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Upstate Regional Rehabilitation Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Video

Total Joint Program

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Why rehabilitation is important after a joint replacement?

The goal of Upstate University Hospital Regional Rehabilitation Center is to help patients reduce disability and improve independence and quality of life.

 

Due to the nature of joint replacement surgery, the post-operative pain, muscle weakness, decreased mobility, decreased proprioception (the perception or awareness of the position of the body) during the recovery process can limit the results of the surgery and quality of life achieved. For this reason, rehabilitation of a new joint should be completed under the direction and supervision of a trained professional such as a physical and occupational therapist. Patients should discuss the timing for when and how to have this rehabilitation with their surgeon, therapist and the healthcare practitioners involved in their care.

 

Upstate Community Hospital Orthopedics has a Center of Excellence designation for hip and knee replacement that offers a comprehensive rehabilitation program for individuals who have had a joint replacement. Services offered by Upstate rehabilitation include prehabilitation (therapy prior to surgery), pre-operative total joint classes, and post-operative rehabilitation from hospitalization through to the end of recovery. Patients should contact their orthopedic provider for information regarding these services if not already discussed prior to surgery.

Treatment

Total joint replacement physical therapy includes a multifaceted approach with patient specific goals in mind. Therapists in all settings at Upstate's Regional Rehabilitation Center will complete an individualized assessment, and prescribe a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals. Your therapist will help you every step of the way, providing one-on-one, evidence-based treatment sessions to help you maximize the function of your new joint.

 

Before your surgery: Prehabilitation (pre-operative physical therapy) begins several months to weeks prior to a patient’s joint replacement surgery and includes evaluation and treatment designed to improve a patient’s strength, range of motion, balance, and pain control prior to surgery. Also, prehabilitation helps patients plan for post-operative recovery including discussion of what type of equipment will be most helpful (such as a rolling walker, or shower chair), and how to prepare their home to maximize safety and function.

 

During your hospital stay:  Post-operative rehabilitation typically begins within just a few hours after surgery. Many patients will be able to go home on the same day as surgery, while others may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights. Therapy is scheduled at least twice a day during hospitalization. It is important to begin therapy very soon after surgery to minimize the risk of complications and maximize the function of the new joint. Therapy during hospitalization is aimed at improving function and safety while beginning to rehabilitate the patient’s new joint.

 

After your hospital stay: Physical therapy after discharge from the hospital will be prescribed based on the type of surgery performed, surgeon preference, and the patient’s specific needs.

  • Some patients will require a short-term rehabilitation stay in a facility if they are unable to safely return home. This is rare. Physical therapy is provided with a focus on improving the quality of movement and independence with mobility. Therapy will continue depending on the patient’s needs once discharged from the rehabilitation facility.
  • Other patients will be able to return directly to home after discharge from the hospital but have a difficult time moving, and are homebound. In this case, the therapist will come to the patient’s home for 1-3 visits per week for several weeks to provide home physical therapy. Therapy will be focused on home safety, quality of movement, and independence with mobility.
  • Most patients will move well enough to attend outpatient physical therapy immediately following hospitalization. Most surgeons prefer this to make use of specialized rehabilitation equipment available in clinics. Outpatient physical therapy will typically involve 1-3 visits per week for several weeks after your surgery. Therapy in this setting is focused on fine-tuning the new joint, restoring balance and alignment, and maximizing function in higher-level activities.

 

Interventions for therapy across settings may include:

  • Activities of daily living and independent living skills
  • Home safety education
  • Gait training/stair training
  • Strength training
  • Flexibility and range of motion exercises
  • Balance training
  • Use of cryotherapy (ice)
  • Manual therapy
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Neuromuscular reeducation
  • Biofeedback

Helpful Links:

                          A physician’s referral is required in order to receive therapy services.

                              To contact the Regional Rehabilitation Center call: 315-464-6543

                                                                        Fax: 315-464-475

Providers

Jillian E Cardinali, PT, DPT
Jillian E Cardinali, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2013, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Physical Therapy for Women's Health

Nicole M Conese, PT, DPT, NCS
Nicole M Conese, PT, DPT, NCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: University of Maryland at Baltimore, 2015, Physical Therapy
  • BS: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2012, Exercise Science

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Neurology; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; more

Research Interests

  • Research Physical Therapist involved in SLeep Effects on Post-Stroke Rehabilitation (SLEEPR) Study

Clinical Interests

  • Stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, vestibular rehabilitation

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Neurology Section

Sarah A Ellithorpe, MPT
Sarah A Ellithorpe, MPT
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; All Cancers and Hematological Conditions; All Cancers and Hematological Conditions; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD ); Dementia; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Louis A Frechette, PT
Louis A Frechette, PT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2010

