Total Joint Replacement Therapy

Your recovery from joint replacement surgery should start even before the operation takes place. A joint replacement is an important decision – one that can dramatically reduce joint pain and improve your quality of life. 

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Physical Therapy / Total Joint Replacement

What Is Total Joint Replacement Therapy? 

Total joint replacement therapy is a specialized physical therapy program that supports recovery both before and after surgery. At Ivy Rehab, we guide you through pre-operative exercises and post-operative rehabilitation to help you move more confidently and regain independence faster.

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What Is Total Joint Replacement Therapy? 

Your recovery from joint replacement surgery should start before the operation even takes place. Having a joint replacement is an important decision and can dramatically decrease joint pain and improve your quality of life. However, there are often uncertainties about what happens after surgery, and that’s where physical therapy makes a difference. 

Pre-operative physical therapy allows you to meet your rehab team and learn the essentials for a smooth recovery. Research shows that even one pre-operative physical therapy session can reduce post-surgical care needs and lead to faster, more efficient recovery. 

Benefits of Our Total Joint Replacement Program 

  • Meet your physical therapy team and tour the facility 
  • Learn important home exercises to get a head start on recovery 
  • Practice using a walker or cane before surgery (it’s easier to learn in advance) 
  • Identify and improve balance or mobility issues to enhance safety 
  • Prepare to return home directly after surgery, when possible 
  • Get your questions answered about post-operative rehabilitation 
  • Set clear recovery goals with your physical therapist 
  • Experience faster, more efficient rehabilitation overall 
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Key Exercises in Joint Replacement Recovery

Exercises are a vital part of any joint replacement therapy plan. After surgery — especially for the knee or hip— targeted movements help restore mobility, reduce stiffness, and rebuild strength. 

Common exercises may include: 

  • Heel slides to improve knee flexibility 
  • Leg lifts to activate key muscle groups 
  • Strength training tailored to your stage of recovery

These exercises are guided by your physical therapist and adjusted as you progress. A consistent, well-designed routine not only supports healing but may also help reduce reliance on pain medication and promote natural relief over time. 

Who Can Benefit from Joint Replacement Therapy? 

Total joint replacement therapy is ideal for individuals who: 

  • Are preparing for a scheduled hip, knee, or shoulder replacement 
  • Want to strengthen before surgery for a better recovery (“prehab”) 
  • Need guidance using assistive devices like a walker or a cane 
  • Prefer to return home instead of a skilled nursing facility post-op 
  • Are looking to recover faster and avoid complications 

For active adults or athletes, our athletic therapies can help you safely return to sports, recreational activities, or fitness routines after joint replacement. 

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How Total Joint Replacement Therapy Works 

At Ivy Rehab, we support you from pre-op to post-op with a personalized care plan. Our therapists evaluate your needs and help you set achievable goals before surgery, then guide you step by step through recovery afterward. 

Personalized Evaluation 

A one-on-one consultation to review your surgery plan, assess mobility and balance, and outline your rehab goals. 

Pre-Operative Education and Training 

  • Learn safe movement techniques 
  • Practice using assistive devices 
  • Strengthen key muscle groups before surgery 
  • Reduce fear and uncertainty about recovery 

Post-Operative Rehabilitation 

  • Regain joint range of motion 
  • Build strength and mobility 
  • Improve balance and walking confidence 
  • Prevent complications such as stiffness or readmission 

In some cases, we may also recommend occupational therapy to help you safely perform everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, or cooking during your recovery. 

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Why Early Movement Matters After Surgery 

Getting up and moving soon after joint replacement — usually within the first day — can make a big difference in your recovery. Supervised early movement helps: 

  • Improve blood circulation 
  • Reduce swelling 
  • Lower the risk of complications 
  • Shorten hospital stays 
  • Support better long-term outcomes 

Your surgeon and physical therapist will work together to help you start moving safely and confidently. While some discomfort is normal at first, staying active plays a key role in healing and regaining independence. 

FAQs

Can I return home instead of a rehab facility after surgery?

Yes. With pre-surgical therapy, improved balance, and mobility preparation, many patients are able to return home safely instead of going to a rehab facility. 

How soon should I start therapy after surgery?

