Why the next step after joint replacement surgery is at nextstepnz!

What are joints and why are they important?

Joints are one of the foundations of our body structure, they are a connection point for our bones and provide a base for our movement. Healthy joints provide us with stability, flexibility and help us function with day to day tasks or activities. As we age, wear and tear on our joints becomes a higher risk factor for our overall health. Stiffness, aches and pains can occur and interfere with everyday activities and inhibit our overall life quality. One of the leading causes of joint pain is arthritis. Arthritis within New Zealand has a significant impact, according to AGE CONCERN NEW ZEALAND (n.d.) the most common type is osteoarthritis, affecting 1 in 10 New Zealanders over 40. Beyond a certain extend, joint pain can reach a point were surgical interventions are required, this is known as joint replacement surgery (or arthroplasty). The statistics from New Zealand Orthopaedics Association (2024) show that within New Zealand, recently (in 2023), just over 27,000 joint replacement surgeries were done.

What is joint replacement and why is exercise crucial prior and post surgery?

Joint replacement or arthroplasty, is a procedure in which the joint has become so worn down that it needs to be replaced with an artificial joint through surgery. After this process, the recovery phase is crucial for optimal healing and continuing function of the new joint. However just as important is exercise prior operative procedures. Exercise prior to total joint replacement is just as vital as post rehabilitation, providing a base for better outcomes. You will likely not be operating at your fullest prior and post joint replacement and, a study by Fukumoto et al. (2013) found that 6 months post total hip arthroplasty (THA), there was still notable weakness on the affected side when compared to a healthy population.

How we can help and strength outcomes

There are many notable studies that support the benefits of safe exercise before and after joint replacement surgery. Husby et al. (2009) found Maximal strength training is an effective method during the beginning stages after THA to rebuild strength and function, with a significant strength increase on the operated limb on vectors of leg pressing and abduction, and Jan et al. (2004) discovered patients that were consistent with a provided home training intervention, showed increases in strength and walking speed even 1.5 years after THA. Other than general health preparation, exercise is a recommended to prepare before joint surgery, a study by Topp et al. (2009) showed an increase in sit to stand performance for those who exercised prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty than those who did not.

To ensure that you prepare and/or recover to your best, exercise is the most critical step, strengthening tissue around the joint provides a stable area for that joint to stay secure and strong. After surgery, risks of injury are at a peak, with our team of exercise physiologists, we can provide you with safe and effective exercise programs that best suit your needs prior and post a joint replacement surgery and ensure you can maximise your preparation and recovery.