and new surgical options give you choices for treating even severe injuries. Depending upon your doctor's recommendations, you may opt for traditional shoulder replacement or a newer procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement.How the Shoulder Works
Your shoulder joint is made up of three bones:
- The collarbone
- The shoulder bone
- The bone of your upper arm
Rotator cuff injury causes
Repetitive arm motion, arthritis, and certain sports can lead to rotator cuff injuries. Arthritis compounds the pain and difficulty of a rotator cuff injury.What Is Shoulder Surgery?
When the pain becomes severe or you lose most of your mobility in your shoulder, your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement surgery. You have two shoulder surgery options:- Traditional total shoulder replacement, which replaces the arm bone and the shoulder socket
- Newer reverse shoulder replacement
What Is a Reverse Shoulder Replacement?
In reverse shoulder replacement surgery, the ball is replaced with a socket, and the socket is replaced with a ball. A rounded joint piece, the ball, is attached to the shoulder bone, and a cup-shaped piece, the socket, replaces the top of the arm bone.Who is a candidate for reverse shoulder replacement surgery?
Your doctor may recommend this surgery if you have severe damage to your rotator cuff or the muscles don't work properly, as with cases of rheumatoid arthritis. In a traditional shoulder replacement, the limited range of your rotator cuff would also affect the movement you can regain after surgery. With the reverse shoulder replacement, your deltoid muscle, the large muscle group that forms the contour of your shoulder, is used to move your arm. You may be able to regain more overhead reach with this surgery than the traditional. Reverse shoulder replacements now make up about half of all shoulder replacement surgeries. As with any major surgery, it will take months to recover along with a rigorous rehabilitation program. Physical therapy after surgery will help you lift your arm and regain as much ability to reach overhead as possible. Do you have a shoulder injury that is causing you chronic pain? Make an appointment to speak with an expert with UPMC Orthopaedic Care. Find out what options are available to you and how you can live pain-free. " ["post_title"]=> string(45) "What Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(146) "In cases of a severe rotator cuff injury, coupled with arthritis in the shoulder, a reverse shoulder replacement may be the best treatment option." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(36) "reverse-shoulder-replacement-surgery" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 14:18:23" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 18:18:23" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=60451" ["menu_order"]=> int(815) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(478) "If you have shoulder pain that keeps you up at night or makes it difficult to comb your hair, you may be experiencing a rotator cuff injury. These are a common cause of shoulder pain, but there are many treatment options to consider. Depending upon your doctor’s recommendations, you may opt for traditional shoulder replacement or a newer procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement. Read more to learn about the reverse shoulder replacement procedure and its benefits." }What Is Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
If you have shoulder pain that keeps you up at night or makes it difficult to comb your hair, you may be experiencing a rotator cuff injury. These are a common cause of shoulder pain, but there are many treatment options to consider. Depending upon your doctor’s recommendations, you may opt for traditional shoulder replacement or a newer procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement. Read more to learn about the reverse shoulder replacement procedure and its benefits.Read More