Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists
  • Home
  • Our Doctors
    • Maurice Jové, M.D.
    • Nathan Jové, M.D.
    • Jeff Traub, M.D.
    • Brandon Tolman, D.O.
    • Physician Assistants >
      • Omid Midanaky, PA-C
      • Aidan O'Connor, MPH, PA-C
      • Elissa Ricker, PA-C
  • Locations
  • Appointments
    • Online Scheduling
    • Forms
    • Referrals
    • Independent Medical Examination
    • Second Opinion
    • Telemedince and E-Visits >
      • E-Visit Scheduler
    • Saturday Clinic
    • What To Expect
    • Medical Tourism
  • Our Office
    • About Us
    • Social Media >
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • LinkedIN
      • Twitter
      • YouTube
      • Nathan Jove Social Media >
        • @theorthopedicsurgeon on Instagram
        • @theorthopedicsurgeon on Youtube
    • Orthopedic Expert Witness
    • Conditions Treated
    • Payments
    • Bracing
    • Office Staff >
      • Office Manager >
        • Brian Pallone
      • Front Desk & Checkout >
        • Decatur
        • Loganville >
          • Meagan
        • Snellville >
          • Cheryl
      • Billing & Collections >
        • Maurice Jové, M.D. >
          • Buffie
        • Nathan Jové, M.D. >
          • Mayra
          • Makenzie
        • Jeff Traub, M.D. >
          • Jennifer
          • Liz
      • Scheduling >
        • Jeff Traub, M.D. >
          • Andrea
        • Maurice Jové, M.D. >
          • Rachael
        • Nathan Jové, M.D. >
          • Lindsay
        • Brian Vanderhoof, D.O. >
          • Molly V
      • Radiology >
        • David
        • Rebecca
        • Carla
        • Melissa
      • Medical Records >
        • Team
    • Insurance
    • MRI
    • Medical Records >
      • Decatur
      • Loganville
      • Snellville
    • Prescription Refill Request >
      • Decatur
      • Loganville
    • Reviews
    • Affiliate Hospital Resources >
      • Emory Decatur Hospital
      • Atlanta Outpatient Surgery Center
    • Marketing Internship
    • Job Opportunities
  • Patient Education
    • Coronavirus Update Page
    • What is an Orthopedic Doctor
    • Arthritis & AVN Center >
      • Arthritis >
        • Arthritis 101
        • Hip Arthritis
        • Knee Arthritis
        • Shoulder Arthritis
        • Ankle Arthritis
      • Avascular Necrosis >
        • Avascular Necrosis 101
        • Hip AVN
        • Knee AVN
        • Shoulder AVN
        • Ankle (Talus) AVN
        • Kohler's Disease- Navicular AVN
    • Joint Replacement Center >
      • Hip >
        • Anterior Hip Replacement
        • Total Hip Replacement
      • Knee >
        • Total Knee Replacement
        • Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
        • Anterior Reference Knee Replacement
        • Partial Knee Replacement
        • Patellofemoral Replacement
        • Tourniquet-less Knee Replacement
        • How to Prepare and What to Expect Knee Surgery
      • Shoulder >
        • Total Shoulder Replacement
        • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
      • Ankle >
        • Total Ankle Replacement
      • Outpatient Joint Replacement Center
      • Metal Sensitivity and Nickel Allergy
      • Revision Surgery >
        • Revision Knee Replacement
        • Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
        • Metal on Metal Hip Problems
      • Infections >
        • Hip and Knee Replacement Infections
    • Sports Medicine Program >
      • Arthroscopic Surgery
      • Cartilage Repair
      • Shoulder >
        • Rotator Cuff Tears
        • SLAP Tears
        • Labral Tears
      • Knee >
        • Meniscus Tears
        • ACL Tears
        • MACI Cartilage Repair
        • Patella (Kneecap) Instability
        • Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
      • Foot and Ankle >
        • Ankle Sprains and Instability
        • Achilles Tendon Tears
      • Elbow >
        • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
        • Biceps Tears
      • Concussions
    • Regenerative Medicine >
      • Stem Cell Therapy
      • Cartilage Restoration
      • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
      • Hyaluronic Gel Injections - Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists
    • EMG
    • Hip Fracture Center
    • Hand Surgery >
      • Carpal Tunnel Sydnrome
      • Cubittal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Trigger Finger
    • Fracture (Broken Bone) Center >
      • Collarbone (Clavicle) Fracture
      • Distal Radius Fracture
      • Ankle Fractures
      • Jones Fractures
      • Knee Cap (Patella) Fractures
    • Blood Clots After Orthopedic Surgery
    • Learning Center
    • Home Therapy
    • Video
    • Orthopedic Survey Center >
      • Outpatient Total Joint Replacement Survey
      • Painful Knee Replacement Survey
      • Painful Hip Replacement Survey
      • Rotator Cuff Surgery Survey
      • Meniscus Tear Survey
      • Partial Knee Replacement Survey