Most patients begin outpatient therapy within a few days to one week after surgery. Early movement is critical for preventing stiffness and regaining mobility. 

Why start physical therapy before surgery?

Pre-operative therapy helps prepare your body for surgery, teaches you exercises for home use, and reduces recovery time after surgery. Even one session can make a difference. 

Start living your best life.

Begin your journey close to home.

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Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

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Excel Physical Therapy4.9
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Ivy rehab Swift Creek is the absolute best. From the time you walk in you are greeted with smiles from everyone . Great staff that cares and makes you want to come back and that says a lot …..
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Midlothian – Swift Creek
Everyone at this location was kind, compassionate and professional while challenging me to recuperate from knee surgery. I felt like they were partners with me in my healing process!
Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Virginia Beach – Kempsville
My daughter loves going too speech at ivy rehab for kids she never wants to leave and learning a lot thank you so much for an awesome experience so far
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids – Canton
Shashank Mishra at Flatbush Ave helped me enormously. I came in with a fractured shoulder, extremely anxious, and he was very knowledgeable and compassionate and put my mind at ease. He pushed me to move without being aggressive, and over the course of 4 months I saw enormous progress. I really don't think I would have recovered as well as I did without his help. I also appreciate the professionalism of the whole Ivy Rehab group. Everything was very well-organized and they were able to work with my insurance seamlessly.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Fort Greene
This is a great Physical Therapy facility. Aaron and Jon focus on results and track progress systematically. You won't be stuck going to physical therapy forever and seeing limited benefits. They truly care about their patients/clients. The team fosters a friendly atmosphere and lots of comradery between the therapists and their staff. They keep a tight schedule but make sure that they don't over book so that everyone gets enough individual time. I had my physical therapy for Plantar Facitiis done with Aaron and I can't say enough great things about him. He's very amicable and diligent in my treatment and makes time to get to know me as well. So I felt very comfortable in his care. He went above and beyond in both curing my Plantar Fasciitis but also when he found out that I was pregnant made suggestions that improved my lower back pain and overall pregnancy health. My husband sprained his ankle and worked with Jon. He also had a fantastic experience with Jon, who created a plan that really worked with his schedule both with home exercises and in center visits. He was able to get back on his ankle with no lingering pain after just two months. You really can't go wrong with either physical therapists. So grateful to have them so close by! Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Westfield
Matt is truly the best around!!! He cares so deeply about all of his patients and getting them better. He makes coming to physical therapy fun and something to look forward to.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Monroe
I always notice a huge improvement in my back and hip after every visit. The environment is great, and everyone is funny and supportive. I genuinely look forward to each appointment because I can see and feel the progress. Not sure where I’d be without Ivy Rehab Conshy.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Conshohocken
I highly recommend coming to Ivyrehab in King of Prussia for your Physical Therapy needs. The entire staff is professional, friendly and patiently answers any questions you may have. And the facility is clean and bright with plenty of parking. You will be well taken care of at Ivyrehab!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, King of Prussia
I was suggested to have Physical Therapy sessions by the Orthopaedic surgeon as I was not recovering from my wrist injury developed during work out in the gym. I visited Ivyrehab Princeton and was scheduled with Connie Darrow. I must admit that Connie knows her job very well. After 2 months of the injury, I can now finally feel recovery, however after having PT sessions with her. I would recommend them highly to visit.
Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Princeton
The team at Ivy Rehab is amazing. I tore my ACL and worked with Ivy (primarily Kevin) for nearly a year on my knee. Despite rehab generally being a difficult and at times frustrating process, Kevin really made things enjoyable. I looked forward to attending my sessions and the good conversations we had. Kevin and his team made me feel comfortable the whole time. And, Kevin and his team were very adept at working to adjust my rehab as time went on to try to address the issues I was facing and work through them. I highly recommend Ivy Rehab to anyone in need of their services!
I have been to plenty of physical therapy location and hands down James, Paige and there staff is simply the best. The care, motivation and attention to detail they provided to me has been great. Thank You guys for helping back to where I needed to be and for the friendships we created.
