How Long Should I Do Physio After Total Knee Or Hip Replacement?

In this episode the surgeons discuss how long to do physical therapy after a total hip or total knee replacement. Generally, more physical therapy is required after a total knee replacement compared to a total hip replacement.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practise medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

[mammastreed]

100% PT is so needed for Total Knee Replacement! I not only went for 8 weeks but also did at home religiously. I also live in a house with steps. I continue to do some form of PT 4-5 x week. I have 2 friends who got TKR and didn’t do their home PT after they were done with going to PT and live in ranch homes. They both still have a hard time on stairs, their ROM is not great and still limp. JUST DO IT! if you go through the whole surgery it’s insane not to follow through. Yes, it’s hard! But not having the best knee you can I’ll eventually be harder!

[lauraturner]

“Let pain be your guide, ” said the orthopedic surgeon to my frustrated teen basketball player son. So son’s reaction was to become a PT. He loves it, just wishes more folks would keep up with the exercises he uses with them. Thanks for this video - I’m going to send it to him and hopefully he’ll become one of your new subscribers. I want to call his PT office Range of Motion if he ever opens up his own practice. 🥰

[lisas]

YES. Thank you for emphasizing the importance of the home exercise program. Too many patients do not take it seriously.

[paulinesalter]

I have had Scoliosis of the Lower Spine for several years but although painful. It didn't stop me walking! I had a total hip Replacement 17 months ago there were no Physio classes available so was given exercises at Home, I am 85 Live alone, as Husband has Parkinson's and is in a Home, so I have to do everything! Excersise in itself! No matter how many times I have been in touch with my Doctor, Pain Clinnic, and waiting list to see Specialist, I haven't been able to walk without Crutches all this time, Pain Killers hardly touch the constant pain the pressure is also affecting my Bowell movements! No one appears to be listening, or. Doing anything!

[GreggBB]

Following what the surgeon and therapist says to do gives everyone the best chance for the best possible outcome. Doing so was one of the best choices I've made in my life. If you have a good surgeon and a good therapist, give them your trust. What they say to do may not always make sense, but give them your trust about those things. Another great video

[robertstotts]

Thanks Doctors. I am 3 weeks away from my TKR-right side and am doing the exercises that therapy will want me to do after the surgery. I hope that these and some moderate treadmill work will ease my recovery!
Keep up the informative work.

Bob

[miketrebert]

Thanks docs, for your time, skills and generosity. I'm almost 80 yrs old and no knee or hip problems. I'm very active, 50+ year vegetarian, recent vegan convert. Lots of fibre, so pretty good microbiome I guess. Anyhoo, a dearth of auto-immune problems. But I watch you docs every time because curiosity and learning are always good ideas.

[dogsrgodsspelledbackwards]

Omg. Priceless. Physical therapy is a must or your TKR or HR will be a bust. In my case, I did two zoom videos before I got in to see my P T in person. I luckily did the exercises from the book pre surgery and was pretty much on the mark by watching your videos on what exercises to do etc. After my 6 week mark I was given green light to ride my Harley. Then 5 days later I fell and split it open, that landed me 22 more staples and had to wait for them to come out before getting back into the swing again. Even with the set back, I was able to get my flexion and extension back to a fantastic degree and subsequently released from therapy. I continue to keep active, do exercises and happy with my progress at 4 months post op. My knee looks fantastic and so does my scar. Thanks for all the videos you have put out and I was so well prepared because of your knowledge and honesty about surgery, I no doubt would be scrambling for help had I not found your stuff yrs ago. Keep up the great content. And I am in charge of my own health. Cheers

[cardmonty]

I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve back in April. I started out with light yoga stretches after about 3 weeks at home, and recently I’m working out with a 7.5lb dumbbell doing Curls, Side Laterals, Bent Over Rows, Bench Presses, & Triceps Extensions. Then I do about 10 minutes on an exercise bicycle. I perform this circuit every 4 days. I still perform my yoga stretches at night every night before bed. Yoga loosens me up so that I get a good nights rest. I’m 61 years old and a former natural bodybuilder.

[clarksonphysio]

Our patients and Physiotherapists really enjoy your YouTube videos, especially this one! Thanks for all the great work you do, and for your referrals to our clinic!

