Physical Therapy
On the day following your surgery, a physical therapist will meet with you to discuss your new joint replacement and teach you how to safely perform basic movements such as getting out of bed and walking.
The therapist will work with you on a daily basis to develop a progressive exercise program that meets your individual needs, abilities and preferences.
A typical program includes:
- At-home exercises to increase strength
- Twice daily therapy sessions to increase standing and walking ability
- Techniques for performing daily activities, such as lifting or reaching
- Special assistance if needed
Throughout the rehabilitation phase, the physical therapist will keep your physicians and nurses fully informed about your progress. If needed, you and your caregivers can make adjustments to your clinical pathway.
Once patients are home, physical therapy continues on an outpatient basis along with periodic physician check-ups to ensure recovery and rehabilitation is on track.
Post-Surgical Medication
Following joint replacement surgery, all patients need medication for a time to prevent bleeding and blood clots.
Patients using Coumadin must be closely monitored and dosages frequently adjusted for maximum benefit. This used to mean blood checks 2-3 times a week for the first six weeks following surgery, first from a home health nurse and later requiring visits to Evergreen’s Anticoagulation Clinic.
Patients using Evergreen Home Health for their follow-up care can be monitored right in their homes with portable CoaguChek monitors, which can test the blood and analyze the results in just a few minutes. Any adjustments to the Coumadin dosage can be made immediately. Patients also appreciate that it requires only a finger stick of blood instead of a full blood draw.
For information about this service, please contact Evergreen Home Health at either 425.899.3300 or toll-free at 1.800.859.0166.