When seeking post-surgical care, clinical experience is paramount. NNPT has been providing excellent post-surgical orthopedic care for 23 years. With an orthopedic clinical specialist on staff, we are able to provide a higher level of knowledge in orthopedics and post-surgical care. We have an in-depth knowledge and experience with post-surgical joint replacements, arthroscopic surgeries and soft tissue repairs. We have advanced training and certifications in orthopedics and manual therapy which offer the most successful outcomes.
Post-surgical care is multifaceted involving; joints, bones, muscle, tendons, ligaments, all soft tissue, scarring and edema. We also consider cardiovascular, psychological, pharmaceutical, clotting risks, wound healing stages and infection prevention. This in-depth experience, knowledge and skill set provides our patients with the best outcomes. Our unsurpassed skill set, and highly regarded reputation has also allowed us to provide excellent outcomes for patients who have failed to progress with prior care.
With manual therapy, we have more precise advanced techniques and skill set-in joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, scar mobilization, nerve glides and edema management which together provide the most successful outcomes post-surgically. Our goal is to provide you with a caring experience, promote optimum healing, prevent complications, advance strength and mobility to return you to safe prior level of function and independence.
Case Spotlight
2 Years of Pain After Total Knee Replacement (TKA)
Al, a 72 year-old male two years post-operative total knee replacement. Al had a successful surgery followed by exercise based physical therapy intervention. He never quite regained mobility and complained of the feeling of a band around his knee and inability to perform his prior activities. After 2 years he was referred back to therapy to his original therapist. He was told she could no longer help him because she could only do more of the same exercises. Al was referred to NNPT for manual physical therapy at this time. A thorough assessment was performed with myofascial and joint restrictions identified. Manual therapy techniques were introduced to him for the first time with almost immediate results. Within Al's plan of care, he regained functional mobility and returned to prior level of function for ADL's and recreation including getting back on the golf course.
Patient Snapshot:
Al, 72, 2 years post-op TKA with persistent “band-like” tightness and limited activity after exercise-only therapy.
Assessment:
Comprehensive exam identified myofascial and joint mobility restrictions not previously addressed.
Manual & Rehab Approach:
Introduced targeted joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques, then progressed therapeutic exercise once mechanics improved.
Outcome:
Immediate symptom changes during manual work; regained functional mobility and returned to prior ADLs—including a confident return to the golf course.
5 Years of Pain After Infected TKA and Two Revisions
Mrs. D, a 70 year-old female had a total knee replacement 5 years ago that unfortunately became infected. She required two revisions to resolve the infection. She was prescribed physical therapy and participated in a therapeutic exercise program with generalized stretching. She was discharged and had limited function with pain and burning in her knee that had persisted for 4 years since her surgical intervention. Mrs. D was referred 20 miles from her home to NNPT for assessment and manual therapy treatment. After a thorough assessment treatment was initiated addressing her soft tissue and joint restrictions that were identified during examination. She reported at this time that she never had treatment like this and after her session she felt minimal discomfort for the first time since surgery 5 years prior. Upon return for her second session she reported she was able to drive now without any burning in her knee and successfully negotiated a flight of stairs, step after step, without pain for the first time in 5 years. She continued to progress throughout her course of care returning to prior level of function.
Patient Snapshot:
Mrs. D, 70, ongoing pain/burning and limited function 4–5 years post-op despite exercise and stretching.
Assessment:
Manual exam revealed soft tissue and joint restrictions consistent with persistent post-surgical mobility loss.
Manual & Rehab Approach:
Precise joint mobilization, soft tissue/scar mobilization, and graded exercise.
Outcome:
Reported minimal discomfort after the first session; by session two she could drive without burning pain and ascend stairs, step after step, for the first time in 5 years continuing to prior level of function over the plan of care.
Two Years of Hip Pain After Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)
Mrs. H was a 73 year-old female who had a total hip replacement 2 years prior. She did physical therapy including generalized exercise and stretching but continued to have pain. She had several 2nd opinions and shots without improvement and was told she may need to have a revision if she continues to have problems. Upon referral to NNPT she was thoroughly assessed, and myofascial and scar restriction were palpated and identified. Treatment was initiated including soft tissue and scar mobilization, she stated nobody had ever done this to her. After manual treatment was completed, she began crying. She was asked if she was in pain and she said "no, this is the first time I have been without pain in 2 years". Upon completion of her therapy plan of care she had minimized pain and returned to walking activity and prior level of function without pain.
Patient Snapshot:
Mrs. H, 73, persistent hip pain two years post THA despite PT, injections, and second opinions—told revision may be needed.
Assessment:
Identified myofascial and scar restrictions around the surgical region.
Manual & Rehab Approach:
Soft tissue and scar mobilization targeted to the tissues involved, followed by individualized exercise.
Outcome:
First pain-free moment in two years following initial manual session; progressed to pain-free walking and return to prior activities by discharge.