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

Excellent

Excel Physical Therapy4.9

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It was great everyone was respectful and courteous. I even met someone who was from my town in Pa we talked for awhile then I met Jiosh who was my go to guy for my therapy class and he took me through my stuff that I needed to work on. Thank you all for being so nice. See you Friday at 9:00

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback – we’re grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Norfolk – Granby

Came here for a torn hamstring and had a great experience over the last few months. Thanks to Jeff I was able to not just heal in a general way, but heal in a way that integrates the range of motion I use in Muay Thai so I can get back to training without backsliding in my flexibility and muscle memory. Ill definitely be back next time I do something dumb in training 😂

Cori, Emily, Taylor, Alysia, Stacy, and Patrick are ALL awesome Physical Therapists!! I feel much better and I learned different techniques to use at home! BIG THANKS 💚

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Chesapeake – South Norfolk

The place is fantastic,! The young man assigned to me was the best. He explained what needed to be done. Best of all he treated me like a human being unlike other places you go to for help when you're treated like a name and a number. Thank you .

Response from the owner:Your kind review made our day, thank you so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Farmville

We absolutely love this place and sadly we can’t take the kiddo there anymore as his and our schedules are so hectic but they completely understand we’ve came back twice and they’ve helped so much each time I can’t recommend them enough🖤

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so happy your child is progressing!

Ivy Rehab was a great experience. My Physical Therapist Dan was a wealth of knowledge. He brought a balanced combination of professional and personal skills to communicate and collaborate that were key to my recovery from shoulder surgery. The facility was well equipped and clean with a collegial atmosphere among the PTs to support their clients’ recuperation.

Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab, King of Prussia!

I got a lot of needed assistance and help from the therapist at the location near my town. The therapist were understanding and listened to my story to figure out what I needed and how to help me.

The treatment I have received is effective. The therapists understand what therapy I need for recovery and for my occupation. I feel myself getting stronger with every session.

I really appreciate how customer focused the team is at Ivy Rehab. Kevin's knowledge and attention to detail was key to my rapid recovery. I would recommend this team to anyone.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about Katherine and the entire team. From the first appointment, everyone made me feel welcome and comfortable. The office has such a friendly, calming atmosphere, and you never feel rushed. Katherine is amazing. She really listens, answers every question, and explains things in a way that actually makes sense. Pelvic floor therapy can be a little intimidating at first, but she made the whole process feel easy and judgment-free. The biggest thing for me has been the results. I’ve noticed a real improvement in my symptoms and overall comfort, and I feel so much more confident than when I first started. It’s made a difference in my everyday life, and I’m so glad I decided to come here. If you’re on the fence about pelvic floor therapy, I definitely recommend Katherine and her team. They truly care about their patients, and it shows in every visit.

Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Norfolk – Granby

I’ve now been a patient twice at Progress on Delaware Ave (first for a calf pull, second for severe lower back strain). My experience has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff is incredibly knowledgable and are truly invested in your recovery. I worked primarily with Amanda, Jenna and Peter -each of which were great to work with. Again, all are extremely knowledgable, but best of all, they are a blast to be around and make each session really enjoyable. Thanks goes out to the entire team for fixing me….again!

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

Ivy Rehab Moorestown is the best.After total knee replacement,Brant and Andrew got me up and going in short order.Everyone there was friendly,knowledgeable,and intent on getting your best results.Would recomend Ivy to everyone.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-stars! It means so much. – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Moorestown

I highly recommend Ivyrehab! AK is an excellent Physical Therapist. I have struggled with back pain for over two years. My pain management doctor recommended that I go see AK and I’m so glad he did! After one week I least have relief!!!

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, Naperville

The staff at Excel Physical Therapy are very friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Dr. Aaron, my therapist, is very personable as well as knowledgeable. He is hands-on, providing effective therapeutic massages, very informative about his treatment, and his outgoing demeanor makes you feel at ease. Health-wise, I feel so much better than I did when I first started.

Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St

PTW is the place to go for physical therapy. They are professional, friendly and the therapy treatment is excellent. They refer to everyone by your first name and make you feel like their friend. Lauren is a excellent therapist. Keep up the good work guys.

Olivia Brock has helped me so much. I appreciate her very much. My balance is probably about 20% better but my neck pain and back pain is probably another 30% better. I would say the Mac probably 60% thank you guys very much.

Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Monroe, MI

My children love going to therapy. They have been so amazing with my girls. I will always recommend ABC Pediatric Therapy in Milford. My girls have learned so much and I'm excited to continue to watch them grow.

Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – Milford

They really helped me. It was a much better experience than past rehabs. I like how it was small and personal. After having success with my knee, I went back to treat my lower spine and hips. The exercises and stretching really worked. I’ve been able to keep up the routine somewhat for over a year now. I continue to feel a lot better, If I ever need it again, there is no place else for me. Ivy Rehab, Willingboro, NJ.

My son has been going here for speech and OT for 1.5 years. He also has ASD and ADHD, and they are so patient, encouraging, and fun. He loves coming here, and he's made a lot of progress. They're also great at communicating with parents before and after sessions.

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

Really great people working here -they treated me with respect, genuine kindness, and made me want to come back for other injuries because I felt so much better by the end of the rehab period.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-stars! It means so much. – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Virginia Beach