Do you find that daily activities have become painful due to joint pain? Arthritis, injuries and overuse of muscles and joints can cause discomfort and limit mobility. In some cases, standing, walking, climbing stairs and bathing can become painful. When conventional (non-surgical) treatments are no longer working, a joint replacement may be recommended. In this procedure, an orthopedic surgeon replaces the original joint with a prosthesis (artificial joint) made of metal or high-quality plastic.
Knee replacement surgery tends to be common, since the knee is a weight-bearing joint. This procedure is called 'Total Knee Arthroplasty'. Knee replacements were first performed in the late 1960s and have come a long way since then. Today, physicians are able to choose from a wide variety of knee replacements to suit the patient's overall health, age, weight, and activity level.
An important goal after surgery is gradual, progressive mobility of the new joint. A physical therapist will create a plan to improve motion and regain strength in a controlled manner. The individual will also be advised about which positions to avoid, in an effort to protect the joint while it is healing. Physical therapy is a safe, effective treatment option and will help the individual to recover from joint replacement surgery.