How Long Does A Hip Replacement Last?

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries, as evidenced by the high patient satisfaction rate.  Replacing damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetics restores a person’s ability to participate in daily activities pain-free. While hip replacement is a major surgery that involves significant recovery time, the results are long-lasting and well worth it. Exactly how long-lasting? Read on for more information about hip replacement surgery and how long it lasts. 

What is arthritis of the hips?

Hip arthritis refers to damage of the hip joints.  While there are many different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. It can damage any joint, but is most often found in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis of the hips occurs when the joint surface cartilage is worn away, resulting in a rough joint surface and a grating sensation inside the joint. The main culprits of osteoarthritis are genetics, age, weight, and lifestyle (such as sports or profession). Hip arthritis causes pain and stiffness in the hips and decreases range of motion, making it difficult to walk, exercise, or participate in the activities of daily living. 

There are a number of non-surgical options for minimizing the symptoms of hip arthritis. These include lifestyle modifications, weight loss, physical therapy, walking supports, and medications. But in severe cases, a hip replacement is often a more effective and longer-lasting solution. 

What is a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure that involves removing damaged or diseased bone and cartilage from the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic components made of some plastic, metal, and ceramic. Hip replacement is major surgery, and is typically only recommended when the patient experiences:

• Hip pain that limits their daily activities

• Limited mobility in the hips

• Hip pain even when resting and not moving the joint

• Continued pain and discomfort even after trying other methods of pain management

Hip replacement surgery has a high success rate and a high patient satisfaction rate. The procedure doesn’t just relieve pain, it restores a person’s quality of life by allowing them to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and participate in activities they enjoy. 

How long does a hip replacement last?

We hate to break it to you, but a hip replacement does not last forever.  It may feel like it, though, as today’s prosthetic hips do last quite a long time— 20 years or more.  Just like with natural hips, the prosthetic hips are susceptible to wear and tear from everyday use. The better care you take of your body, however, the longer your hip replacement should last. There are a few key things you can do to maximize the longevity of your new hip:

• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine

• Avoid high-impact activities

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Work with your doctors and physical therapists to manage your arthritis and stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible

One of the keys to a successful hip replacement is a strong rehabilitation program.  The sooner you get started with physical therapy after your surgery, the better equipped you’ll be to live a healthy, active lifestyle and maximize the longevity of your new hip. 

Physical therapy after hip replacement surgery at Bella Vista Health Center 

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we offer short-term rehabilitation for people who have been discharged from the hospital following surgery but are not yet ready to return home to full independence. Our hip replacement rehab programs are customized to help each patient recover quickly and return to all their favorite daily activities as soon as possible.

For more information about post-hip-replacement rehabilitation or any of our other services, please give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or visit our 5-star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove today.  

Will Knee Replacement Get Rid Of Arthritis?

Knee replacement surgery can be extremely beneficial for people with severe arthritis. With a 95% success rate, this common procedure reduces pain and stiffness, allowing for more comfortable movement and a return to an active lifestyle.  Knee replacement surgery can positively impact a person’s quality of life, but it’s not a cure-all.  If you suffer from painful arthritis in your knees and you’re considering knee replacement surgery to eliminate the discomfort, here’s what you need to know: 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term that refers to joint pain or joint disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. The most common types of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis - a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear and the overuse of the joints; often associated with age, joint injury, or obesity

• Rheumatoid arthritis - an autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation and severe joint damage 

• Psoriatic arthritis - an inflammatory condition characterized by uncontrolled inflammation of the joints

• Gout - pain and inflammation caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint; typically involves flare-ups that last anywhere from 3 to 10 days

The Center for Disease Control estimates that 22.7% of adults in the US (54.4 million people) have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. By the year 2040, they estimate that the number will be up to 78.4 million, or 25.9%. 

What is a knee replacement?

Osteoarthritis of the knees is one of the most common types of arthritis. Inherited bone structure, repetitive injury (as from sports or a profession, such as floor installer or farm worker), and obesity often result in the breakdown of cartilage in the knee. As the cartilage breaks down, the bone-on-bone scraping results in pain, joint stiffness, limited range of motion and other symptoms that can weaken the muscles and increase the risk of falling. The associated pain and discomfort can also result in symptoms of depression. 

