Finding Relief After Total Hip or Knee Replacements
—April Newsletter —
Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgeries in the United States. Every year, surgeons perform around 800,000 knee replacements and 450,000 hip replacements — and that number is expected to grow as the population ages.
But the surgeries themselves don’t show the entire picture. While they can offer lasting relief for people suffering from osteoarthritis, they also require extensive rehabilitation to ensure success.
Most people can expect to spend six months to a year restoring the strength and mobility in their lower body. If you skip out on post-surgical physical therapy, especially immediately after your procedure, you might continue to struggle with joint pain and restrictions in your range of motion.
Fortunately, physical therapy at Movement Specialists Physical Therapy can help see you through your recovery and rehabilitation.
Madeline’s Story: Finding the Trail Again
When Madeline underwent a total hip replacement at the age of 65, she had one goal in mind: to hike again.
Madeline knew that, to achieve her goal, she would need to take her post-surgical physical therapy very seriously. She began physical therapy as soon as she was cleared by her surgeon, three days after her procedure. Her PT guided her through gentle mobility exercises and helped her move around the room with her walker.
We also helped Madeline manage her initial pain levels with joint mobilizations, soft tissue manipulation, and other manual therapy techniques. In addition to helping with pain, these techniques can reduce the development of scar tissue, which can cause long-term pain issues.
It wasn’t long before Madeline began more intensive physical therapy. At her first appointment, she let her therapist know her dream of taking up hiking again, and they worked together to help Madeline achieve her goal.
Here’s what Madeline’s post-surgical therapy involved:
Step 1: Improving her hip’s range of motion through targeted stretches and range-of-motion exercises.
Step 2: Building strength in the muscles surrounding and supporting her hip, helping stabilize her new joint.
Step 3: Activity-focused training to help Madeline restore her balance and ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform other movements crucial in daily life. As Madeline improved, her therapist began focusing on exercises that emulated hiking (such as walking up an incline) so Madeline could hit the trails again.
Step 4: A hike with her new hip. After completing her physical therapy, Madeline’s PT cleared her for a gentle, three-mile hike — and Madeline celebrated every step!
Frank’s Story: Starting Early for Lasting Relief
Frank didn’t have a clearly defined physical goal when he underwent his total knee replacement at age 78. He’d never been particularly active, and his knee pain only made him more sedentary.
To help ensure Frank had the best possible outcomes, we actually started his physical therapy before he even went into surgery. Research shows that pre-surgical physical therapy (“prehab”) gives you a solid foundation for rehabilitation. So we set Frank up for success with a six-week prehab program that included the following:
- General fitness strategies to ensure he was in good health for his procedure
- Exercises to improve the strength and mobility of his knee joint
- Practice using a walker
Frank had initially been nervous about his surgery, but his prehab program helped build his confidence and gave him a taste of what to expect from his post-surgical rehabilitation. In fact, he was pleased to learn that his early exercises were very similar to those he had done during prehab!
Frank’s rehabilitation proceeded similarly to Madeline’s, even though he wasn’t working toward a specific goal. We worked with him to manage his pain and slowly began mobilizing his knee. As his range of motion improved, we began incorporating strengthening exercises and functional training activities so he could perform day-to-day tasks.
Physical therapy was a lot of work for Frank, but it paid off in the end: he no longer struggled with joint pain, and he was far more active and mobile than he’d been in years.
We Can Help You Find Relief, Too!
Are you scheduled for a total hip or knee replacement? Don’t underestimate the importance of physical therapy in your rehabilitation. Call Movement Specialists Physical Therapy today to learn more about how we can help!
Sources: https://rheumatology.org/patients/joint-replacement-surgery, https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-total-knee-replacement, https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-total-hip-replacement-arthroplasty, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187706572200077X
Can I Avoid a Total Hip or Knee Replacement?
No one wants to undergo surgery. It’s often expensive, and it can bring with it a host of risks and complications. So, if you’re struggling with hip or knee osteoarthritis, you might be wondering — can I skip surgery altogether?
