Pre-Surgical Therapy

For Hip/Knee Joint Replacement Surgery

Rehab for Life is the only aquatic facility in the Tri-State area that is equipped with two Endless Pools offering variable currents and treadmills. Our warm water pools provide effective hydrotherapy to get our clients ready for joint replacements. Aquatic therapy helps clients lose weight and/or improve walking, endurance, and balance in a safe and fun environment. Our aquatic physical therapists create personalized therapy programs specifically designed to progress each person suitable to their exercise level. Our therapists are determined to help clients meet their therapy goals and become a viable candidate to receive a joint replacement. Aquatic therapy is not just for swimmers. Under the expert guidance of your therapist, everyone can benefit from water therapy and most people don’t even get their hair wet! Each client will receive an initial evaluation. It is best to be medically cleared and overall comfortable in the water. Starting pool therapy at least six weeks prior to joint replacement surgery is optimal (unless further weight loss or other rehab goals are necessary to become a joint replacement candidate). For the first few weeks, we recommend clients conduct 45-55 minute sessions, 2-3 times per week. Studies suggest that patients participating in aquatic therapy leading up to their surgery experience a faster return to their regular activities.

Rehab for Life has handicapped access including large showers and changing room facilities with secure lockers. We also offer a large disabled changing and shower room combo unit complete with a shower bench for easy access and assistance.

Our warm water pools are 4’ deep and 87 and 90 degrees. We have variable swim currents that can offer extra resistance for exercising/swimming. Our two remote-controlled underwater treadmills are perfect for walking or running sessions. Each pool comes with support rails or a hydraulic pool lift for easy access into our semi-recessed pools.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy prior to receiving a new joint

Pool therapy significantly reduces the gravitational forces found on land. Our warm water not only relaxes muscles and increases blood flow but provides natural resistance for effective strengthening, increasing endurance, and balance training. Due to the water’s buoyancy effect, patients are able to exercise fully while causing less pain, stress, or damage to their joints. Our clients can stand and walk more freely in the water without increased pain. They can focus on performing cardiovascular exercises so that they can lose weight or just get in better shape prior to receiving their new joint.

Not only does your body benefit from aquatic therapy, so does your mind and spirit! We uphold a fun and inviting environment where clients can interact with other people who share common rehab goals. Clients experience a boosted mood with continued improvement every session! Water therapy provides you with the ability to take control over your pain and get in the shape that you need to get the surgery you need.

What to Expect when you are in the water

Once in the pool and under the direction of your therapist, each client will engage in movements and exercises targeting leg mobility and strength in order to maximize joint motion, walking, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Our underwater treadmills and water currents track and monitor speed to gauge improvement. We also focus on proper stretching in the water to increase your joint range of motion and muscle flexibility to maximize mobility and pain control. Specific water exercises, swimming, underwater walking or jogging with/without resistive currents, are fantastic ways to enhance cardiovascular fitness and weight loss goals that land-based rehab cannot achieve because of joint discomfort.

Call today to sign up or inquire more about Pre-Surgical Therapy for Hip/Knee Joint Replacement!

Call and schedule an appointment for an initial evaluation with our aquatic physical therapist. We accept most insurances and can get you started within the week.