Knee replacement surgery is a procedure that involves removing damaged or diseased parts of the knee and replacing them with a prosthesis made of plastic and metal. With proper care, physical therapy, and a healthy lifestyle, the new knee can last 20 years or more. Although high-impact exercises and contact sports are best avoided after a knee replacement, it’s still possible to live an active lifestyle that involves biking, swimming, dancing, hiking, golf, and many other enjoyable activities.

What a knee replacement cannot do

Unfortunately, knee replacement surgery does not cure arthritis. Although it can correct the damage caused by arthritis and relieve the pain associated with the condition, it cannot make the arthritis go away.  After knee replacement surgery, it’s still as important as ever to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, and work with your doctors and physical therapists to manage your arthritis and stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. 

Benefits of knee replacement surgery

Just because your knee replacement won’t cure your arthritis, don’t let that stop you from considering it seriously if you suffer from damaged and painful knee joints. There are several advantages to getting knee replacement surgery, including:

• Pain relief

• Better range of motion

• Improved mobility

• Long-lasting

• High success rates

• Return to enjoyable activities

• Higher quality of life

If you are considering knee replacement surgery, it’s important to remember that physical therapy is crucial.  A strong rehabilitation program after your surgery is the key to a successful recovery. 

Bella Vista Health Center offers short-term Knee rehab in San Diego

The stronger your rehab program is, the higher the likelihood you’ll have a quick and successful recovery. At Bella Vista, we offer short-term rehabilitation for people who have been discharged from the hospital following surgery but are not yet ready to return home to full independence. Our rehab programs are designed to help residents regain strength, balance, and coordination following knee replacement surgery. Our physical and occupational therapists are highly skilled, experienced, and committed to patient safety and recovery.

For more information about post-knee replacement rehabilitation or any of our other services, please give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or visit our 5-star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove today.  

Can Arthritis Be Treated With Physical Therapy?

Arthritis is a painful condition that can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks or participate in pleasurable activities. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are things you can do to reduce your pain and improve your functioning. Physical therapy, in particular, can be used to treat arthritis, improving mobility, increasing strength, and maximizing quality of life.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis refers to swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. There are dozens of different types of arthritis, but the most common include:

• Osteoarthritis - wear and tear causes cartilage to thin and bones to rub together
  Rheumatoid arthritis - immune system attacks healthy joint tissue

Arthritis can affect the ankles, hips, hands, fingers, neck, knees, wrists, or any joint in the body. The pain associated with arthritis can be sudden, sharp, dull, intermittent, or chronic.

Arthritis treatment

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are several different options for treating the symptoms, depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. Medications, acupuncture and massage, and surgery are often used to help manage pain, reduce inflammation and swelling, and maximize range of motion. Certain lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Regular exercise (low-impact)

• Healthy diet

• Meditation and relaxation techniques to manage stress

Although certain healthy lifestyle choices may feel impossible when you suffer from joint pain and stiffness, physical therapy can have a significant impact on your ability to manage your pain and maintain your fitness levels.

Arthritis physical therapy exercises

A physical therapy treatment plan is customized to the individual patient, and the exercises are designed to treat their specific symptoms. In general, whether your physical therapist gives you hip arthritis exercises or knee arthritis exercises, the goal is to improve mobility, increase strength and range of motion, and maintain fitness levels. Here’s how:

Range of motion exercises for arthritis

Simple exercises can improve mobility and flexibility in your joints. Knee arthritis exercises for range of motion may include sitting in a chair and straightening and bending one leg at a time. Shoulder range of motion exercise may include lifting and raising your arms. You’ll typically be instructed to move as far as you can until you feel a light stretch. Your physical therapist will help teach you the proper mechanics and postures.

Strength exercises for arthritis

Evidence shows that building strength in the muscles that help stabilize and support the affected joints can help to prevent or slow the process of arthritis. It’s important to perform the exercises slowly and only make gradual increases in order to keep the body in alignment and maintain healthy postures. Examples of knee arthritis exercises for strength include squats, leg presses, and leg curls. Your physical therapist will give you any necessary modifications to ensure that you stay safe.

