Course Description:

Total knee replacement surgery is an increasingly popular and effective treatment for knee arthritis. However, the patient is not always satisfied, even when the surgeon believes there to be a good outcome. Quality physical therapy should improve patient satisfaction with the outcome. A pre-surgery therapy visit should clear associated body regions, educate the patient, and begin an effective exercise and mobility program. After surgery, a skilled clinician should not assume that “the way it’s always been done” is correct, and utilize high level clinical reasoning to assess, intervene, and re-assess each patient to maximize the outcome. By using proper exercise prescription and connecting with the patient regarding specific and individual goals, the best treatment plan can be developed and lead to the best possible outcome.