    • FAQ
    • Blog
  • Español
  • Online Scheduling
  • Home
  • Our Doctors
    • Maurice Jové, M.D.
    • Nathan Jové, M.D.
    • Jeff Traub, M.D.
    • Brandon Tolman, D.O.
    • Physician Assistants >
      • Omid Midanaky, PA-C
      • Aidan O'Connor, MPH, PA-C
      • Elissa Ricker, PA-C
  • Locations
  • Appointments
    • Online Scheduling
    • Forms
    • Referrals
    • Independent Medical Examination
    • Second Opinion
    • Telemedince and E-Visits >
      • E-Visit Scheduler
    • Saturday Clinic
    • What To Expect
    • Medical Tourism
  • Our Office
    • About Us
    • Social Media >
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • LinkedIN
      • Twitter
      • YouTube
      • Nathan Jove Social Media >
        • @theorthopedicsurgeon on Instagram
        • @theorthopedicsurgeon on Youtube
    • Orthopedic Expert Witness
    • Conditions Treated
    • Payments
    • Bracing
    • Office Staff >
      • Office Manager >
        • Brian Pallone
      • Front Desk & Checkout >
        • Decatur
        • Loganville >
          • Meagan
        • Snellville >
          • Cheryl
      • Billing & Collections >
        • Maurice Jové, M.D. >
          • Buffie
        • Nathan Jové, M.D. >
          • Mayra
          • Makenzie
        • Jeff Traub, M.D. >
          • Jennifer
          • Liz
      • Scheduling >
        • Jeff Traub, M.D. >
          • Andrea
        • Maurice Jové, M.D. >
          • Rachael
        • Nathan Jové, M.D. >
          • Lindsay
        • Brian Vanderhoof, D.O. >
          • Molly V
      • Radiology >
        • David
        • Rebecca
        • Carla
        • Melissa
      • Medical Records >
        • Team
    • Insurance
    • MRI
    • Medical Records >
      • Decatur
      • Loganville
      • Snellville
    • Prescription Refill Request >
      • Decatur
      • Loganville
    • Reviews
    • Affiliate Hospital Resources >
      • Emory Decatur Hospital
      • Atlanta Outpatient Surgery Center
    • Marketing Internship
    • Job Opportunities
  • Patient Education
    • Coronavirus Update Page
    • What is an Orthopedic Doctor
    • Arthritis & AVN Center >
      • Arthritis >
        • Arthritis 101
        • Hip Arthritis
        • Knee Arthritis
        • Shoulder Arthritis
        • Ankle Arthritis
      • Avascular Necrosis >
        • Avascular Necrosis 101
        • Hip AVN
        • Knee AVN
        • Shoulder AVN
        • Ankle (Talus) AVN
        • Kohler's Disease- Navicular AVN
    • Joint Replacement Center >
      • Hip >
        • Anterior Hip Replacement
        • Total Hip Replacement
      • Knee >
        • Total Knee Replacement
        • Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery
        • Anterior Reference Knee Replacement
        • Partial Knee Replacement
        • Patellofemoral Replacement
        • Tourniquet-less Knee Replacement
        • How to Prepare and What to Expect Knee Surgery
      • Shoulder >
        • Total Shoulder Replacement
        • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
      • Ankle >
        • Total Ankle Replacement
      • Outpatient Joint Replacement Center
      • Metal Sensitivity and Nickel Allergy
      • Revision Surgery >
        • Revision Knee Replacement
        • Revision Hip Replacement Surgery
        • Metal on Metal Hip Problems
      • Infections >
        • Hip and Knee Replacement Infections
    • Sports Medicine Program >
      • Arthroscopic Surgery
      • Cartilage Repair
      • Shoulder >
        • Rotator Cuff Tears
        • SLAP Tears
        • Labral Tears
      • Knee >
        • Meniscus Tears
        • ACL Tears
        • MACI Cartilage Repair
        • Patella (Kneecap) Instability
        • Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
      • Foot and Ankle >
        • Ankle Sprains and Instability
        • Achilles Tendon Tears
      • Elbow >
        • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
        • Biceps Tears
      • Concussions
    • Regenerative Medicine >
      • Stem Cell Therapy
      • Cartilage Restoration
      • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
      • Hyaluronic Gel Injections - Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists
    • EMG
    • Hip Fracture Center
    • Hand Surgery >
      • Carpal Tunnel Sydnrome
      • Cubittal Tunnel Syndrome
      • Trigger Finger
    • Fracture (Broken Bone) Center >
      • Collarbone (Clavicle) Fracture
      • Distal Radius Fracture
      • Ankle Fractures
      • Jones Fractures
      • Knee Cap (Patella) Fractures
    • Blood Clots After Orthopedic Surgery
    • Learning Center
    • Home Therapy
    • Video
    • Orthopedic Survey Center >
      • Outpatient Total Joint Replacement Survey
      • Painful Knee Replacement Survey
      • Painful Hip Replacement Survey
      • Rotator Cuff Surgery Survey
      • Meniscus Tear Survey
      • Partial Knee Replacement Survey
    • FAQ
    • Blog
  • Español
  • Online Scheduling