Functional movement exercises

Physical therapists are skilled and trained in helping patients to manage pain and maximize functioning, and they do this in a number of ways. While strength and flexibility are important in managing symptoms of arthritis, a physical therapist can also train patients in the use of equipment such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs and walkers. Physical therapists are equipped with the training and knowledge to help all patients maximize their mobility and maintain healthy fitness levels.

Physical therapy can be used in combination with any other arthritis treatment for maximum benefits and maximum quality of life.

Physical therapy for arthritis at Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, CA

At Bella Vista Health Center, our physical therapists are highly trained and experienced in the treatment of arthritis. If you or someone you love is in need of physical therapy for arthritis, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 to schedule a visit to our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove. We’d love to show you around and introduce you to our dedicated team of physical therapists and other skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.

What NOT to Do After Hip Replacement Surgery

The benefits of hip replacement surgery are numerous. Most patients say the pain-relief alone is worth it, and the improved mobility and hip function dramatically improve a person’s quality of life by restoring independence and the ability to participate in pleasurable activities. Studies show that more than 80% of hip replacements last at least 15 years, and more than 70% last at least 20 years, making it a great option for the long-term improvement of problems with severe arthritis in the hips.

But in order to maximize these benefits, avoid dislocation and injury, and get the most out of your hip replacement surgery, there are some precautions you’ll need to take. Read on for more information about what not to do after hip replacement surgery.

What not to do after hip replacement surgery

Whether you’ve just had hip replacement surgery or you’re planning to in the near future, you’ll probably want to know what your life will be like afterward. Life after hip replacement surgery is different for everyone, depending on the type of hip replacement, your overall health, your lifestyle, and other factors. Your surgeon will give you a list of precautions, instructions, and information about what exercises and activities to avoid after your hip replacement surgery, but we’ve listed some of the most common precautions below.

Keep in mind that the restrictions listed below may apply to the time period immediately following your surgery, the 6-12 weeks after, 4 months to a year after, or permanently. The particulars of each will depend on the incision location, the type of hip surgery, and the type of hip prosthetic used. It’s important to remember that your doctor and physical therapist are there to help you heal and maximize your quality of life. Following their instructions will give you your best chance of a quick and lasting recovery.

Some common things to avoid after hip replacement surgery include:

Don’t resist getting up and moving around

Don’t resist getting up and moving around as instructed by your surgeon or physical therapist in the days immediately following your surgery. Although it may feel too early, doing so will help prevent blood clots and help encourage the healing process.

Don’t bend at the waist more than 90 degrees

This includes bending down to tie your shoes, sitting in a low chair, or any other activity that requires bending at the waist. These activities increase the chances of dislocating the new hip.

Don’t lift your knees up past your hips

Just as bending over too far at the waist can dislocate the hip from its socket, the same is true for lifting your knees in a way that raises them higher than your hip.

Don’t cross your legs

Depending on the type of hip replacement surgery you’ve had, crossing your legs (particularly crossing the operated leg over the non-operated leg) might be restricted only in the few days or weeks after your surgery, or for much longer. This action, too, can result in a dislocated hip joint.

Don’t twist or pivot at the hip

As a general rule, try to keep your chest and hips pointing in the same direction as much as possible.

Don’t rotate your feet too far inward or outward

Try to keep your toes and feet pointing in the same direction as your hips as well. This is important whether you’re walking, standing, sitting, or lying down.

Don’t drive until you’re cleared by your doctor

Driving after hip replacement is different for everyone. Some people are able to drive within a couple of weeks of their hip replacement surgery, and others need more time to heal and drive safely. Before you drive, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor so that you know you’re safe on the road and that doing so won’t disrupt your healing process.

Don’t rush the healing process

Although you may be eager to get back to independent living, the last thing you want is to risk re-injuring yourself. If you do not feel ready to tackle the tasks of daily living when you’re discharged from the hospital, you have the option of recovering in a skilled nursing facility. There, you’ll receive the rehabilitative care you need to heal and recover at your own pace.

Rehabilitation after hip surgery at Bella Vista Health Center

At Bella Vista, we’re dedicated to helping residents recover and rehabilitate from illness, injury, or surgery in the safe, nurturing environment of our 5-Star skilled nursing facility. We’ll work closely with your doctor and other members of your healthcare team to create a customized care plan designed to help you regain strength (taking into account which exercises to avoid after hip replacement surgery) and learn to adapt to any permanent restrictions or lifetime precautions.

