Total Joint Replacement Therapy

Your recovery from joint replacement surgery should start even before the operation takes place. A joint replacement is an important decision – one that can dramatically reduce joint pain and improve your quality of life.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Physical Therapy / Total Joint Replacement

What Is Total Joint Replacement Therapy?

Total joint replacement therapy is a specialized physical therapy program that supports recovery both before and after surgery. At Ivy Rehab, we guide you through pre-operative exercises and post-operative rehabilitation to help you move more confidently and regain independence faster.

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What Is Total Joint Replacement Therapy?

Your recovery from joint replacement surgery should start before the operation even takes place. Having a joint replacement is an important decision and can dramatically decrease joint pain and improve your quality of life. However, there are often uncertainties about what happens after surgery, and that’s where physical therapy makes a difference.

Pre-operative physical therapy allows you to meet your rehab team and learn the essentials for a smooth recovery. Research shows that even one pre-operative physical therapy session can reduce post-surgical care needs and lead to faster, more efficient recovery.

Benefits of Our Total Joint Replacement Program

Meet your physical therapy team and tour the facility
Learn important home exercises to get a head start on recovery
Practice using a walker or cane before surgery (it’s easier to learn in advance)
Identify and improve balance or mobility issues to enhance safety
Prepare to return home directly after surgery, when possible
Get your questions answered about post-operative rehabilitation
Set clear recovery goals with your physical therapist
Experience faster, more efficient rehabilitation overall

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Key Exercises in Joint Replacement Recovery

Exercises are a vital part of any joint replacement therapy plan. After surgery — especially for the knee or hip— targeted movements help restore mobility, reduce stiffness, and rebuild strength.

Common exercises may include:

Heel slides to improve knee flexibility
Leg lifts to activate key muscle groups
Strength training tailored to your stage of recovery

These exercises are guided by your physical therapist and adjusted as you progress. A consistent, well-designed routine not only supports healing but may also help reduce reliance on pain medication and promote natural relief over time.

Who Can Benefit from Joint Replacement Therapy?

Total joint replacement therapy is ideal for individuals who:

Are preparing for a scheduled hip, knee, or shoulder replacement
Want to strengthen before surgery for a better recovery (“prehab”)
Need guidance using assistive devices like a walker or a cane
Prefer to return home instead of a skilled nursing facility post-op
Are looking to recover faster and avoid complications

For active adults or athletes, our athletic therapies can help you safely return to sports, recreational activities, or fitness routines after joint replacement.

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How Total Joint Replacement Therapy Works

At Ivy Rehab, we support you from pre-op to post-op with a personalized care plan. Our therapists evaluate your needs and help you set achievable goals before surgery, then guide you step by step through recovery afterward.

Personalized Evaluation

A one-on-one consultation to review your surgery plan, assess mobility and balance, and outline your rehab goals.

Pre-Operative Education and Training

Learn safe movement techniques
Practice using assistive devices
Strengthen key muscle groups before surgery
Reduce fear and uncertainty about recovery

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Regain joint range of motion
Build strength and mobility
Improve balance and walking confidence
Prevent complications such as stiffness or readmission

In some cases, we may also recommend occupational therapy to help you safely perform everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, or cooking during your recovery.

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Why Early Movement Matters After Surgery

Getting up and moving soon after joint replacement — usually within the first day — can make a big difference in your recovery. Supervised early movement helps:

Improve blood circulation
Reduce swelling
Lower the risk of complications
Shorten hospital stays
Support better long-term outcomes

Your surgeon and physical therapist will work together to help you start moving safely and confidently. While some discomfort is normal at first, staying active plays a key role in healing and regaining independence.

FAQs

Can I return home instead of a rehab facility after surgery?

Yes. With pre-surgical therapy, improved balance, and mobility preparation, many patients are able to return home safely instead of going to a rehab facility.

How soon should I start therapy after surgery?

Most patients begin outpatient therapy within a few days to one week after surgery. Early movement is critical for preventing stiffness and regaining mobility.

Why start physical therapy before surgery?

Pre-operative therapy helps prepare your body for surgery, teaches you exercises for home use, and reduces recovery time after surgery. Even one session can make a difference.

Start living your best life.

Begin your journey close to home.