The short answer? It’s very possible!
Osteoarthritis has no cure. However, you can slow its progression by staying active and living a generally healthy lifestyle. In fact, surgeons won’t actually perform a total joint replacement until they’ve seen that non-invasive treatments — such as physical therapy — aren’t effectively managing the condition.
As with most degenerative conditions, the earlier you start, the better. If you already have an OA diagnosis, the Movement Specialists Physical Therapy physical therapists can work with you to develop a customized management program that might include the following:
- An aerobic exercise plan based on your interests and abilities
- Targeted strengthening and stretching exercises to improve joint health
- Strategies for reducing pressure on your joints
- Strategies for improving your overall health and wellness
Even if you don’t have a diagnosis, following up on joint pain is essential, especially as you get older. Our physical therapists can let you know if that pain in your knee or hip is due to osteoarthritis or some other cause, such as an injury or muscular imbalance.
Want to learn more about successfully managing osteoarthritis without surgery? Call to speak to our friendly staff today!
Sources: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-osteoarthritis
Take Charge of Your Joint Recovery!
Don’t let a hip or knee replacement keep you sidelined. Discover how personalized pre-surgical “prehab” and post-op physical therapy at Movement Specialists Physical Therapy can help you restore mobility, ease pain, and get back to the activities you love.
Book Your Visit NowPhysical Therapy: Preparing Golfers for the Spring Season
With spring around the corner, golfers are eager to hit the greens in their best form. Physical therapy at Movement Specialists Physical Therapy can provide golfers with the tools and techniques to optimize their performance and mitigate injury risks as they head into the spring season.
Both amateur and professional golfers can experience a variety of injuries, from lower back pain to elbow tendinitis. Fortunately, our physical therapists can identify movement faults or muscle imbalances that set individuals up for such injuries. We’ll address these imbalances, so golfers can enhance their performance on the course.
How Physical Therapy Can Improve Your Golf Game
As the spring season approaches, golfers are eager to get back on the course, but after a long winter hiatus, there is a risk of injury if not properly prepared. At Movement Specialists Physical Therapy, our physical therapists can play a pivotal role in getting golfers ready for the upcoming season.
Mobility and Strength
Golf demands a unique combination of mobility and stability. The rotation required for a golf swing involves almost every joint in the body, especially the spine, hips, and shoulders.
Our targeted interventions can introduce golfers to a program of stretching and mobility exercises designed specifically for these demands. With increased mobility and strength, golfers can achieve a fuller range of motion, enhancing the fluidity and efficiency of their swing.
Performance Enhancement
Movement Specialists Physical Therapy, which specializes in golf-related fitness, has often emphasized that there isn’t one perfect swing, but every golfer has one efficient swing. Our physical therapists offer specialized assessments to identify any weakness or restriction in mobility that may hinder a golfer’s swing efficiency.
We’ll design strength and conditioning programs that address these limitations to ensure you can improve your swing and increase your shots’ distance and accuracy!
Education and Self-management
Knowledge is power. Our physical therapists educate golfers about body mechanics, swing techniques, and self-management strategies to ensure longevity in the sport. This includes guidance on proper warm-up techniques, cool-down stretches, and nutrition and hydration strategies for golfers.
Book Your Appointment Today!
As the spring season approaches, golfers looking to step up their game and stay injury-free should consider incorporating physical therapy into their preparation routine. At Movement Specialists Physical Therapy, our multifaceted approach offers golfers a pathway to optimize their performance, while minimizing their risk of injury so they can enjoy the game they love!
Call today to learn about our golf programs this spring!
Try Our New Word Search!
💡 How to Play
Welcome! Test your Golf Fitness knowledge. Spell all 8 hidden words using the clues below. Type your word in the box and click Submit. Can you find them all?
Important note: You can use each letter in the grid more than once! Good luck!
