Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to replace hips and knees, along with shoulders, elbows, fingers and ankles. It’s expected to rise 60 percent over the next three decades as baby boomers who suffer from debilitating stiffness and pain in their joints seek to change the limitations these conditions bring to their lives.

The return to a normal, active lifestyle after surgery depend largely on the patient.

It’s important to adhere closely to the doctor’s dietary, medication and exercise recommendations. Rehabilitation eases the transition to full activity and is the key to overall success of the joint replacement.

The good news is if you or a loved one needs a joint replacement, help is available at the Orthopedic and Spine Institute at University Hospital and Medical Center. For decades, University Hospital and Medical Center has been recognized regionally for excellence in orthopedic care. Learn more at our website or call our Orthopedic and Spine Patient Navigator at (954) 724-6092.

In the hospital, the patient meets with both physical and occupational therapists. The physical therapist works on mobility and strength. The occupational therapist works on preparing to handle the activities of daily living (ADLs) – such as getting around the house, bathing and dressing. They review precautions with the patients about everyday activities.

A patient begins rehabilitation shortly after surgery, often within a day of, or on the same day as, the surgery. This is important because the body reacts to surgery by making scar tissue, and the patient may never recover full range of motion if he does not focus on bending and straightening his joint replacement immediately.

Rehabilitation incorporates a number of controlled exercises, performed on an inpatient- and outpatient-basis and at home, to strengthen the site of the joint replacement. Supports, like a walker or crutches, are important to use. The patient’s pain is monitored; some degree of discomfort is normal. At home, the patient is instructed not to strain the joint replacement with heavy lifting or other unusual activities.

Progress and the length of time of rehabilitation depend on a few different factors: the patient’s strength before surgery, his weight and ability to manage pain, and the type and extent of the surgery. The factor that the patient has the most control over is the effort he puts into rehabilitation – which may really count as the most important factor in the whole recovery process.

Joint replacement gives patients new freedom, so long as they give their best efforts throughout rehabilitation.