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Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

Excellent

Excel Physical Therapy4.9

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ABC is such a unique and special environment! The staff is so friendly and supportive and they put their all into creating the best life for all the children they serve in the community!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words, Marthita!

We are so grateful for our ST, Paige! My son is always excited to see her and has learned so much in his short time so far with her. He is always excited to go back. Front desk is always so nice when we come in for our early morning appointments. Highly recommend this office to those who may need it.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab for Kids, Bensalem

This group of people are the best. They make you feel like they are invested into you. I came here feeing defeated and left feeling elated.A big thank you to the staff Especi Jen and the rest of the staff.Thank you all for making me feel that I’m going to be ok after Therapy.Thank You Fay Barnett

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Virginia Beach

After breaking my wrist last July, Ive had the most wonderful experience in my healing process at the Ivy Rehab in Princeton NJ working with Physical Therapist Connie D. She has been working with me twice weekly. Connie is friendly, knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and seeks effective ways to gradually facilitate my healing and above all strengthen my wrist and deal with carpal tunnel and nerve issues caused by the fall. You might say, well this is what she's supposed to do as a therapist, but you should understand that losing mobility and strength is very difficult emotionally and psychologically for me since I work full time and am a caretaker for my husband. I tend to lose patience with the slow healing that nature dictates at my age, and lose confidence that the situation will ever improve. But Connie's special talent is that she is a positive encouraging force in my life right now and she explains why it takes so long and proves through changing my exercises to target my goals and monthly testing that I am indeed improving. I have also worked with Bob at the Princeton office, and he too is knowledgeable, friendly and patient. In fact the whole office from reception through to every aid have been pleasant, upbeat and extremely heloful and welcoming. But Connie is a very special person, she cares very much about all those she works with and she has a delightful sense of humor, a very important and appreciated quality for me and others working through issues more serious than mine. She truly lights up the place.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-stars! It means so much. – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Princeton

Awesome therapist from speech to occupational! They work for with my son really well and have really helped him accomplish all his goals and We’re seeing real improvement!

Response from the owner:We are so grateful to have earned this 5-star review. Thank you! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy, Cincinnati!

I checked in at Ivy PT with a trifecta of back issues: deteriorating discs, herniated discs and bulging discs, resulting in limited mobility/flexibility as well as leg numbness. Fast forward 3 months, and the improvement after receiving excellent care from Victoria is notable. Victoria challenged me when planning my sessions, but was very mindful of my limitations. She, along with those manning the front desk, the PT assistants, and the rest of the therapists, are super friendly and engaging and I highly recommend this facility.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Briarcliff Manor

I've been coming to Excel PT in Westfield for many years and I can't recommend it enough. The entire team is wonderful. Aaron is an exceptional physical therapist — knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely invested in his patients. He takes the time to understand what's going on and creates a plan that actually works. I always leave feeling better than when I came in. If you're looking for physical therapy in the area, look no further!

Response from the owner:We're so happy to hear this feedback – thank you for choosing us! The team at Excel Physical Therapy – Westfield – East Broad St

My 2nd time receiving therapy at this rehab center….for cold shoulder & knee replacement therapy. ALL staff professional, skilled & compassionate! It’s easy to see why they continually receive 5 stars. I tip my hat to Danielle, Jeremy, Jennifer & Grace & staff….they truly work well together & obvious a ‘team effort’.

Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Virginia Beach

A pleasant environment. The therapist are dedicated and work hard to help you achieve your goals and that of the doctors. I must say that I am much better than when I started. L Custis

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Willingboro

This physical therapy location is like a BIG family! From the top to the bottom they work together! I must say I like to PT, sometimes it’s a challenge but at the end it’s all good. I would definitely recommend anyone to go there.

Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – New Hyde Park

Denise Dumoulin is extremely knowledgeable and was great to work with. I highly recommend Ivy Rehab in Grand Blanc. Got my first appointment within a couple days of calling and scheduling was flexible to fit my work hours. I like that there is an app with my at home exercise program already loaded that comes with videos.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Grand Blanc

Kristen and Cindy are incredible. They listen actively and help you to understand how to improve your health and wellbeing. I’ve been PT to several times and this has been my best experience yet! Thank you for being amazing.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Midlothian – Swift Creek

I've had appointments with everyone at this location and they all have great energy and attitudes. They all have their own approach to things while achieving your goal results. Heck even the other patients I've ran into are in good spirits when they arrive and leave. It's a professionally fun time everytime I go! The whole staff is very appreciated!