At Bella Vista, we’re committed to your recovery, and we’ll help keep you comfortable every step of the way. Give us a call today at (619) 644-1000 if you have any questions.

Does insurance pay for skilled nursing facility care?

Skilled nursing facilities offer care and therapy to help patients recover from injury, illness and hospitalization. In addition to short-term care, long-term care is also available for those who are unable to live independently and need daily medical assistance. While the cost of skilled nursing care varies depending on the facility and geographic location, costs usually start in the thousands per month. The first question many people have when looking for skilled nursing care is whether insurance will pay for it. Here’s what you need to know:

Private insurance coverage for skilled nursing facilities

In the event you need to stay at a skilled nursing facility to recover from a short-term medical condition such as an injury or illness that required hospitalization, most private medical insurance policies will pay all or a significant portion of your stay due to medical necessity. Typically, most private insurance policies do not cover the costs of long-term care at a skilled nursing facility. Fortunately, there are specific long-term care insurance policies that you can add to existing coverage or apply for separately before it is needed. Additionally, many life insurance policies allow policy holders to cash out a portion of their death benefits to pay for long-term care.

Medicare coverage for skilled nursing facilities

Medicare, which is a government-sponsored health insurance program for senior citizens, only covers short-term rehabilitation and recovery at skilled nursing facilities. To qualify, patients must have had a qualifying stay in a hospital and a doctor’s recommendation that daily skilled care is needed. Full cost coverage lasts for the first 20 days at the facility, followed by a daily cost ranging from $170-$185 for days 21-100. Coverage ends as of day 101, at which time all costs become the responsibility of the patient. There is often a misconception that Medicare will pay for long-term care at a skilled nursing facility because the program does cover long-term residency at nursing homes. This is an important distinction to be aware of.

Medicaid coverage for skilled nursing facilities

Medicaid is similar to Medicare, but instead of being offered exclusively to senior citizens, the government-backed health insurance is available to everyone below a certain income level. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid covers long-term care at a wider variety of facilities, including skilled nursing facilities, and there is no time limit to the coverage periods. Medicaid coverage for skilled nursing facilities covers all costs, including room and board, any therapies necessary for regular care (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.), medical devices, and personal care items such as incontinence supplies and toiletries. 

Skilled nursing care at Bella Vista Health Center

Whether you need short-term skilled nursing care to recover following hospitalization or long-term care to meet your medical needs and assistance with daily activities, Bella Vista Health Center offers a wide range of services and amenities, along with round-the-clock care from a compassionate staff of medical and therapeutic professionals in our nurturing 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility. For more information about our short- and long-term care programs, or to schedule a tour, call us at (619) 644-1000.

Where is the best place for someone with dementia?

Dementia manifests and progresses differently in each person, which can make it difficult to know when to seek out residential care for a loved one. One person in the early stages of the disease might only need occasional assistance, while another needs daily care. The time it takes to move onto the next stage of care will also vary from one individual to the next. The best place for someone with dementia will depend on their medical needs and level of independence. Here’s a basic overview of the care options available for dementia patients, from custodial assistance to full-time residential care.

In-home care

Most dementia patients prefer to stay in their own home as long as possible. This is usually feasible in the early stages of the disease when the individual only requires basic care, such as food preparation, assistance with personal care and cleaning, and other household tasks. Caregivers in this scenario do not need to be trained medical staff, and are often family members or neighbors willing to lend a hand. However, professional in-home caregivers are also available, enabling the patient to maintain relatively independent living for as long as possible.

Adult day care programs

For patients who are unable to stay home by themselves during the day but are not yet in need of full-time nursing care, adult day care programs offer both supervision and social opportunities with other individuals. Socialization can help keep the mind sharp, and the programs usually offer other cognitive-supporting activities as well.

Adult family homes

Similar to adult day care programs, adult family homes are ideal for patients who cannot live independently at home but are not yet in medical need of full-time residential care. Adult family homes include a limited number of patients as well as staff who can provide minimal medical care if needed. Living with other dementia patients allows for socialization opportunities that can help maximize brain functioning.

