Pilates training for use in rehabilitation after total hip and knee arthroplasty: a preliminary report.
Recently, a strong emphasis has been placed on establishing rehabilitation protocols after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty in an attempt to shorten, improve, and standardize the postoperative period of recovery. Less invasive surgical techniques, patient demands, and the pressure of insurance regulations have forced postoperative rehabilitation to be placed on an expedited scale. With these concerns in mind, we introduce a pre- and postarthroplasty program involving the Pilates method. Modified exercises have been developed to account for the postoperative precautions and needs of total hip and knee arthroplasty patients. A patient-driven interest in the use of Pilates for postoperative rehabilitation has led to the development of our programs following total hip or knee arthroplasty. In reviewing our early observations of a small series of patients, it appears this technique can be utilized without early complications; however, further studies are necessary to confirm its utility and safety.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Levine
Brett
B
New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases, NY, USA. BrettLevineMD@gmail.com
Kaplanek
Beth
B
Jaffe
William L
WL
D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome