Today in the U.S. our Baby Boomer generation is reaching an average age of 65. With this comes the changes in lifestyles due to pain or limited mobility which ultimately will affect the ability to live independently. Physical therapists are playing an ever important role in the lives of Baby Boomers as advocates as well as healthcare experts who hold the unique skill of helping to promote and maintain mobility and independence.
Thanks to many medical advances in joint replacement procedures there are numerous options available to people who may be living with chronic joint pain/stiffness. Physical therapists play a vital role in the overall outcome and success of joint replacement patients. The actual joint replacement procedure is only the first step. Physical therapy is ultimately what will determine the success of the procedure.
Boomers are expected to need rehab after hip and knee replacements in record numbers, according to a study in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. By 2015, the demand for total knee arthroplasties is expected to double over 2005 levels, according to the study. The demand for hip revision procedures is projected to double by the year 2026.
Those numbers are slated to rise further as baby boomers continue to age. By 2030, boomers are expected to have 3.48 million total knee replacements (up 673% over today’s levels) and 572,000 total hip replacements (up 174%).
In addition to larger health needs, this generation is known for its independence. “In general terms, this generation is highly educated, has a desire to be in control, and wants to maintain their activity level,” she said. “These characteristics are sometimes difficult to reconcile with the trends we are seeing in inactivity and chronic disease, however I do think we will be dealing with a generation that has great access to information, wants the best provider, will be demanding, and will expect to get the best quality for the best price.” (Alice Bell, PT, GCS, director of physical therapy clinical services at Genesis Rehabilitation Services in Kennett Square, Pa.)
Physical therapists play an important role to all patients requiring therapy for post-surgical procedures and it is imperitive they stay up-to-date on the ever changing world of insurance and Medicare.
You can rest assured that the physical therapists at Progressive Physical Therapy stay current on the rapidly changing healthcare environment to bring you the best outpatient physical therapy care possible. Our therapists are members of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) and read the national publications and journals regularly.
Call today if you or someone you know is planning a joint replacement in the near future. We will give you a tour and explain what therapy will entail once you are cleared for therapy from your surgeon.
Please also read the article on the following link: (this article was referenced in this post)
http://news.todayinpt.com/article/20110606/TODAYINPT0105/110603005
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