[GrooveyBobby]

Never had orthopaedic surgery, but you docs are awesome, love learning how to better look after my joints - thanks for sharing 💜💕

[joanneb]

I love you two! I watch you as much for the banter and mild comic relief as for the info. Keep it up! 😀

[vickiepatterson]

Another very informative video!
I started having jaw surgeries in 1982 and had a total of 10 bilateral procedures in 11 years. After my first surgery, my jaws were not mobile. By the 3rd procedure, mobility was deemed necessary to prevent atrophy. The amount of scar tissue that forms after surgery is astounding. Then sometimes the next surgery is just to remove scar tissue. But the post operative treatment changed completely just a couple of years after the first surgery.
In the past two are a half years I've had a fusion in my back and then neck. After each of these surgeries, I was transferred from the hospital to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. I spent about a week in rehab each time. I've learned over the years that physical therapy is my best home away from home.
Physical therapy is a crucial part of the healing process, especially after invasive procedures. Some people just don't get that. They think if they can get around okay that it's enough.
But physical therapists treat you and teach you how to do the right movement. Like you keep telling us, we are in charge of our own health. Therefore, if we don't continue to apply what we learn in physical therapy, everything we did and learned will be lost. And thinking that you can go to physical therapy for 6 weeks and be done is a good way to become immobile.
Physical therapy is one of the most important parts of the process because mobility is the desired end result.
People shouldn't think they can do rehab without physical therapy. Medical procedures are always changing and advancing so the outcome is always improving. Therapy prescribed for a procedure done 5 years ago is likely better and more in tune today because of what's been learned in that 5 years.
Nothing is written in stone because we're always learning better ways to treat the body.
Physical therapists are some of the kindest and most passionate people I have ever met! They are well trained professionals who know the best treatment for each patient. And they know what to do to make your body to work as well as possible. And they should become your best friend because their objective is to make you better!
Thanks for sharing another great video and reiterating the importance of physical therapy! 🤩

[pjk]

Good guidelines
They often reassess your progress and give you options to return.
Unfortunately unless ancient, OHIP won't cover any of it. That changed before 2003.
Some will provide a reduction in rates which keeps you improving.
Thanks for sharing

[barbaraebner]

Physical Therapy is a must have TKR. I also did it for a while after 2 hip replacements in same year. Abductor muscle just doesn’t want to get strong. Please ALL do what the docs say!

[TheNewsJenorator]

You docs always sound so upbeat. I totally agree with this advice. Four years ago I was staying in a really nice house right on the beach and the last day which was a beautiful vacation. But the last day leaving I had suitcases in both hands in the pouring rain walking down the stairs. Guess what happened? I slipped fell down four steps straight onto a pavement with both of my knees and only the suitcases blocked my arms. I swore I broke my legs or kneecaps. Upon arriving at the urgent care they took an x-ray and apparently I didn’t break any bones. But ligaments and muscles were involved and they ordered me to be on crutches.

I really don’t like staying down so I’m walking all around with those crutches as much as possible people thought I was crazy. And let me tell you the pain was excruciating at first. Physical therapy and lots of exercise and alternating with cold packs. Having to ride around in the grocery store in a cart that I didn’t have a drivers license for and was constantly beeping at people because I really didn’t know how to control it. And I wanted to let people know please move because I might crash. Lol
Anyways I didn’t know this was gonna be such a long story needless to say years of working on it and using different types of appointments both herbal and medicinal creams and then finally started using a vibe machine. Which strengthens all your muscles your bones and your balance. I am now about 99% don’t have any issues with my knees.

I am also not responsible for any misspelled words because I am voice texting and I don’t really go back and do a bunch of editing. So I hope everybody understands what I’m saying.

Suggestion can you guys maybe once in a while grab a church and or some sort of a model or skeleton or something and move it around pointing and explaining things that might be funny and entertaining and informative.

Have a beautiful week. 💃💃💃🤗💙❤️

[shargomol]

You guys are great. I had my 1st TKR on Dec 31, 21 and my 2nd on June 9, 22. My physio is my job so that I can return to work. My life is returning to a functional level now and I'm enjoying being able to walk now haha Ice and physio are my 2 best friends.

[defrost]

So true! I’m currently almost 7 months out from a TKR, and although I’m pretty much back to my normal activities - I find that if I stop doing my specific quad and hamstring strengthening exercises for several days (sometimes longer when life gets busy), my knee starts to stiffen and my ROM drops.

If I go back to daily stretches and even just short exercise sessions, things loosen back up and I feel much better. Riding my stationary bike every couple of days is also a good way to get those muscles and tendons warmed up.

[katlynn]

I am 5 months post op TKR do my PT daily at home in pool and full weight bearing 3 times a day since working remotely. Bend bend bend had no issue with straightening but rom a bit more issues. Pool helps tremendously! Enjoy your videos been knowledgeable Thank you 😀

[vitoshaword]

Great video, as usual, guys! Love your channel! And, yes, PT is really important and makes a lot of difference. I would say a year do the exercises every day and then gel them with your daily routine. Speaking from experience.