Pre and Post-Operative Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement Rehab
What is the role of physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy has been shown to have a positive influence on patient outcomes when accessed both pre-operatively and post-operatively for elective total hip and knee replacement surgeries.
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Pre-operatively:
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assess range of motion and strength
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provide therapeutic exercise to ease pain and discomfort and optimize function prior to surgery
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manual therapy (hands-on techniques) for pain relief and improved function
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Post-operatively:
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provide education on tissue healing timelines and expectations
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create personalized progressive exercise programs to optimize recovery
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manual therapy (hands-on techniques) for scar tissue and soft tissue
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manual lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling and promote tissue healing
Role of MLD in post-operative edema
The type and extent of surgery as well as the patient's own anatomy will determine the degree of edema that develops following surgery. While the incision site itself should not be disturbed for a minimum of 14 days, MLD can be started on the first post-operative day for areas surrounding the incisional site.
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MLD assists in establishing new lymphatic connections that were likely damaged during surgery. MLD can assist with tissue healing as well. Edema causes increased tissue pressure and a larger diffusion distance from blood capillaries to cells. This increased distance resutls in decreased oxygen, impeded transport of wound debris, and impeded transport of substances needed for tissue repair.
MLD can assist with post-operative pain as well. Learn more about MLD here.
Please contact us for any questions regarding post-operative MLD or exercise therapy.