Planning Rehab After Joint Replacement Surgery in Arizona

Key Takeaways

• The rehabilitation that follows a joint replacement is just as important as the surgery itself in terms of restoring mobility and alleviating long-term pain.
• Arizona is a popular destination for Canadian patients and other medical tourists seeking timely surgery in a warm, recovery-conducive environment equipped with specialized rehab facilities.
• To plan for joint replacement in Arizona, medical tourists should coordinate rehab across borders, pack essentials, select suitable lodging, and allot around two to three weeks for recovery and follow-up care.
• Out-of-town patients may need to schedule airport assistance, adjust certain daily activities, such as driving or using stairs, and arrange for caregiver support to facilitate a smooth transition.

Why Rehab Planning Matters After Joint Replacement

Typically, patients with an upcoming joint replacement spend most of their time thinking about the surgery component, mistakenly believing it is the only part that matters. On the contrary, post-surgery rehabilitation also plays a significant role in a patient’s ability to move freely and painlessly after a hip or knee replacement surgery.

Post-surgery rehabilitation for joint replacement patients typically involves structured physical therapy, targeted exercises, and lifestyle adjustments designed to restore mobility and build strength in a manner that promotes safe healing. Preparing for rehab, especially if you are a medical tourist, can help you get the most out of your surgery.

Thanks to its dependable surgeons, robust rehabilitation offerings, and ideal weather, Arizona has become a sought-after destination for Canadian patients and other medical tourists seeking highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and shorter wait times for surgery. Traveling for care can offer a wide range of benefits, but it requires strategic planning, especially when it comes to post-surgery rehab.

The guide below can help you plan for rehabilitation in Arizona, potentially making your recovery smoother.

Understanding the Role of Rehab in Recovery

Rehabilitation is not just a formality for people who have undergone joint surgery; it is a vital tool designed to restore a patient’s joint function and mobility. Without rehabilitation, even the most successful joint replacement may not yield the results the patient was hoping for.

Some examples of benefits that joint replacement patients may experience after attending rehab are:

• Mobility restoration – Rehabilitation can help patients who are dependent on walkers, crutches, or other forms of mobility assistance transition to independent walking or other functional activities.
• Pain and swelling reduction – By consistently working through targeted exercises and therapies recommended by a trained professional, you may be able to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
• Prevention of further complications – Safely building your mobility shortly after surgery can help you reduce the risk of blood clots, stiffness, or muscle weakening.

Phases of Recovery

During rehabilitation, a patient’s recovery from joint replacement can typically be broken down into three separate stages, including:

1. Early mobility – From the first few days after joint replacement surgery to the two-week mark, rehab patients can expect to learn safe movement strategies, from getting in and out of bed to using stairs or walking short distances.
2. Strengthening – From weeks two to six, most patients are instructed to practice exercises that gradually build in intensity. This stage helps restore muscle mass around the new joint, enhancing stability.
3. Long-term function – After the six-week mark, most rehab-learned activities focus on restoring endurance and flexibility, enabling patients to return to their daily routines or engage in low-impact sports.

As patients progress through these three phases, they will ideally become more self-sufficient, allowing many of the latter activities to be performed independently. 

Medical tourists typically begin their recovery phases in Arizona and continue once they return home, meeting with professionals from their home country as needed. Therefore, rehab preparation for medical tourists is crucial, as it allows patients to continue their progress seamlessly.

Planning Before Traveling to Arizona

If you’re considering knee or hip replacement in Arizona, make sure you thoroughly plan your rehabilitation. Doing so ensures the investment you made in your joint replacement surgery pays off. Taking the following steps can push you toward a stronger, more active future.

Coordinate Care Across Borders

Experienced Arizona surgical teams, like the medical professionals at the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, can establish an open line of communication with your healthcare provider at home and any rehabilitation specialists you may work with. Still, it is advisable to involve your family physician or an orthopedic specialist in Canada, the UK, or wherever you are traveling from early on to ensure they are prepared to take over your care when you return.

Packing Essentials

When traveling out of your home country for surgery, there are several items to consider bringing that can aid in the early rehabilitation process. Some essential things to pack for your U.S. joint replacement surgery include:

• Mobility aids – Depending on the type of surgery you have scheduled, it may be beneficial to bring or rent walkers, canes, or crutches to facilitate movement after your procedure.
• Appropriate clothing – Loose, breathable clothes that are suitable for Arizona’s warm climate can make it easier to move during therapy and remain comfortable.
• Medication – Bring any prescriptions you may have, ensuring they’re filled for both your stay in Arizona and your return home to avoid a lapse in medication usage.

Choosing Accommodations

Patients often underestimate the importance of choosing the correct lodging location. Generally, it is a good idea to stay near the surgical facility or rehab clinic you will be using to reduce transportation stress. Arizona is also home to several hotels, extended-stay suites, and specialized recovery residences, such as the Meridian CondoResorts, that serve as great places for medical tourists to recover.

How Long to Stay in Arizona

Each patient’s recovery journey is unique, making it essential to discuss with your medical provider how long you will need to stay in Arizona after your surgery. Nevertheless, most patients are recommended to remain in the area for at least two to three weeks after their joint replacement. 

Waiting a couple of weeks to go home can give you the opportunity to complete initial rehabilitation phases and attend on-site follow-up appointments, allowing your Arizona-based medical team to monitor early healing. However, the exact length of time may vary depending on the type of surgery you undergo and your individual progress.

Rehabilitation Options in Arizona

Arizona offers an extensive selection of rehabilitation settings specifically designed for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery. Choosing the right option for post-op care abroad requires finding a balance between your medical needs, lifestyle preferences, and budget.

