Post-Op Physical Therapy

Your healthcare team will determine when it is safe for you to leave the hospital. You must be medically stable and be able to meet specific goals, such as being able to:

• Get in and out of bed on your own.

• Walk at least 50-100 feet with a walking device.

• Get dressed and undressed.

• Get on and off the toilet.

• Get in and out of the shower safely.

• Sit and stand from a chair.

• Climb and descend as many stairs as you have in your home.

Physical therapy will help you achieve these goals.

PT in the Hospital

A physical therapist will see you soon after your operation—even in the recovery room if your surgeon thinks it’s appropriate—and throughout your hospital stay.

The therapist will:

• Help you become as independent as possible (getting in and out of bed, walking and climbing stairs).

• Advise your caregivers on how to help you if you still need assistance at home.

• Provide written instructions for exercises you can do on your own.

PT at Home

Once you leave the hospital and return home to continue your recovery, a physical therapist will provide therapy sessions in your home for few weeks (typically about 6-8 visits).

During these visits, you’ll be given muscle-strengthening exercises to continue to improve mobility. These exercises will likely involve range-of-motion, stretching and weight-bearing activities, with the goal of bringing your knee or hip back to optimal functioning.

Home therapy visits generally end when you’re able to leave the house. Then you’ll start outpatient physical therapy if your surgeon feels you need it.

With outpatient therapy, you may learn lifting techniques and practice pushing, pulling, your balance, and climbing (ladders or stairs). You may even do some light jogging, depending on your recovery progress and activity level.

This service is not intended to provide individual medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified physician or healthcare professional. Your personal information will never be used for any purpose other than to help educate and support you. You may opt out at any time with no effect to the delivery of your care or health benefits.