Common Joint Replacement Conditions & Therapy Treatment
For individuals with severe arthritis and chronic joint pain, joint replacement surgery may be the best solution. In many cases, persistent joint pain can make even simple tasks—such as standing, sitting, or walking—extremely difficult. These replacement procedures aim to restore function and enhance quality of life.
At Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa, our therapists work closely with orthopedic surgeons to provide rehabilitative therapies that complement post-operative recovery protocols.
We integrate cutting-edge treatments such as:
- STEMWAVE (True Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) to break down scar tissue and promote healing
Our comprehensive therapy approach focuses on breaking the pain cycle, improving range of motion, strength, endurance, and balance. By combining the expertise of leading therapists with state-of-the-art technology, Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa significantly improves surgical outcomes for both patients and orthopedic specialists.
Musculoskeletal Joint Replacement Conditions
Total Hip Replacement
One of the most common joint replacement surgeries, total hip replacement is performed to relieve arthritic pain, fractures, or other joint damage. A prosthetic joint replaces the damaged hip, restoring mobility and reducing pain.
Total Knee Replacement
The knee is prone to wear and tear, often leading to joint degeneration. Total knee arthroplasty replaces damaged cartilage and bone with a custom prosthetic to restore leg function and alleviate pain.
Uni-compartmental Knee Replacement
Unlike a total knee replacement, this procedure targets only a specific portion of the knee joint—either the medial (inner), lateral (outer), or patellofemoral (front) compartment. It is a less invasive alternative to a total knee replacement.
Shoulder Joint Replacement
Though less common than hip or knee replacements, shoulder joint replacement is necessary for individuals with arthritis, fractures, or joint damage that affects mobility and function.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
In this procedure, the ball and socket joint is reversed, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate for a damaged rotator cuff. This surgery is ideal for patients with severe shoulder damage or rotator cuff tears.
Total Elbow Replacement
For individuals suffering from arthritis or severe elbow joint damage, total elbow replacement restores function by replacing parts of the ulna (elbow tip) and humerus with artificial components.
Wrist Joint Replacement (Wrist Arthroplasty)
Wrist joint replacement is a specialized procedure designed to restore mobility and reduce pain caused by arthritis or injury. Different types of implants are used due to the complex structure of wrist joints.
Ankle Replacement Surgery
Cartilage wear in the ankle can lead to bone friction, causing pain and mobility issues. Ankle replacement surgery replaces the damaged joint surface, improving movement and reducing discomfort.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation for Joint Replacement
While joint replacements significantly reduce pain, patients often experience strength loss and functional limitations in the year following surgery. Though the new joint does not enhance physical abilities beyond pre-injury levels, it greatly improves overall quality of life by restoring mobility and reducing discomfort.
At Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa, we provide comprehensive post-surgical therapy to help patients regain strength, balance, and endurance, ensuring a smooth and effective recovery.
Therapy as a Conservative First Option Before Surgical Intervention
When considering joint replacement surgery, it’s essential to be well-informed about the risks, benefits, prehabilitation, and post-operative rehabilitation.
Joints, like any other living tissue, naturally deteriorate over time due to daily wear and tear. However, the degree of joint degeneration does not always correlate with pain levels. Some individuals may experience minimal discomfort despite significant joint deterioration seen on MRI scans.
While orthopedic surgeons provide expert advice on surgical interventions, the team at Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa offers non-invasive alternatives that may help manage joint pain and restore function without surgery.
Many patients and practitioners seek quick fixes without fully exploring conservative treatments before opting for major surgery. However, joint replacement is a significant surgical procedure with potential long-term consequences. Modern medicine increasingly prioritizes conservative treatments first, including:
- Physical and Occupational Therapy to enhance joint function and mobility
- STEMWAVE (True Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) to break down scar tissue and promote healing
Most patients respond well to therapy, often delaying or even avoiding the need for joint replacement. However, if surgery becomes necessary, our expert therapy and rehab team ensures you are well-prepared with prehabilitation programs and a clear post-surgical recovery plan for the best possible outcomes.