Continuing care retirement communities

Offering a tiered approach to care, continuing care retirement communities aid dementia patients at various stages of the disease. Once the patient becomes less independent, they are transferred to areas of the facility that offer more involved care. One of the main benefits of continuing care retirement communities is that the spouses can continue living with the individual during the early stages and remain in the independent living areas even when the patient is moved to a higher level of care.

Nursing home facilities

Once a dementia patient reaches the point where they can no longer live alone and they need more supervision and medical care than an adult care program or group home can provide, nursing home facilities offer around-the-clock medical care and all the amenities needed to help maximize quality of life. Nursing home facilities usually offer a wide variety of activities and socialization opportunities, and if the patient’s condition deteriorates further, nursing facilities are equipped to provide high level care and comfort.  

Memory care units

Many nursing home facilities offer specialized memory care units for patients with dementia, which includes medical care, physical and occupational therapy if needed, and staff that are uniquely trained to care for patients with dementia. Memory care units also offer structured activities that are specifically designed for dementia patients, along with social opportunities such as dances, games, arts and crafts, and more. 

Dementia care in San Diego

Deciding on the right level of care for a loved one with dementia is a difficult task, and if residential care is the best option, Bella Vista can help. Our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility offers a wide variety of amenities and programs aimed at providing each patient with the highest quality of life, along with round-the-clock care from our team of compassionate medical professionals and support staff. For more information about dementia care or to schedule a tour of our facility, fill out our contact form or call us at (619) 399-7920.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients

One of the most surprising and unfortunate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the long-term symptoms in survivors of the disease. According to studies, approximately 80% of COVID-19 patients developed one or more long-term symptoms, which can include fatigue, headache, coughing, mental disorders, and chronic pulmonary issues. Patients who were hospitalized or placed on a ventilator are even more susceptible to lingering pulmonary issues, but pulmonary rehabilitation can be an effective way to manage them.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Most commonly used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), pulmonary rehabilitation is a program consisting of education and exercise. Pulmonary rehab aims to enhance lung function by increasing lung volume, while also increasing patient awareness of the lungs and the disease that is affecting their function. Rehabilitation therapists help patients learn to exercise using specific breathing techniques, and offer guidance on nutrition, relaxation, and strategies for living better with COPD or other pulmonary conditions. 

What are the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation?

In addition to regaining lung volume lost due to COVID-19, COPD or other pulmonary conditions, pulmonary rehabilitation programs offer several benefits, including:

• Reduced shortness of breath

• Improved breath control

• Increased strength and endurance

• Improved appetite and sleeping patterns

• More control over stress and anxiety

• Overall empowerment to be more active, social and independent

• Overall improved quality of life

What kind of exercises are used during pulmonary rehabilitation?

Exercises during pulmonary rehabilitation help maximize lung and heart functioning. Exercise programs can be one-on-one or part of a group session. Exercises are organized in four main components:

Lower body: Leg workouts may include walking on a treadmill or around a track, gradually escalating to intense stair climbing.

Upper body: Because the muscles in the upper body are important for proper lung function, chest and arm exercises are employed, often using equipment for resistance. 

Breathing: Patients with weak breathing muscles can strengthen them by blowing through a mouthpiece against resistance. 

Strength training: Building endurance is important for lung function, but building strength is important as well, with patients using weights and other equipment to increase muscle strength.

How does pulmonary rehabilitation help COVID survivors?

A recent study into pulmonary rehabilitation for patients hospitalized with COVID-19 showed that the sooner patients participated in pulmonary rehabilitation, the better their outcomes over time. After an average of 21 days in the rehab program, the distance patients could walk in a six-minute period improved 180%, from 120 meters to 337 meters. Patients also regained normal lung volume and capacities, their leg and handgrip strength improved, and researchers noted a reduced risk for anxiety and depression. Researchers also found that the longer a patient waited to begin pulmonary rehabilitation, recovery would be slower and less effective. 

Pulmonary rehabilitation for COVID-19 patients in San Diego

If you or a loved one is recovering from COVID-19 and are planning to enroll in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, come see us. Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego offers a holistic approach to rehabilitating patients back to a high quality of independent living. For more information on our programs or to schedule a tour of our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility, fill out our contact form or call us at (619) 399-7920.

