Joint Replacement Rehab
The most common joint replacements occur in the shoulder, knee, or hip. Physical Therapy can help patients regain movement and reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness as a result of a joint replacement. Techniques may include manual therapy, soft tissue and joint mobilization, muscle energy, gait and balance training, electrical nerve stimulation, strength training, ultrasound, functional re-education, and rehabilitative exercise. Physical therapy will often begin in the hospital, but continued outpatient therapy is necessary to improve strength.
Lumbar Laminectomy or Discectomy Rehab
Surgery to remove fragments of an extruded herniated disc is common. The procedure is known as a lumbar laminectomy or discectomy. Physical therapy should be prescribed after surgery. Treatment typically consists of flexibility exercises, lumbar stabilization and core strengthening, and aerobic training. Studies have shown that patients who undergo physical therapy after surgery have better outcomes than those who do not.