Joint Replacement Rehabilitation in Sharjah

What is joint replacement rehabilitation?

Joint replacement rehabilitation is a structured physiotherapy programme built around a hip, knee or shoulder replacement. It has three parts: preparation before the operation, early recovery on the ward and at home, and a strengthening phase that returns you to walking, stairs, prayer, driving and work.

The preparation phase, often called prehabilitation, is the part many people skip. Strengthening the thigh and hip muscles, practising with a walking aid and learning the first exercises before surgery makes the early days afterwards easier, because the body and the routine are already familiar.

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, joint replacement rehabilitation is delivered by the hospital's own physical therapists, who work closely with the orthopedic surgeons. The operation itself is described on the knee replacement and hip replacement pages; this page follows the rehabilitation.

Who needs it

Joint replacement rehabilitation is for adults:

• Waiting for a planned hip, knee or shoulder replacement, who benefit from prehabilitation
• In the first days after a joint replacement, on the ward and at home
• Rebuilding strength, balance and walking in the months after surgery
• Returning to specific goals such as prayer, stairs at home, travel or grandchildren
• After a partial knee replacement or a hip replacement following a fracture

The orthopedic surgeon sets any movement precautions, which depend on the joint and the surgical approach. The physical therapist builds the programme within those precautions and adjusts it at each stage.

What happens

Before surgery, prehabilitation sessions teach the first exercises, check your walking aid height and plan your home. Strength work for the thighs, hips and arms helps with rising from a chair and using crutches afterwards.

After surgery, a physical therapist sees you on the ward, usually soon after the operation. You learn to get out of bed, stand and walk with a frame or crutches, and to use the toilet and stairs safely. Early exercises include ankle pumps, thigh tightening and gentle bending and straightening of the new joint.

The walking aid progresses as balance and strength return: frame, then crutches, then a single stick. A single stick goes in the hand opposite the operated leg, so it supports the new joint as that leg steps forward.

Outpatient sessions then build:

• Range of movement, with specific goals for bending and straightening the knee, or for hip and shoulder movement
• Strength, focusing on the thigh, buttock and calf muscles for a hip or knee, and the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles for a shoulder
• Balance and walking, removing a limp and building walking distance
• Daily tasks, including getting in and out of a car, into a shower, and down to and up from a low seat

For hip replacement, the physical therapist explains any positions your surgeon asks you to avoid for now, such as deep bending, and how to dress and sit within them.

Preparing for it

• Raise low seats at home, including the toilet and your usual chair, and place a firm chair with arms where you rest.
• Move daily items to waist height in the kitchen and bedroom.
• Remove loose rugs and make sure the route to the bathroom is well lit at night.
• Plan prayer: praying seated on a chair is common while the new joint heals.
• Bring loose clothing and supportive, closed shoes to every session.
• Arrange help at home for shopping and housework in the early weeks.

Afterwards

Swelling, warmth and stiffness around a new joint are normal for some time and improve as healing progresses. Raising the leg, regular gentle exercise and cold packs wrapped in a cloth, when advised, help control swelling.

Do the home exercises several times a day. Walking little and often builds distance steadily. Keep your orthopedic follow-up appointments at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, where the surgeon checks healing and relaxes precautions. The surgeon also advises when driving, flights and return to work are appropriate for your job.

In the Sharjah heat, walk indoors or in the cooler hours and drink water regularly. Sitting on the floor and kneeling for prayer return later, guided by your surgeon and physical therapist.

Go to the emergency department straight away if your calf becomes swollen, hot and painful, or you develop chest pain or sudden breathlessness. Contact the hospital urgently if the wound becomes red or leaks, you develop a fever, or the new joint suddenly becomes very painful or looks deformed.

Cost and insurance

Most UAE insurance plans that cover a joint replacement also cover rehabilitation afterwards, usually with pre-approval, and ward physiotherapy is often part of the admission. Outpatient sessions are commonly capped, so ask about the limit before surgery. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.