Understanding the Role of Physical Therapy in Joint Replacement Recovery

7/5/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
At Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists, we know that joint replacement is a major surgical milestone—but it’s just the beginning of your journey back to pain-free mobility. The success of joint replacement surgery depends heavily on how well you rehabilitate afterward, and physical therapy plays a central role in that recovery. Whether you've undergone knee, hip, or shoulder replacement, the right physical therapy plan can help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your daily life.
​

In this blog, we’ll explore how physical therapy supports joint replacement recovery, the stages of rehabilitation, and what patients can expect during the process.

The Importance of Rehabilitation After Joint Replacement

Joint replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components to restore function and reduce pain. However, surgery alone isn’t enough to achieve long-term success. After the operation, muscles, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues need to adjust to the new joint. Physical therapy ensures this happens safely and efficiently.

Without guided rehab, patients risk stiffness, weakness, poor mobility, or complications like blood clots. That’s why we begin therapy soon after surgery and continue it through the healing phases.

Goals of Post-Surgical Physical Therapy

Regain Range of Motion and Flexibility

After joint replacement, one of the top priorities is restoring flexibility. Without movement, scar tissue can build up around the joint and reduce its ability to function. Guided stretching and movement help the joint regain its full range.

Build Strength and Stability

Muscles around the joint often weaken before surgery due to disuse, and the procedure itself can further reduce strength. Physical therapy includes targeted strengthening exercises to restore stability and protect the joint from future injury.

Improve Balance and Function

A new joint can feel unfamiliar at first. Therapy helps retrain the body for walking, climbing stairs, bending, or other everyday movements. Improving balance and body awareness makes movement safer and more confident.

Phases of Joint Replacement Rehabilitation

The following are general timelines and activities. Rehabilitation happens in phases, and the timeline can vary based on the joint replaced, the patient’s age, and overall health.

Initial Phase (First Week Post-Surgery)

  • Focus on controlling pain and swelling.
  • Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises.
  • Practice mobility using assistive devices like walkers or crutches.
  • Educate patients on safe movements and joint protection.

Intermediate Phase (Weeks 2–6)

  • Progress weight-bearing activities.
  • Introduce light resistance exercises.
  • Improve walking, balance, and coordination.
  • Wean off assistive devices.

Advanced Phase (Weeks 6 and Beyond)

  • Increase intensity of strength training.
  • Focus on advanced mobility and joint-specific tasks.
  • Prepare for return to work, sports, or hobbies.
  • Address any lingering stiffness or weakness.

