Physical Therapy Benefits After Same-Day Joint Replacement

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 51% of all joint replacement surgeries will be performed as outpatient same-day surgeries by 2026. Common outpatient joint replacement surgeries, also known as same-day surgeries, involve discharging the patient on the same day as the procedure. These surgeries include total hip, total knee, and total shoulder replacements.

In the not-so-distant past, patients undergoing joint replacement surgery often faced extended hospital stays, typically lasting several days. For those dealing with chronic shoulder, knee or hip pain, the prospect of spending nearly a week in the hospital was a significant deterrent to pursuing the procedure.

Today, advancements in surgical techniques and care coordination have transformed the joint replacement process.

Jenn Anderson, Concordia at Cabot director of outpatient therapy, has noticed the shift in preferred post-surgery treatment for same-day surgery patients.

“It used to be the norm for patients with joint replacements to receive rehabilitation within an inpatient setting or in-home care prior to a transition to a outpatient therapy setting. Surgeons are now recommending outpatient therapy one to two days post-surgery.”

Outpatient physical therapy services and in-home physical therapy care streamline recovery after same-day surgery by offering targeted exercises and expert guidance to help patients regain mobility, manage pain and return to daily activities.

Key Outcomes of Physical Therapy and Treatment Plans

By incorporating evidence-based techniques and individualized care plans, physical therapy helps patients achieve the following benefits:

• Pain and swelling control
• Enhanced range of motion and strength
• Stability improvement and reduced risk of falls
• Faster recovery time
• Restoration of functional independence in daily life

Jenn explains that treatment plans are never curated as a “one size fits all” approach; however, the end goal is always the same – return the patient to their prior level of function or better. The patient’s age and overall health condition can impact the treatment plan, though the goals remain similar.

Related:  Concordia Experts Highlight Senior Physical Therapy

“For the geriatric population who I commonly treat, I typically see patients two times a week for six weeks,” Jenn says, further explaining that despite variants in patient backgrounds, the goals remain similar:

“The focus starts with reducing pain, controlling swelling and improving range of motion using techniques like ice, electrical stimulation and mobility exercises. Once progress is made, we shift to building strength and stability to help patients regain mobility for activities like walking and climbing stairs.”

Additionally, pre-surgical rehab, “pre-hab” for short, has proven to be a game-changer for joint replacement patients.

Jenn adds, “Over the last few years, I’ve seen the best outcomes in patients who participated in pre-hab before their joint replacement. Pre-hab not only builds confidence by preparing patients for surgery but also leads to better post-surgery results by reducing pain and improving strength, stability and range of motion beforehand.”

Through personalized care and expert guidance, physical therapy gives joint replacement patients the tools and support they need to recover, regain their independence and return to the activities they enjoy.

Sisters in Recovery: How Outpatient Therapy Transformed Their Same-Day Knee Replacement Journeys

When Lori McCabe and Kellie Pettit decided to undergo knee replacement surgery, they didn’t just tackle the journey individually—they did it together, on the very same day. After years of struggling with knee pain and trying non-surgical treatments, they ultimately decided it was time for a long-term solution. Drawn to Concordia at Cabot for its reputation for excellent therapy outcomes, the sisters scheduled their surgeries and recovery plans side by side.

In mid-September 2024, the sisters began their outpatient therapy at Cabot, scheduling their appointments together. With the support of their father, who frequently drove them to therapy and stayed by their side, Kellie and Lori worked toward regaining strength and mobility. Over the course of 13 sessions for Lori and 15 sessions for Kellie, the sisters supported each other every step of the way.

Their experience was enhanced by the expert care and personalized guidance of Concordia’s physical therapy team. “The therapy team is really good at pacing, assessing where you are at in your recovery and increasing treatments appropriately so that you get stronger and regain more flexibility,” Lori shares.

Related: National Physical Therapy Month: How Concordia’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Helps Patients Get Back on Their Feet

A few months after completing outpatient therapy, both Lori and Kellie are doing well in their recovery journeys. When we spoke with Lori, she was outside walking her dogs—something she couldn’t have done as comfortably before her surgery. She shared that she’s feeling great and has returned to work. While she still notices her replaced knee and experiences occasional swelling, it’s nothing that requires icing or pain management. She’s back to her normal routine and enjoying her newfound mobility.

Kellie, who has a physically demanding job, is also making significant progress. Though she admits to feeling tired and sore at the end of her workdays, she’s noticed steady improvement week by week. She continues to ice her knee after work and stays committed to her exercises. Kellie’s mobility has greatly improved—she’s walking much better and no longer feels as stiff. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed how happy she is to have undergone the surgery, sharing that she’s now doing so much more than she ever could before, having felt limited by her knee pain prior to surgery. For both sisters, their decision to tackle surgery and recovery together has brought them back to the lives they love, proving that support, determination and expert care can make all the difference.

In addition to outpatient therapy services provided by Concordia, our home health care service lines Concordia Visiting Nurses, Concordia-IRMC VNA and Concordia Home Health of Bethlen all offer expert-guided in-home physical therapy options for same-day joint replacement patients with a doctor’s referral.

For more information about our physical therapy rehabilitation services, send us a message through our online contact form.

Founded in 1881, Concordia Lutheran Ministries is a faith-based, CARF-accredited Aging Services Network and recipient of the inaugural Pennsylvania Department of Aging Excellence in Quality Care Award. As one of the largest nonprofit senior care providers in the country, the organization serves 50,000 people annually through in-home care and inpatient locations. Concordia offers a lifetime continuum of care that includes adult day services, home health care, hospice, medical and rehabilitation services, memory care, personal care, assisted living, respite care, retirement living, skilled nursing/short-term rehab, spiritual care and medical equipment.