Ask A Doctor - Physical Therapy

Q.
What type of physical therapy is administered after partial knee replacement surgery?
A.
A partial knee replacement involves replacing only the inner or the outer half of the knee. This involves less surgical cutting and may have a quicker recovery time. In the few weeks following surgery our role in physical therapy is very much like the total knee replacement of restoring mobility and reducing pain/swelling. The long term goals is to have our clients be able to walk smoothly, negotiate stairs and return to recreational activities. This is accomplished through an individually designed therapeutic exercise program.

Q.
How long is the recovery period after a full total hip replacement and what kind of therapy is administered?
A.
Recovering from a total hip replacement is different for everyone due to many factors including the surgical procedure, pain, age, fitness level, other medical conditions, and lifestyle. Physical therapy can last up to 6-8 weeks and focuses on education for self care and exercise for strength, flexibility, and recovery of function. 80% recovery is expected at about 3 months when post operative restrictions are lifted. You and your physical therapist will establish goals that will fit your lifestyle. You will continue to gain in strength and confidence over several months. Maintaining a home exercise program upon discharge from physical therapy is highly recommended to ensure good stability to your new hip.

Physical Therapy Roll in Wellness
Most everyone recognizes the Physical Therapist’s role in rehabilitation following injury and surgery. Our experienced Physical Therapy staff also take a very active role in fitness, wellness and injury prevention. We may have some solutions for some of these more common complaints:

“I’m not as flexible as I once was”

“I’m afraid of falling”

“I need exercise but I don’t know where to start”

“I can’t use the stairs anymore”

“I have this constant ache...”

Following a complete evaluation our therapist will advise on simple strategies that will help most of these very common problems. You will be pleasantly surprised how easy it can be. Physical Therapy Associates of Schenectady, P.C. was established in 1982 by Thomas Houghtalen, PT, MTC and Thomas Cooney, MSPT with a simple philosophy: provide the best physical therapy available by the most experienced therapists in clean and well equipped offices throughout the Capital District. With caring hands, our physical therapists guide their patients to wellness after injury, surgery or disease. More importantly, they teach their patients preventive strategies to stay well. Visit our website or feel free to call any office if you have any questions.

This general Information is not intended to provide individual advice. Please make an appointment with a physician to discuss you particular situation and needs.