If you’re considering joint replacement surgery, you likely have many questions: How long will I be out? Will I experience relief immediately? Will I be able to do all the things I used to do? Find answers to many of your questions when you commit to a physical therapy and rehabilitation program can answer many of these questions for you.
“It’s important that you begin an exercise and rehabilitation program as soon as your doctor recommends after joint replacement surgery,” says Michael Casady, a physical therapist at CHRISTUS St. John Sports Medicine in Nassau Bay. “For many of our patients, therapy begins while you’re still in the hospital.” There can be new challenges—maybe simple things seem difficult—like getting out of a chair and using the bathroom. You are anxious to get back to doing the things you love, like dancing, riding a bicycle, or walking your dog.
Casady has been at St. John Sports Medicine for 17 years, working with patients to help them regain strength, range of motion, and quality of life. “Because their pain is finally gone, many patients experience an immediate improvement in the way they feel. Our job here is to assist them with meeting their goals.”
For some patients, like Lloyd Denison, finding the right motivation to encourage and challenge is the key to a quick recovery. Lloyd had hip replacement surgery in May at CHRISTUS St. John Hospital, and promptly began his rehabilitation at the Texas City Sports Medicine location. “Lloyd was so much fun to work with,” says Rachel Mumford, one of his physical therapists. He loves to sing gospel songs.” Most patients have 2 to 3 therapy sessions each week focused on restoring motion, decreasing pain and increasing strength. “The secret to Lloyd’s therapy program included incorporating 50s rock or Beach Boys tunes to set a beat for his progressive exercise and strength building routines.”
Theresa Wray, another hip replacement patient, received her new hip on June 5. She wasted no time getting into therapy. Within a week, she was already hard at work with her end goal in mind—walking without a limp and without pain.
Both Theresa and Lloyd took advantage of Group Therapy with other joint replacement patients, offered at all CHRISTUS St. John Sports Medicine locations. “Some people enjoy the group setting, where they can relate to others sharing their same experience,” Casady says. Patients who are further along in their recovery are eager to offer encouragement and advice to those just beginning the process.
Patients who choose these sessions also work one-on-one with their physical therapist on alternative days.
Theresa says she’s doing wonderfully. “The staff at St. John Sports Medicine has been fabulous,” she says. “Every bit of my experience—working with my surgeon Dr. Serrato, the hospital staff at St. John, and the physical therapists—has been just great. I am amazed at my progress.”
Lloyd has finished physical therapy sessions, continues to work out on his own at the gym, and is planning for knee replacement surgery this fall. Mumford says she can’t wait to see him again. He’s got such a positive attitude. We can’t wait to have him back!”
For more information about joint replacement physical therapy and rehabilitation call 281.333.8806. www.christusstjohnsportsmedicine.org.