Understanding Long-Term Pain After Joint Replacement

For the right patient, joint replacement surgery can be a saving grace. However, in order to reap the most from any joint replacement surgery, physical therapy in Scottsdale, AZ will be a necessary part of your recovery process. Unfortunately, many patients do deal with pain after joint replacement, sometimes even for longer than expected. Find out why pain can be so persistent and how physical therapy can help.

Why Pain Can Persist After Joint Replacement Surgery

Pain should be anticipated after joint replacement of any kind. The tissue and bones in the area have undergone a substantial amount of trauma. This trauma can lead to inflammation that naturally increases how much pain you feel, especially with movement. This pain can linger for several months. For example, it is not uncommon for pain after knee replacement to last anywhere from six months to a year or more.

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Pain After Joint Replacement

While physical therapy can seem like a challenge when you’re in pain, the therapy can help substantially. The exercise done in physical therapy can encourage blood circulation in the area, which improves oxygenation and helps to thwart issues with inflammation. By targeting inflammation through physical therapy, your range of motion can also improve. Therefore, you get the two-fold benefit of reduced pain and better movement capacity. Over time, your tissues will regrate faster, which will also mean reduced pain and quicker healing.

Work with the Best Physical Therapist in Scottsdale, AZ

Are you facing joint replacement surgery and worried about the rehabilitation process? Be sure to trust your recovery to the best physical therapy center in Scottsdale, AZ. Reach out to Endurance Rehab to make sure you have a good support team on your side throughout your recovery.