Total Hip or Knee Replacement

Have you been told you need a total joint replacement?

During our lives, we have normal age-related changes in our joints resulting in reduced joint space and degeneration in the articular surfaces (Cartilage). Changes to the cartilage and reduced joint space result in osteoarthritis, translating into reduced movement (range of motion), decreased mobility and this gradual onset of symptoms can greatly impact your quality of life. While this is true, it is vital to remember that an effective way to manage these conditions is to strengthen and lengthen the supporting structures to delay or avoid surgery in many cases. Our team can provide you with specialised treatments to improve your daily function, pain, and joint movement.

A joint replacement whether that is a knee or hip is an extensive surgery that will be performed by an orthopaedic surgeon. For this procedure to be effective it requires an appropriate rehabilitation program to improve quality of life and relieve pain. The surgeries involve replacing the joint surfaces with a reinforced prosthesis that are a combination of specialised cross-linked polyurethane and smooth metal surfaces to emulate the gliding of a “healthy knee joint”. Joint replacements are usually reserved for those living with severe osteoarthritis or severe trauma.

With a joint replacement or arthroplasty, an individualised program before surgery will improve your function after surgery and reduce the likelihood of post-surgical complications. This type of “prehab” is vital to improving the muscle activation around the joint to best support your new joint. In addition, it will help you understand the procedure, the rehab process and help orientate your expectation for the surgery.

After surgery, you will be given some basic exercises to do in the early stage of your rehab journey. It is important to be diligent with these exercises. This initial period (3 months) or “window of opportunity” is a crucial time for you to restore range of motion and improve your ability to return to activity. That is why it is imperative to start the rehab program early!