Response from the owner:Hearing this feedback means so much to us, thank you for sharing! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Comstock Park

I highly recommend Ivy rehab. I am so grateful for Kristen and the whole team. Her guidance and expertise were instrumental in my recovery process, offering tailored exercises and insightful homework that significantly contributed to my recovery. Her encouraging and empathetic approach created a positive and comfortable atmosphere during our sessions, making me feel both motivated and understood.

Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Hoboken – Midtown

My experience at Ivy with Dan and team has been excellent thus far. I started going to pre-hab for knee surgery and they got me stronger in a short amount of time. I was then able to have surgery over the summer, which was ideal for my life obligations. I'm now in more frequent rehab and my sessions, though challenging, are a pleasure. The facility is clean and welcoming, I receive the amount of attention I require, and there is a lot of encouragement and positivity. I'm 2 weeks and change out from surgery and I've already made significant progress thanks to Dan and team. Every employee at this location is extremely warm and helpful and I'm very grateful to be in such good hands

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Blue Bell – South

The best!! So glad I found this center. I signed up for pelvic floor therapy at back in action starting the fall of year 2024 looking to strengthen my pelvic floor and core. Setoo Jain was my therapist and boy what a wonderful person and professional she is. She was very patient with me, diagnosed every little aspect of the problem I had which was spillage and weak pelvic floor. She gave me the confidence that it can be fixed and it is not a permanent thing I have to live with. She taught me exercises and massages to do at home. There was a diary, app, internal exams and reminders to keep track of the work we were doing and then regular check backs on the progress. When I wasn’t able to make it to the session, the front desk friend Julie, always helped with rescheduling the appointments. I graduated with my goals achieved and recommended exercises to continue at home. For any pelvic floor related issues I highly recommend Setoo and they do have amazing therapists for non pelvic floor related issues as well. Please check them out if you looking for physical therapy.

Response from the owner:Your kind words brighten our day – thank you for sharing! – The team at Back in Action Physical Therapy – Apex

🗣️Not enough stars can be selected for this team. They are awesome guys🥰 If you were in a car accident(me), an accident at work or have any back,knee,hip injuries I highly recommend them. Chris, Brandon, Terry, Cori Jackie & Sidney are a whole vibe💃🏽 not only are they the best in their field they will make you laugh 😂 while making you better🤗 don't believe me go check them out and say Asia sent you💋

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Ivy Rehab PT, Chesapeake

I cannot recommend this physical therapy clinic enough. From the moment you walk through the door, you are taken care of. The Front Desk Team: The outstanding ladies at the reception desk are absolute sunshine. They always greet you with a warm smile and have a special way of making you feel like you are the most important person in the office. The Care Team: Holly and Joe provided an exceptional, personalized physical therapy experience. They truly listened to all of my concerns and prioritized my comfort during every single session. Their expertise and attentive care made a massive difference in my recovery.If you are looking for a clinic that combines top-tier clinical care with a genuinely welcoming, comfortable environment, this is the place to go!

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing this with us! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy – West Deptford – 1007 Mantua Pke

I came in with a painful arthritic knee, and after 2 months, feel so much better, and am stronger and more flexible than before. Many thanks to Matt and Dan for their super care, and to the whole team for cheering me on. It is a fun and friendly facility!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Blue Bell – South

Had a wonderful experience playing pokemon go here. The place gets so much business that the pogo community benefits from it. They have a (yellow) gym there and another poke stop close by. When comm day comes around I fake an injury and show up just for the xp and shinies. But they still treat me nice. Thank you ivy rehab!! But for real, if you're feeling weak like a magikarp or in need of some good old hyper potions, stop in to Ivy Rehab. They'll have you feeling like a freshly evolved Machamp ready for the master league.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this review, it means so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Midlothian – Swift Creek

Ivy takes the time to understand what is actually going on with you. Then work with you physically to find the right exercises that will best serve your needs to get you back on the way to recovery.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab, Chesapeake!