Physical Therapy

Physical therapy before and after joint replacement is essential for your recovery. With their patient-focused mindset and use of innovative tools and techniques, Joel Tupper, MD, Daniel Jones, MD, and the experienced team at Prairie Garden Medical can prescribe physical therapy before and after surgery to ensure better outcomes. To schedule a consultation so you can learn more about the benefits of physical therapy, call the office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or book online today.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a medical specialty that uses various exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to improve muscle strength, stability, and balance, as well as alleviate pain.

The team members at Prairie Garden Medical use innovative tools and techniques to lessen your pain through every step of the process.

This includes physical therapy before and after your hip or knee replacement surgery. The prescribed pre- and postoperative physical therapy exercises help you feel more confident along the way.

What are preoperative physical therapy exercises?

Your preoperative physical therapy exercises are designed specifically for you. Some that may be part of your program include:

• Quad set to strengthen the quadricep muscle
• Towel under heel to improve range of motion and pain relief
• Ankle pumps
• Glute set to tighten muscles in the buttocks
• Calf stretch with towel
• Standing heel raises
• Seated hamstring stretch
• Straight leg raise
• Heel slides or seated heel slides
• Knee extension
• Hip abduction

Your surgeon and physical therapist review the exercises with you and how often they need to be completed to gain the most benefits.

Your preoperative physical therapy exercise program helps you feel more prepared for surgery and helps you gain strength and range of motion in the areas that need it the most.

What are postoperative physical therapy exercises?

Physical therapy after your hip or knee replacement helps strengthen your joints and makes you more flexible, therefore speeding up recovery.

Postoperative hip replacement physical therapy may include:

• Quad set
• Ankle pumps
• Glute set
• Towel under heel
• Heel slides
• Gait with walker
• Transfer stand-to-sit
• Stair climbing
• Knee extension
• Hip abduction and standing heel raises

Postoperative knee replacement physical therapy may include:

• Towel under heel
• Ankle pumps
• Seated heel slides with towel
• Transfer stand-to-sit
• Stair climbing
• Straight leg raise
• Calf stretch with towel
• Seated hamstring stretch

Your postoperative hip and knee physical therapy progresses week by week. 

The success of your joint replacement is highly dependent on your dedication to your postoperative exercises. Maintaining consistency is key to regaining proper joint movement and strength.

To learn more about physical therapy before and after your hip or knee replacement, call Prairie Garden Medical or book an appointment online today.