At Salem Health Orthopedics, physical therapists treat their sessions as building blocks in patient recovery. This stepped process is key following orthopedic surgery.

“We aspire to provide physical therapy beyond an intervention. It can be a transformative experience,” said Jennifer Truax, PT, rehabilitation supervisor at Salem Health Orthopedics – Salem.

Truax said the physical therapy team is specialized in understanding recovery time and protecting the injured area after surgery.

Building relationships after orthopedic surgery

“Our first step is to get to know you — not just as a patient, but as a person with unique stories, aspirations and concerns,” she said. “What are your goals? How long has pain kept you from the life you love living? How much time can you commit to your recovery? We take these insights and tailor a program that acknowledges your commitments and aligns with what matters most to you.”

The physical therapist and her team aim to make sessions a positive and fun experience, all while helping patients focus on their goals.

“We create an experience that each patient looks forward to coming to, and help them feel supported along the way,” Truax said.

How many physical therapy sessions a patient might need varies from person to person.

Recovery after therapy

No matter what, Truax notes there will be several months after supervised care where patients carry out the routines learned during sessions at home.

“Our goal is to get them safely from the medical side of recovery to upholding the fitness side,” she said.

That requires helping patients build back independence again, which can look different for everyone.

Anterior cruciate ligament ( ACL) patients will go through a sports test to get clearance before returning to full activity. Knee and hip replacement patients start a regular walking program and are steered toward exercises they love to stay active after surgery.

Whatever activity they choose, orthopedic surgery and physical therapy at Salem Health can help make it possible.

“It’s like a new lease on life,” Truax said. “In many cases, people get back to the things they haven’t done for years.”

Orthopedic care at Salem Health

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