Finding Relief After Total Hip or Knee Replacements
Hip and knee replacements are among the most common surgeries in the United States. Every year, surgeons perform around 800,000 knee replacements and 450,000 hip replacements — and that number is expected to grow as the population ages.
But the surgeries themselves don’t show the entire picture. While they can offer lasting relief for people suffering from osteoarthritis, they also require extensive rehabilitation to ensure success.
Most people can expect to spend six months to a year restoring the strength and mobility in their lower body. If you skip out on post-surgical physical therapy, especially immediately after your procedure, you might continue to struggle with joint pain and restrictions in your range of motion.
Fortunately, physical therapy at Maccio Physical Therapy can help see you through your recovery and rehabilitation.
Gretchen’s Story: Taking the Stairs Back
Knee surgery can restore joint function, but the real work often happens afterward. Without proper rehabilitation, patients may continue to struggle with pain, stiffness, and limitations in everyday activities. That’s why post-surgical therapy is just as important as the surgery itself.
When Gretchen first arrived at Maccio Physical Therapy, she couldn’t bend or straighten her left knee. Climbing stairs meant using both hands on the railing and moving one leg at a time, and even walking around her home left her in pain. She knew she needed a plan to get her life back.
With her therapist Matt guiding her, Gretchen began a progressive treatment program designed to restore her knee’s strength and mobility. Along the way, she also benefited from hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and improve comfort. The entire staff supported her recovery, making sure she could stay consistent with her appointments.
Here’s what Gretchen’s therapy looked like:
Step 1: Restoring her knee’s ability to bend and straighten with gentle stretches and range-of-motion exercises.\
Step 2: Building strength in her leg muscles to support and stabilize her knee.
Step 3: Regaining balance and function with stair practice and walking drills to mimic daily activities.
Step 4: Returning to pain-free movement — climbing stairs with ease and walking two miles without discomfort.
Today, Gretchen is back to living life without the limitations she once faced. As she says, “Thanks to everyone at Maccio for giving me my life back.”
Our Patients Get Great Results
“When I first began PT, I was unable to live life comfortably. As a result of hip surgery in my youth, I have limited mobility at the young age of 30. A few years ago, I came to Maccio for my neck and back. I knew when my hip pain became unbearable, I needed help. I have gone to other physical therapy doctors over the years and felt like I hardly improved. Going to Maccio again was the best decision I have made. With Matt’s help, I am no longer in pain. Every day, I am able to do things I like to do without the pain I have felt for 15+ years. I will be coming back for maintenance. Working with Matt has changed my life for the better. Everyone at Maccio is friendly and accommodating. Matt is very knowledgeable and really wants to see you get better. Thank you for everything!” – Mackenzie R.
Don’t Let Your 2025 Insurance Benefits Go To Waste!
Take charge of your health today and make the most of your insurance benefits!
If you’ve already met your deductible this year or have funds left in your HSA account, you can take advantage of our remarkable opportunity at Maccio Physical Therapy. Don’t let these valuable benefits go unused!
Mackenzie’s Story: Living Without Hip Pain Again
At just 30 years old, Mackenzie was living with pain that most people don’t expect until much later in life. After undergoing hip surgery as a child, she grew up with limited mobility and chronic discomfort. By the time she returned to Maccio Physical Therapy, her hip pain had become unbearable, affecting her ability to enjoy daily life.
Mackenzie wasn’t new to physical therapy — she had tried other clinics over the years but never felt like she made real progress. A few years earlier, she had found relief for her neck and back pain at Maccio, so when her hip began interfering with her quality of life, she knew where to turn.
Her therapist, Matt, created a treatment plan that targeted the source of her pain while also addressing her long-standing mobility limitations. Together, they focused on:
- Restoring mobility in her hip with gentle stretches and joint mobilizations
- Building stability and strength in the muscles supporting her hip and lower back
- Improving posture and body mechanics to reduce strain during everyday activities
- Developing a maintenance plan to keep her pain-free long-term
Over time, Mackenzie’s pain steadily decreased, and she began to move with confidence again. For the first time in more than 15 years, she could enjoy her favorite activities without constant discomfort.
“Going to Maccio again was the best decision I have made,” Mackenzie says. “With Matt’s help, I am no longer in pain. Every day, I am able to do things I like to do without the pain I have felt for so long. Working with Matt has changed my life for the better.”
Now, Mackenzie plans to continue with occasional maintenance visits to ensure she stays active and pain-free — and she’s grateful to have found lasting relief with the help of the Maccio team.
Sources: https://rheumatology.org/patients/joint-replacement-surgery, https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-total-knee-replacement, https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-total-hip-replacement-arthroplasty, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187706572200077X
Greta, Wills, Fritz, & Roberta’s Corner
The Healing Power of Sleep
Sleep is vital for our well-being. It’s not just a nightly routine but a key to feeling our best. Sleep does more than just refresh us; it helps prevent injuries, speeds up healing after injuries, and keeps our mental health in check.
At Maccio Physical Therapy, we recommend the following strategies to enhance your sleep:
- Sleep Schedule: Research studies emphasize the importance of consistently going to bed and waking up at the same time daily. Also, get exposure to natural light first thing in the morning to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
- Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities before bedtime, such as reading or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
- Optimal Sleep Environment: Keep your bedroom cool (around 65-68°F), dark, and quiet. Invest in comfortable bedding and a supportive mattress.
- Limit Screen Time: Avoid electronic devices like smartphones and computers at least an hour before bedtime to minimize exposure to disruptive blue light.
- Limit Food and Fluid Before Bed: Reducing fluid intake and avoiding late meals in the evening can help prevent disrupting your sleep.
- Avoid Alcohol and Drugs Before Bed: Drinking alcohol or consuming caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime can disrupt quality sleep.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise, particularly earlier in the day, can improve sleep quality.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively affect sleep quality. Stress management techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation, help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia symptoms.
Prioritizing Quality Sleep for a Healthier and Happier Life
Incorporating these strategies into your nightly routine can help you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. Remember, getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things we can do for ourselves!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional but flavorful)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes start to soften.
- Add cream and broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Combine: Add spinach and stir until wilted. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over top. Simmer another 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
