A joint replacement (arthroplasty) involves the removal of one or both affected joint surfaces and replacement with an artificial joint. This procedure is done to relieve pain and restore joint movement so that people can increase their activities and decrease their disabilities. On the right is a picture of a total hip replacement.

There is a long rehabilitation process following joint replacement. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments are cut in order to get into the joint and put in an artificial one. This causes weakness, pain, and swelling. In order to gain the full possible range available after the replacement you need to be very motivated to work through some pain. You also have to be patient while the healing occurs before you see significant results.

Physical therapists see patients immediately in the hospital as well in the rehabilitation setting. There are many precautions to moving the new joint while it is healing so that it is not dislocated or infected. Physical therapists can help teach you what you should and should not do to heal correctly and decrease your risk of developing complications. Physical therapists also show you the best exercises to get as much range of motion as possible in your new joint.