Some examples of rehabilitation options in Arizona are:

• In-clinic physical therapy – These supervised sessions promote correct form and progressive improvement. Most joint replacement patients who attend physical therapy at an Arizona clinic go 2 to 3 times per week for several weeks. 
• Come-to-you or hotel-based rehab – Sometimes, physical therapists offer in-home visits or tailored rehabilitation programs at hotels for medically stable patients who are recovering in temporary accommodations.
• Specialized facilities in Arizona – Some clinics and hospitals in Arizona cater specifically to orthopedic medical tourists. They may feature bundled packages that include surgery, immediate rehab, and follow-up care.

Climate Advantages

Arizona’s warm, dry climate is another factor that draws medical tourists. This weather can ease recovery and make outdoor walking therapy more comfortable. Conversely, cold, damp weather, such as that found during Canadian winters, can exacerbate stiffness and pain in joint spaces.

Coordinating Care After Returning Home

Care should not end after you are discharged from your Arizona clinic. You should plan how you are going to transition your medical care as you head back home. In fact, medical tourists should work with their Arizona-based medical team to secure a written rehab protocol before going home. 

Some important notes that should be included in this written plan are:

• Approved exercises that align with your recovery phase
• Movement-related restrictions or precautions
• Possible signs of complications to look out for

Local Follow-Up

To keep the transition as seamless as possible, schedule appointments with your family physician or orthopedic specialist at home before you leave Arizona. By sharing surgical notes, imaging results, and rehabilitation protocols, it will be easier for your other medical team to pick up where your Arizona providers left off.

Remote Follow-Up

Some patient-forward surgical teams in Arizona, like the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, offer virtual check-ins. These telehealth follow-ups can make it easy for your Arizona-based surgeon to monitor progress, address any questions you may have, and collaborate with your local healthcare providers.

Travel & Lifestyle Considerations During Recovery

Traveling to the United States to schedule shoulder, hip, or knee replacement surgery presents unique challenges. The following travel and lifestyle considerations should be thought through early on to avoid complications.

Flight Planning and Airport Navigation

As mentioned earlier, most surgeons recommend waiting a few weeks before flying to minimize the risk of developing blood clots or experiencing mobility restrictions. You should discuss with your Arizona-based medical team how long you should stay before purchasing your return flight.

After securing your ticket, you should focus on making airport navigation as simple as possible. Some examples of tips that may help you navigate the airport are:

• Consider requesting wheelchair assistance when booking flights
• Arrive early to give yourself extra time to move through security and boarding
• Wear compression socks, especially on long flights, to facilitate circulation

Everyday Adaptations

You should be prepared to make changes to your everyday life during your time in Arizona and after you return home. Some examples of activities you may have to approach differently during recovery are:

• Climbing stairs – Your physical therapist may teach you techniques for safely using steps, but avoiding climbing stairs altogether may be ideal; consider getting a hotel room on the first floor.
• Driving – Most patients are cleared to drive within four to six weeks after surgery, depending on which joint was replaced. Arrange safe transportation in advance through ride-sharing services or a trusted loved one.
• Work readiness – In most cases, returning to desk work is possible shortly after joint replacement surgery. However, physical jobs may require several months of healing before you can resume.

Having family members or caregivers nearby can be beneficial during the recovery process. In addition to helping with transportation, they can reduce strain by meal prepping for you and completing daily tasks. In turn, you can stay focused on recovery.

Cost & Insurance Considerations for Medical Tourism Patients

The most common reason patients travel to Arizona is to avoid the lengthy wait times for joint replacement in Canada, the United Kingdom, or other countries that rely on publicly funded healthcare. Nevertheless, costs and insurance are essential factors to consider for medical tourists, since Arizona functions on a private healthcare system.

Depending on where you get your medical care in Arizona, rehab services may be billed separately from the surgery. Additionally, the housing, meal, and transportation costs that accompany extended stays in Arizona should be factored into your budget.

Insurance Coverage

Generally, Canadian provincial plans do not cover elective surgery abroad in a place like Arizona. However, private or supplemental insurance may help offset the costs of rehabilitation or travel-related expenses. Either way, it is always advisable to confirm coverage in advance.

Value of Faster Care

Although the upfront costs may seem high, as a Canadian patient, there are several compelling reasons to choose a U.S. joint replacement surgeon based in Arizona, including the potential for faster care. 

Some valuable outcomes medical tourists may see thanks to Arizona’s quicker care are:

• Less time with limited mobility due to the shorter wait for surgery
• Immediate access to a structured rehab program, instead of delayed physiotherapy at home
• Prevent unnecessary income loss or the need for long-term disability by returning to everyday life sooner

Building a Smooth Recovery Journey in Arizona

If you are traveling to Arizona for a quicker, more effective joint replacement procedure, rehabilitation planning should not be an afterthought. By preparing for both the Arizona phase of recovery and your transition back home, you can maximize your chances of achieving the best possible surgical outcome.

Arizona offers numerous unique advantages for international patients, including world-class orthopedic expertise, structured rehabilitation facilities, and a climate that promotes healing. So, if you’re a Canadian, British person, or another individual facing long wait times or unsatisfactory care, consider Scottsdale for your medical tourism needs. 

The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale offers a faster path back to mobility and independence. Our team has substantial experience performing minimally invasive, robot-assisted joint replacements that yield outstanding results. Moreover, we offer top-of-the-line post-operative care, both in-person and online, to make things easier for our out-of-town patients.

Prospective medical tourists should contact the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale to learn how we can help guide them smoothly through surgery, rehabilitation, and recovery.