Found Words (0/8):
🩺 Puzzle Clues
All 8 hidden words relate to Golf Physical Therapy. If you read our latest article, you’ll definitely recognize these!
- (5 Letters) The Motion: The fundamental rotational action used to hit the ball on the course.
- (6 Letters) The Season: The time of year when athletes eagerly return to the greens.
- (7 Letters) The Players: The group of people (both amateur and pro) eager to get back out on the course.
- (8 Letters) The Movement: A physical requirement for the sport, coupled with stability.
- (8 Letters) The Power: What physical therapists build up to help increase shot distance.
- (9 Letters) The Technique: The body movements that physical therapists educate their patients about.
- (10 Letters) The Goal: What specialized strength and conditioning programs aim to improve in a player’s form.
- (10 Letters) The Faults: Muscle irregularities that can set individuals up for injuries if left untreated.
Who do you know that needs our help?
Advanced Pain Relief Now Available in Metairie!
We’re thrilled to announce that Movement Specialists Physical Therapy is now offering Shock Wave Therapy and Smart Ice Laser Therapy – cutting-edge treatments designed to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and promote recovery for stubborn injuries like plantar fasciitis, tendon pain, and more. These services are available exclusively at our Metairie location and provided as self-pay options. Using the 45W Smart Ice Laser and Focused Shockwave units, our team can help target pain at the source and get you moving again – faster and more effectively than ever before.
Patient Success Stories
“I no longer have back pain!“
“Movement Specialists did a phenomenal job helping reduce my back pain. After working with Evan, I feel stronger and can now go about my day-to-day life without constant discomfort. The entire staff was incredibly friendly, and all of the technicians went out of their way to make sure I was well taken care of. I highly recommend Evan or anyone on the Movement Specialists staff to those in need of physical therapy!”
-L.N.
April Healthy Recipe:
Beet & Goat Cheese Pasta
Everyone knows that beets and goat cheese make a perfect pair. Turns out, they also make a perfect pasta sauce. The vibrant hue from the beets gives this dish a real wow factor, while the creamy and tangy goat cheese provide a complex depth of the flavor.
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium beets peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
- 1 sweet onion roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (16-ounce) package fettuccine or other pasta
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional
- 4 ounces plain goat cheese or whipped feta
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup roasted & salted pistachios roughly chopped
- 2 Tablespoons torn fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Toss together beets, onion, garlic, oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover with foil. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes until beets are tender.
- While the beets are roasting, cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining and set aside. Drain pasta and return to the pot.
- When the beets are fork tender, transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor along with 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Pulse until the vegetables start to break down, then increase the speed and puree until smooth.
- Combine the beet pasta sauce with the cooked pasta and toss well to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red bell pepper flakes. Add more of the reserved pasta water as needed until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is silky, not gummy or thick.
- Divide the pasta between pasta bowls or plates and dot with chunks of goat cheese. Garnish with a generous amount of chopped pistachios and torn basil leaves. Sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes, to taste.
Did You Know You Can See a Physical Therapist Without a Referral?
Not everyone knows you can go directly to your physical therapist if you are dealing with pain or an injury. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with an old or new problem. In all 50 states, you can schedule a visit with one of our therapists to get help sooner than later.
Direct Access is all about having the freedom to make your own decisions without being bound by outdated rules. It allows you to be in charge of your healthcare so you can focus on your recovery instead of waiting for another appointment to get you the help you need today!
Direct Access also helps you save money, schedule when you want, and speeds up your recovery so you can get relief and get back to doing what you love. If you have questions about Direct Access or would like to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist, contact Movement Specialists Physical Therapy now!
Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following?
- Move without pain
- Bend and move freely
- Balance confidently and securely
- Sit for long periods comfortably
- Walk for long distances
- Live an active and healthy lifestyle
If you know someone suffering from aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Movement Specialists Physical Therapy today. Forward this newsletter or have them call us directly for a physical therapy consultation.
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.