Physical Therapy after knee replacement surgery

The knee is the most commonly replaced joint in the body. Total knee replacement surgery is needed when there is damage from bone diseases or a fracture that doesn’t heal properly, or when knee pain or alignment problems cause difficulty walking or performing daily activities. The rehabilitation process after surgery is crucial for maximizing mobility restoring functionality. Physical therapy after knee replacement surgery will ensure that you gain the full benefits of the surgery.

Benefits of physical therapy after knee replacement

Regaining strength and range-of-motion after knee replacement surgery is crucial to recovery. Gentle exercises will help you bear weight on your new knee joint, and performing range-of-motion exercises prevents scar tissue from limiting the new joint’s flexibility. Other benefits of physical therapy after knee replacement include:

• Enhanced mobility

• Improved blood circulation

• Reduced or eliminated pain

• Improved muscle function

• Improved balance

• Strengthened core

For the first two weeks after surgery, your recovery goal will focus on healing the incision, decreasing swelling, and managing pain, but afterward you can begin physical therapy, which usually lasts between four and eight weeks.

Physical therapy treatments after knee replacement

After an initial evaluation, your physical therapist will create a customized treatment program based on your needs and abilities. While the specific exercises and recovery time may vary, treatment plans generally include a similar slate of exercises.

Range of motion: To improve your new joint’s range of motion, the physical therapist will employ equipment such as stationary bikes in addition to assistive exercises that move your joints in a specific, targeted way.

Strength: The muscles around your knee tend to decrease in strength following surgery, so your physical therapist will prescribe strengthening exercises for your quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles. The therapist might also use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to contract your quadriceps muscle in order to build strength.

Balance: Decreased strength and range-of-motion in your knee can also severely affect your balance, which is why physical therapists use BAPS boards (flat discs with a hemisphere screwed to the bottom) and single-leg standing exercises to help regain normal balance.

Gait training: As most knee replacement patients start physical therapy using a walker or cane, gait training exercises can help you restore your normal gait without the use of an assistive device.

Scar tissue management: The scar on the front of the knee after surgery tends to feel tight and can limit mobility.  Physical therapists use techniques such as scar tissue massage and mobilization to ensure the scar and skin around it move normally.

Functional and activity-specific training: When you can walk freely without pain, your physical therapist will introduce activities that were common before surgery, such as crossing a busy street or getting on and off an escalator. Therapists can also help you with specific physical activities necessary for your job or hobbies, including climbing a ladder or swinging a golf club.

Length of physical therapy for knee replacement

Everyone heals at different rates. Pre-existing health conditions and other factors can lead to longer recovery times from knee replacement surgery. While the average length of physical therapy for knee replacement is four to eight weeks, the duration of your therapy could be shorter or longer. It’s also important to remember that many patients do not feel completely healed and mobilized when therapy comes to an end. Most physical therapists teach their patients a variety of at-home exercises so they can continue making further gains in recovery.

Physical therapy after knee replacement surgery in San Diego

If you are scheduled for knee replacement surgery and you’re looking for physical therapists who specialize in joint replacement recovery, come see us! Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego offers customized therapy plans and a team of compassionate medical professionals who will strive to get you back to independent living. For more information about our orthopedic rehabilitation options or to schedule a tour of our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility, call us at (619) 644-1000.

What is a Cardiac Rehabilitation program?

According to the CDC, about one in four people who have had a heart attack will have another one in their lifetime. The chances of having a second heart attack are greatly reduced, however, if patients go through a cardiac rehabilitation program, which strengthens the heart and encourages healthy living for overall wellness. If you or a loved one has recently suffered a heart attack, here’s what you need to know about how cardiac rehabilitation can help:

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised exercise and educational program that helps patients strengthen their heart and live healthier lives. A team of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, and other health care specialists will create a customized program that fits your lifestyle and medical needs. The main goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to lower the likelihood of future heart problems. Through the program you will learn to:

• Improve physical fitness

• Exercise safely

• Manage other cardiovascular risk factors

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet

People who complete cardiac rehabilitation programs gain greater control of their health and report feeling better both physically and emotionally. 

How does cardiac rehabilitation help?

