Joint replacement rehabilitation

At Salem Health, physical and occupational therapy for knee replacement and hip replacement begin on the same day as surgery.

Physical therapy exercise program

Participating fully in physical therapy after joint replacement surgery helps speed the recovery process. Even when you don’t feel up to it, try your best to participate fully. 

During your stay in the Salem Health Joint Replacement Center of Excellence, you will see a member of your physical therapy team for your therapy sessions. The physical therapy team member will help you perform your exercises, walking and stair training during your initial evaluation and therapy sessions. As you continue to progress, more exercises will be added to your program.

After surgery, you will be instructed in how to walk with a walker or crutches. You will need to continue using a walker or two crutches all the time, until seen by your surgeon in the office for your postoperative follow-up visit. At that time your surgeon will discuss with you a progression to walking without an assistive device.

Your occupational therapy program

Your occupational therapy team will help you resume activities of daily living, like dressing yourself, getting in and out of the tub or shower, and going to the bathroom.

Your occupational therapist will also determine if certain pieces of equipment might help you perform these activities safely and effectively when you return home.

Continuing joint replacement rehabilitation

Therapy that you have after you’re discharged from the hospital is called outpatient therapy. Not everyone needs outpatient therapy, so ask your doctor if outpatient therapy is right for you. 

Several facilities in and around Salem offer this service, but Salem Health Rehabilitation Center is the largest and most advanced location in the area. Unless you have an insurance limitation, you have the right to choose where you have your outpatient therapy.  When you choose us, you get the advantage of seeing a diverse team of experts who specialize in rehabilitating complex replacements and revisions. You also may have the option for aquatic (pool) therapy and exercise, which helps take weight off the joint and decreases your pain while you’re healing.

If you’re considering a joint replacement or revision, ask your doctor about continuing your rehab at Salem Health Rehabilitation Center. To request a tour, call us at 503-561-5986.