Response from the owner:Jon, thank you so much for your review . We are happy to hear that you received the best care here at Maximum Performance! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if needed or stop in to say hi!
We LOVE our SLP Tayler E, we also LOVE our OT's Lindsey B and Lauren S. Shoutout to the amazing front desk ladies as well. Jenna we are thankful for your clinic!! 100/10 recommend ABC on Anderson Ferry!! We have been attending for about 13 months now and I love the treatment my child has received. She has come such a long way and this wouldn't be possible without their support and guidance. They are so patient, attentive, kind and willing to answer any and all questions and concerns. My child looks forward to every visit! As do I knowing how well she's cared for.
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Cincinnati – Western Hills
Victoria was super knowledgable and calm. She could handle several patients at a time with help from her assistants. She had her eyes on everyone! The staff was super nice and helpful. I highly recommend Victoria and Ivy Rehab Therapy in Briarcliff!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Briarcliff Manor
I would highly recommend Ivy Rehab! The therapists from day one share the goals and treatment plan for your specific needs. They are kind and compassionate. They are all very personable and make you feel at ease every visit. I'm so glad I chose Ivy Rehab for my therapy.
My daughter has been going to therapy here since she was three years old. Her clarity, punctuation, letter sounds and so forth had come a long way. The therapist here are the best at what they do to keep my daughter and other children on task when doing the various activities/ exercises. The overall staff here are amazing with their communication, dealing with children’s behaviors, scheduling appointment, welcoming the parents and children. As well as rescheduling appointments with the unexpected life changes that occurs daily. Overall I could say more about this place and staff but I do feel that I had made a great choice bring my daughter here.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Norfolk
Friendly, knowledgeable therapists. They go above and beyond to challenge you to help you get better. Girls at front desk are friendly and will do all thy can to help you get the appointments you need. I highly recommend Ivy Rehab on Allendale Road in King of Prussia.
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – King of Prussia
I had a very successful and grateful experience with Karen at Ivy rehab! She is a very patient and knowledgeable physical therapist of vestibular conditions. I have suffered with this often and I never knew this was an option! She helped me with exercises and understanding of the condition. Thank you Karen!!!!!
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – New Hyde Park
If you’re in need of physical therapy don’t go any further than this company at their Willingboro, NJ location. I received a total shoulder replacement and my physician recommended Ivy for my recovery. He definitely made the right suggestion. From the first day I went there to my last which was today I could not have been more pleased. The entire staff was very accommodating and made every visit pleasurable. My therapist was Laura Digioia and I was also assisted by Tony their other therapist. The remaining staff Kait, Mia and Laura were also very helpful and made my visits beyond remarkable. During my initial visit my mobility was gauged and Laura subsequently recommended exercises that were extremely helpful in my recuperation. Laura not only monitored my program during my visits but also encouraged me through my recovery. I can’t thank her enough and would highly recommend her as a physical therapist. As a final note I can say to look no further than this physical therapy location. Through the years I have gone to a number of physical therapy companies and none come close in comparison to Ivy.
From the ease of scheduling my appointments, to the personal care I received, everything was fabulous! Brian listened to my concerns and tailored a plan to address all of my needs. He used many different therapies, which included dry needling and cupping. I had never experienced either of these things, and although I wasn’t a fan of the needles, they really did help. The stretches and exercises he had me do were things I could do at home, which kept me mobile in between visits. On graduation day, Brian gave me printouts of many things I could continue to do after my therapy was complete. I would highly recommend Brian and his staff at Ivy Rehab to anyone needing help with mobility issues. Thanks again, Brian!! Frank D
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Indian Trail
Recently completed PT here after ankle surgery – the whole experience was great! The team was knowledgeable and friendly. Feel so much better already.
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Moorestown!
I had an excellent experience at Ivy Rehab in BlueBell. On my first day at Ivy, I was 6 weeks post Achilles surgery, fresh out of a cast and on crutches. My Physical Therapist, Dan, treated me with knowledge, kindness and the sometimes necessary tough love. I received well-rounded care in the office (strengthening, mobility and weight-bearing training, manual therapy, TENS), as well as helpful exercises to complete at home. I was walking pain-free in my boot in a couple weeks and my emaciated calf has started to fill out. The advice and support I received gave me the confidence I needed to succeed. I could not be happier with the results I have had in just one month. Thank you!!
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Blue Bell