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Arthritis; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD ); Congestive Heart Failure; Dizziness and Vertigo; Heart Disease; more

Clinical Interests

  • geriatrics, orthopedics, vestibular rehabilitation


Mindy L Heath, PT, DPT
Mindy L Heath, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2014, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute Pain; Trauma; Inpatient Physical Therapy; Trauma Care

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Bethany M Hudson, PT
Bethany M Hudson, PT
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

LSVT Big; Ankle Sprain; Foot and Ankle; Knee Pain; Knee Sprain; Low Back Pain; more

Michelle Jay, PT, DPT, WCC, CLT-LANA
Michelle Jay, PT, DPT, WCC, CLT-LANA
315 464-5540

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: Clarkson University, 2012, Physical Therapy
  • BS: Clarkson University, 2009, Business and Technology Management

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Wound Care; Certified Lymphedema Therapist; Lymphedema Management, Rehab Service; Orthopedic Physical Therapy; Outpatient Physical Therapy

Christina T Legg, PT, DPT
Christina T Legg, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2016
  • BS: SUNY Binghamton, 2011, Integrative Neuroscience

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Amputation; Brain Injury; Falls; Hip Fracture; Stroke; more

Michelle J Malchak
Michelle J Malchak
315 464-2282

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Dementia Practioner; Certified Dementia Practioner; Occupational Therapy - Adult; Abdominal Pain; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute Kidney Failure; more

Maureen A Mancuso, PT, DPT, GCS
Maureen A Mancuso, PT, DPT, GCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2012

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Concussion; Balance and Fall Prevention, Rehab Service; Concussion Management; Concussion Management, Rehab Service; Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Jamie A Mccleary, PT, DPT
Jamie A Mccleary, PT, DPT
315 464-8668

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute Kidney Failure; Acute Renal Insufficiency; Acute Renal Insufficiency; more

Meaghan Porter, PT, DPT
Meaghan Porter, PT, DPT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2018, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Bone Cancer; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD ); Hip Fracture; Neuropathy; Pulmonary Disorders; Inpatient Physical Therapy

Research Interests

  • Benefits of mobility in the ICU with intubated patients to improve function. 

     

Clinical Interests

  • Oncology, Respiratory Diseases, Early Mobility in the ICU, Emergency Care in GEM


Tara L Price, BS in Occupation Therapy Science
Tara L Price, BS in Occupation Therapy Science
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: Utica College, 1996, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Dementia Practioner; Certified Geriatric Care Professional; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Aging Issues; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Geriatrics; more

Lisa E Rothwell, PT
Lisa E Rothwell, PT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • BS: SUNY Buffalo, 1988, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Dizziness and Vertigo; Body Weight Support Treadmill Training, Physical Therapy; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; Cardiac Rehabilitation; Chronic Disease Management; more

Education Interests

  • Health and wellness, Aging and longevity

Clinical Interests

  • Burns, SCI, neurological disorders, balance, seating and positioning, TBI


Kaitlin M Skiff, PT, DPT
Kaitlin M Skiff, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: Ithaca College, 2010

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Concussion; Foot and Ankle; Knee Pain; Low Back Pain; Neck Injuries; more

Danielle F Spain, PT, DPT, CLT
Danielle F Spain, PT, DPT, CLT
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Lymphedema Therapist; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute Illness & Injury Management; Adult Trauma and Critical Care; Chronic Pain Rehabilitation; Pulmonary Rehabilitation; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Thomas M Spangenberg, PT, DPT, CSCS
Thomas M Spangenberg, PT, DPT, CSCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2013
  • BS: University of Rochester, 2007

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Strength and Conditioning Spec; Physical Therapy; Achilles Tendon Injury; Ankle Sprain; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; Arthritis; more

Education Interests

  • McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy

Clinical Interests

  • Treatment of low back pain and spinal related disorders.  Management of acute and chronic orthopedic conditions. Sports injuries and rehabilitation.


Adam R Strizak, PT, DPT
Adam R Strizak, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Cervical Radiculopathy; Chronic Pain; Fibromyalgia; Foot and Ankle; Frozen Shoulder; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Jennifer L Strizak, PT, DPT
Jennifer L Strizak, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2015

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Vestibular Rehabilitation; Physical Therapy; Achilles Tendon Injury; Acute Pain; Ankle Sprain; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; more

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Kerry Walsh, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA
Kerry Walsh, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

  • DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2008
  • BS: Boston College, 2003, Biology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Geriatric Physical Therapy; Falls; Hip Fracture; Knee Pain; Low Back Pain; more

Clinical Interests

  • Geriatrics, Balance and Falls

Associations/Memberships

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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