Enhancing Joint Replacement Outcomes with Prehabilitation
At Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa, we integrate prehabilitation with post-surgical rehabilitation to help patients prepare for and recover from joint replacement surgery. Our specialized therapies address strains, post-surgical requirements, arthritis, osteoporosis, and other soft tissue injuries to optimize healing and restore function.
Why Prehabilitation Matters
Prehabilitation is increasingly recognized for its ability to enhance post-surgical recovery by improving a patient’s functional condition before surgery. Research suggests that the better your physical condition before surgery, the smoother your recovery will be.
Engaging in prehabilitation therapy offers several key benefits:
- Increases strength and flexibility, helping your body better withstand surgery
- Boosts post-surgical recovery speed, reducing downtime and complications
- Enhances joint function and mobility, ensuring a smoother transition into rehabilitation
- Improves mental resilience, preparing patients for the physical demands of surgery
A Holistic Approach to Pre-Surgical Readiness
Surgical procedures place significant stress on the body, both physically and mentally. The continuum of care —from prehabilitation to post-operative rehabilitation —is designed to enhance resilience, minimize surgical risks, and promote optimal healing.
At Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa, our preoperative therapy assessments provide patients with a personalized plan to:
- Strengthen muscles supporting the affected joint
- Improve mobility and range of motion
- Enhance joint function to reduce stiffness and pain
- Condition the body for better post-surgical outcomes
By optimizing your physical health before surgery, you can recover faster, regain mobility sooner, and return to an active lifestyle with greater ease.
Rehabilitation After Joint Replacement Surgery
At Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa, we offer evidence-based therapy and the latest recovery technologies to improve joint replacement outcomes. Our comprehensive rehabilitation plans focus on:
- Early recovery phase – managing pain and reducing swelling
- Strength and mobility restoration – regaining muscle function safely
- Functional rehabilitation – rebuilding strength for daily activities
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation Approach
Recovery begins immediately after discharge from surgeries like Achilles tendon repair, hip dysplasia correction, or posterior tibial tendon surgery. During the early recovery phase, we focus on:
- Pain reduction and inflammation control
- Gentle mobility exercises to restore muscle function
- Preventing stiffness and scar tissue buildup
Innovative Therapies for Faster Recovery
We integrate manual therapy with advanced technologies to accelerate healing and restore function:
- STEMWAVE (True Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) Breaks down fibrous scar tissue to improve mobility
Fitness Strengthens muscles and restores range of motion for long-term mobility
Restoring Function & Strength
Once strength returns, we introduce progressive exercises to help patients adapt to their daily physical demands. Our functional rehabilitation ensures patients regain:
- Mobility and flexibility
- Strength and endurance
- Confidence in movement
At Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa, we personalize every post-op therapy plan to align with your orthopedic surgeon’s protocols and your individual recovery goals —helping you regain mobility, strength, and independence faster.
Therapy Rehabilitation at Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa
Recovering from hip, knee, shoulder, or elbow replacement surgery requires expert care to ensure safe recovery, optimal outcomes, and prevention of future complications like osteoporosis. At Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa, our multidisciplinary rehabilitation team works closely with orthopedic surgeons to create personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Approach
Our therapists specialize in:
- Mobility and movement pattern assessment
- Pain management and inflammation control
- Strength restoration and functional rehabilitation
Post-Surgical therapy Helps With:
- Reducing pain and swelling
- Improving range of motion
- Preventing stiffness and scar tissue buildup
- Enhancing long-term joint function
Preventing Post-Surgical Complications
Joint replacement surgery comes with risks, but our expert rehabilitation team helps mitigate complications like:
- Muscle atrophy and joint stiffness
- Blood clots and poor circulation
- Post-surgical osteoporosis and mobility issues
At Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa, we use cutting-edge therapies like STEMWAVE (True Extracorporeal Shockwave to accelerate healing and enhance recovery.
Personalized Rehabilitation for Lasting Results
Every individual responds differently to surgery and rehabilitation. Our customized therapy programs ensure a safe return to daily activities while preventing future joint issues.
Trust Stem Cell Physical Therapy & Spa to guide you through your recovery—helping you move better, feel stronger, and regain your independence faster.