Total Joint Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at University Hospital offers a comprehensive program for people undergoing joint replacement. The program is initiated before your surgery with a preoperative session, continues into your immediate post-operative rehabilitation and concludes with your outpatient physical therapy.

Preoperative Session

Individuals undergoing a total joint replacement at University Hospital participate in a preoperative information session with a physical therapist. This session takes place on the same day as all other preoperative testing.

The therapist will provide information about the rehabilitation plan, as well as helpful hints to prepare for surgery. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about the rehabilitation program. Written materials will also be provided at this session to outline the preoperative and postoperative plan of care.

Postoperative Rehabilitative Care

Postoperative rehabilitation begins on the afternoon of surgery or early the next morning. Therapy is scheduled at least twice a day during hospitalization. It is important to begin therapy very soon after surgery to minimize the risk of complications and maximize the function of the new joint.

• Physical therapists will assess your mobility and work with the nurses to progress functional activity and begin an exercise program.
• Occupational therapists will assess your ability to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and toileting, and issue any adaptive equipment needed.

The therapists will also work with you, your surgeon, and a case manager to make sure you have all necessary equipment and services at the time of discharge, based on your individual progress in therapy. Most patients are in the hospital for 3-5 days after surgery, before continuing therapy at home or in an inpatient rehabilitation center.

Outpatient Physical Therapy

Outpatient physical therapy offers a continuation of rehabilitation with individualized exercise programs for increasing strength, range of motion, and mobility. The goal of outpatient therapy is to maximize the function of the new joint, and return to or beyond your previous functional level.

Please call to schedule an outpatient physical therapy evaluation a few days before you are discharged from home physical therapy services.