Benefits of Physical Therapy in Joint Replacement Recovery

Engaging in consistent physical therapy after joint replacement offers numerous benefits that enhance both short- and long-term recovery. A structured rehabilitation plan helps reduce post-operative pain, improve circulation, and promote muscle activation, all of which contribute to a shorter healing timeline. Patients often regain mobility and return to everyday tasks sooner, avoiding complications that can arise from extended inactivity. Physical therapy also helps manage discomfort using techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, and guided exercises, limiting the need for pain medication.

Beyond early recovery, physical therapy supports long-term joint function and overall well-being. Strengthening surrounding muscles, improving balance, and retraining movement patterns ensures that the new joint performs effectively under daily stress. This stability reduces the risk of re-injury and helps patients regain independence and confidence in their mobility. Ultimately, physical therapy plays a crucial role in protecting the surgical investment and supporting a successful return to a more active lifestyle.

Tailored Treatment at Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists

At Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists, we believe that no two recoveries are alike. We develop personalized physical therapy plans based on your procedure, goals, and lifestyle.

Collaborative, Comprehensive Care

Our orthopedic surgeons work closely with skilled physical therapists to monitor your progress and adjust your rehab plan as needed. This team approach ensures continuity of care from surgery to full recovery.

One-On-One Support and Guidance

You’ll receive hands-on guidance during each phase of your rehab. Our therapists will track your improvements, modify your exercises as you grow stronger, and answer questions every step of the way.

Emphasis on Education and Prevention

In addition to recovery, we help patients learn how to protect their new joints. This includes movement training, posture correction, and long-term fitness planning to support joint health for years to come.

Tips for a Successful Recovery

  • Stick to your therapy schedule and home exercises.
  • Follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions carefully.
  • Communicate openly about any pain or difficulty.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and hydration to support healing.
  • Be patient—recovery takes time, but every step counts.

When To Seek Help

If you experience signs of delayed recovery, like increasing pain, stiffness, swelling, or difficulty moving, reach out to your care team right away. Early intervention can prevent complications and get your recovery back on track.

Reclaim Your Mobility With the Right Rehab Plan

Joint replacement is a powerful step toward a pain-free life, but recovery doesn’t happen on its own. Physical therapy ensures your new joint functions the way it should, so you can move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities you love.

At Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists, we support our patients from the operating room to full recovery with expert care and customized rehabilitation plans. Whether you’re preparing for joint replacement or are already on the path to healing, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
​

Ready to take the next step in your recovery? Schedule your consultation with Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists today and experience the benefits of a dedicated orthopedic and physical therapy team working together for your success.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    May 2021
    March 2020
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017

    Categories

    All
    AAOS
    AAOS 2018
    Advanced Technology
    Ankle
    Anterior Hip Replacement
    Aspirin
    Atlanta
    Atlanta Bone And Joint
    Atlanta Bone And Joint Specialists
    Blood Clots
    Bmi
    Broken Hip
    Ceramics In Orthopedics
    Chronic Hip Pain
    Chronic Knee Pain
    Cigarettes
    Cobalt Chrome Levels Elevated
    Complications From Hip Surgery
    DVT
    EBM
    Evidence Based Medicine
    Hip Dislocation
    Hip Fracture
    Hip Fracture Program
    Hip Pain
    Hip Replacement
    Hip Surgery
    Hip Surgery For Broken Hip
    Innovation
    Joint Replacement
    Knee Pain
    Knee Pain After Knee Replacement
    Knee Replacement
    Knee Surgery
    Metal Allergy
    Metal Sensitivity
    Minimally Invasive
    Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
    Nathan Jove
    New Employment
    Orthopaedic
    Orthopaedics
    Orthopaedic Surgery
    Orthopedic
    Orthopedic Meeting
    Orthopedics
    Orthopedic Surgery
    Outpatient Hip Replacement
    Outpatient Knee Replacement
    Physicians Assistant
    Posterior Hip Replacement
    Reason Why Knee Replacement Failure
    Safe Surgery
    Surgery

    RSS Feed

​
Picture
​

​Call to Schedule Your Appointment Today
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL!


Office Hours

Mon-Fri: 9AM-5PM  


Telephone

Decatur                             404.296.5005
Loganville                         770.564.3393
Snellville                           770.985.9330

High School Football Season Added Coverage Hours

Saturdays During High School Football Season
Injury Clinic is for INJURED PLAYERS ONLY.
Snellville
ONLY.
9AM-10AM

MEDIA ROOM