Physical Therapy after Surgery? 

Dear Reader, "Should I get physical therapy after surgery?"  This is a question often asked.  Your doctor will recommend the therapy you need.  I have had two knee replacements and responded well to physical therapy. Soon after having surgery I was taken to the Physical Therapy Department and started on exercises.  In addition, I had assisted walking trips plus sessions on a machine that moved my knee up and down.  It wasn't always comfortable, but I did these things because I knew they would speed up my recovery. Because I live alone, I moved from the hospital into a nursing home where they have an excellent physical therapy program.  I was evaluated and put on exercises prescribed for my particular need, and they were done twice daily.  In addition, I was taken on supervised walks.  As I progressed and became stronger, I was allowed to walk alone.  When it was time to go home, I was taken to my house so they could evaluate how well I could function alone.  They checked the number of steps, scatter rugs, accessibility to cupboards, laundry facilities, etc..  After I passed all requirements I was released from the nursing home.  I was given exercise instructions that I was to do every day until my doctor decided that I could discontinue them. Some people have a family member who can help them after they are released from the hospital.  In this case, they could take the patient to his hospital for Physical Therapy where he would be put through the recovery period.  Some people like this method, but in my case I prefer doing my exercises alone when I get up, and before dressing for the day.  It becomes routine and, therefore, easy to discipline myself to do this.  In fact, I still do weekday exercises as a good way to start my day. Grandma