Finding Relief After Total Hip or Knee Replacements

Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgeries in the United States. Every year, surgeons perform around 800,000 knee replacements and 450,000 hip replacements — and that number is expected to grow as the population ages.

But the surgeries themselves don’t show the entire picture. While they can offer lasting relief for people suffering from osteoarthritis, they also require extensive rehabilitation to ensure success.

Most people can expect to spend six months to a year restoring the strength and mobility in their lower body. If you skip out on post-surgical physical therapy, especially immediately after your procedure, you might continue to struggle with joint pain and restrictions in your range of motion.

Fortunately, physical therapy at Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists can help see you through your recovery and rehabilitation.

Staff Spotlight:

Greg Hutchinson

Greg graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2019 with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He began his Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Residency through The Manual Therapy Institute in January 2022 and completed both his residency and fellowship training in May 2026. Through this significant professional accomplishment, Greg joins the highly respected community of Fellows of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT) — a distinction held by less than 1% of physical therapists nationwide. Outside of work, Greg enjoys spending time with family, music, and soccer.

Madeline’s Story:

Finding the Trail Again

Madeline underwent a total hip replacement at 65 with a very specific goal in mind: she wanted to hike again. Not just walk around the house without pain — really hike. That goal mattered because rehabilitation works best when therapy is connected to something meaningful in a patient’s real life.

A few days after surgery, Madeline began physical therapy. Early on, the focus was simple: restore mobility, reduce stiffness, manage pain appropriately, and help her move safely with a walker. As her symptoms settled, treatment progressed toward improving hip mobility, rebuilding strength, restoring balance, and retraining walking mechanics.

But good rehab is more than just exercise sheets and repetitions. At CTPTS, we try to connect treatment to real-world movement. Since hiking was important to Madeline, her therapy eventually included incline walking, balance challenges, endurance work, and movement strategies designed to help her return confidently to uneven terrain and longer walks.

Step by step, she improved her mobility, strength, confidence, and overall durability. Eventually, she was cleared for a gentle three-mile hike — and enjoyed every step of it.

Frank’s Story:

Starting Early for Lasting Relief

Frank’s experience was different, but equally important.

At 78, Frank underwent a total knee replacement after years of progressively limiting knee pain. He didn’t necessarily have a major athletic goal; he simply wanted to move better, hurt less, and stay independent. Before surgery, we started Frank with a “prehab” program to help prepare him physically and mentally for the recovery process.

Prehab focused on improving knee mobility, strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, practicing safe movement strategies, and improving his general conditioning before surgery. Perhaps just as importantly, it helped reduce fear and gave Frank confidence heading into the procedure.

After surgery, Frank’s rehabilitation followed a gradual progression:

• Restoring motion improving strength
• Reducing stiffness
• Improving balance and walking
• Rebuilding tolerance for daily activity

Over time, Frank became more active, more mobile, and far more confident in his movement than he had been in years.

Every patient’s story is different, but the common thread is this:

Physical therapy works best when treatment is individualized, progressive, and connected to meaningful goals — whether that means hiking trails again or simply walking comfortably through everyday life.

At CTPTS, our goal is not just helping people recover from surgery. It’s helping them move better, feel better, get better, and stay better.

Can I Avoid a Total Hip or Knee Replacement?

No one wants to undergo surgery. It’s often expensive, and it can bring with it a host of risks and complications. So, if you’re struggling with hip or knee osteoarthritis, you might be wondering — can I skip surgery altogether?

The short answer? It’s very possible!

Osteoarthritis has no cure. However, you can slow its progression by staying active and living a generally healthy lifestyle. In fact, surgeons won’t actually perform a total joint replacement until they’ve seen that non-invasive treatments — such as physical therapy — aren’t effectively managing the condition.

As with most degenerative conditions, the earlier you start, the better. If you already have an OA diagnosis, the Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists physical therapists can work with you to develop a customized management program that might include the following:

• An aerobic exercise plan based on your interests and abilities
• Targeted strengthening and stretching exercises to improve joint health
• Strategies for reducing pressure on your joints
• Strategies for improving your overall health and wellness

Even if you don’t have a diagnosis, following up on joint pain is essential, especially as you get older. Our physical therapists can let you know if that pain in your knee or hip is due to osteoarthritis or some other cause, such as an injury or muscular imbalance. Want to learn more about successfully managing osteoarthritis without surgery? Call to speak to our friendly staff today!