Maryland's Health Matters - Charles Regional - Summer 2014 - (Page 13)

AT A G L A N C E AROUND THE BEND These days, undergoing knee replacement surgery is much less of an ordeal than it used to be. Incisions are smaller and hospital stays tend to be shorter. But surgery is just the ﬁrst step. The road to full recovery runs straight through rehabilitation. We tell you what to expect. What if I need a little extra help getting around? Do I really have to do rehab after surgery? Yes-and the sooner you start, the better. A physical therapist will identify the speciﬁc exercises that will get you back to doing the activities you love. If outpatient therapy or home therapy isn't enough, you may stay at a facility until you're steady on your feet. Does this mean I have to stay in the hospital? How long will this take? Your postsurgical condition dictates the type of rehab you'll need. Intensive, "subacute" rehab requires a stay in a separate (nonhospital) facility. With outpatient rehab, you'd go to a facility a few times a week. You'll want to practice the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist for at least two months. But it doesn't stop there-staying active indeﬁnitely is the key to a healthy body and healthy joints. Knees by the Numbers 90% The largest joint in your body? Yep, your X 100,000 = 600,000 The number of knee replacements done in the U.S. every year. KNEE. Most people who undergo knee replacement surgery start physical therapy THE DAY AFTER 1 and ﬁnd "Making Exercise Stick" in the Be Healthy Videos section. SURGERY. The percentage of knee replacement joints that are still going strong 15 years later. Sources: National Institutes of Health, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons charlesregional.org | Summer 2014 13 http://www.charlesregional.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - Charles Regional - Summer 2014

Maryland's Health Matters - Charles Regional - Summer 2014
In This Issue
A Healthy Start
Beyond These Four Walls
Full-Fledged Support
At A Glance
Foundation Focus
Healthy Happenings

Maryland's Health Matters - Charles Regional - Summer 2014