In addition to strengthening your heart and body after a heart attack and reducing the chances of another incident, cardiac rehabilitation offers many short and long term benefits:

• Relieves symptoms of heart problems, including chest pain

• Reduces stress and improves mood

• Increases energy and strength to make daily activities easier

• Builds healthier habits 

• Promotes consistent use of prescribed medications that lower the risk of future heart problems

Cardiac rehabilitation is the key to optimizing your heart health for the long-haul. 

What happens during cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation programs usually last around three months, with sessions a few times a week. In general, programs include a combination of supervised exercise training to improve cardiovascular fitness. Exercises will include both aerobic exercise and strength training using weights or elastic bands and will be personalized according to your physical abilities and the severity of your heart condition. Sessions will also include nutrition counseling to improve your diet, education about your condition so you’re fully informed about your health, and skills-building activities and emotional support.

Who needs cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation is important for anyone who has recently had a heart attack, heart transplant, or heart surgery for other cardiovascular conditions. Unfortunately, studies show that women tend to be less likely to enroll in a rehab program after heart problems, and older adults are also more reluctant due to a belief that they are unable to exercise. This puts them at higher risk for future heart problems. The good news is that cardiac rehab specialists create customized programs to work around anyone’s perceived obstacles, so everyone can reap the benefits and strengthen their heart.

Where are cardiac rehabilitation programs available?

While some cardiac rehabilitation programs are available in the hospital, most programs are offered at rehabilitation centers that have all the necessary equipment and personnel on site. Your surgeon or cardiovascular doctor can help you find and select a local rehabilitation center that will get you on the path toward heart-healthy living.

Cardiac rehabilitation in San Diego

Bella Vista Health Center offers cardiac rehabilitation programs in San Diego that are focused on helping patients regain their independence and live healthier lives at home. Our customized programs and team of compassionate medical professionals are committed to helping you meet your recovery goals. For more information about cardiac rehabilitation or to schedule a tour of our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility, call Bella Vista Health Center at (619) 644-1000. 

Does Medicare Pay for Rehab After Hip Surgery?

Many hip surgery patients are discharged from the hospital before they’re ready to live independently at home. Skilled nursing facilities like Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego provide a safe and comfortable place for patients to transition back to independent living. With access to a range of healthcare providers and rehabilitative services, residents are empowered to participate in their recovery while receiving the care they need to restore strength and functioning and get back to their personal best. 

At Bella Vista Health Center, we often field calls from patients who have recently undergone or are preparing to undergo hip surgery, and who want to know if Medicare pays for rehab after hip surgery.  The short answer is yes. But that wasn’t the case just two years ago. Prior to 2020, total hip surgery was on a list of procedures that only qualify for inpatient medicare coverage, not rehabilitation coverage. In 2020, however, total hip surgery was removed from that list, making it available now for rehabilitation coverage through Medicare. There are, however, some stipulations, which we’ll cover in the longer answer below. Read on for more information about Medicare and hip surgery rehab.

Medicare and inpatient rehabilitation

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A, you’ll be happy to know that it covers medically necessary inpatient rehab care as long as your condition and the facility meet the qualifying requirements. 

First, your rehabilitation must be confirmed by your doctor as a medical necessity that requires:

• Intensive rehabilitation

• Continued medical supervision

• Coordinated care from doctors and rehabilitation specialists

Additionally, your hip surgery rehabilitation must also take place in a qualifying facility, which includes:

• Skilled nursing facility

• Inpatient rehab facility

• Acute care rehab center

• Rehabilitation hospital

It’s important to note that Medicare will only cover your rehabilitation if your initial hospital stay consists of three consecutive days at a Medicare-approved hospital.  Overnight stays for testing or observation, emergency room visits, and discharge days do not count toward the three-day rule.  Certain other procedures on Medicare’s “inpatient only” list do not qualify rehabilitation coverage and cannot count toward the three-day rule. Hip replacement surgery and knee replacement surgery used to be on that list, but both were removed (in 2020 and 2018, respectively) and are now covered as long as other requirements are met. 

Medicare and rehabilitation coverage

Your stay in Bella Vista Health Center’s skilled nursing facility or other qualifying rehabilitation facility will be covered by Medicare, and nearly everything will be paid for, including:

• Rehabilitation therapies

  • Physical therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Speech and language therapy

• Nursing services

• Medical social services

• Dietary counseling

• Meals

• Medications

• Other hospital services and supplies 

• A semi-private room

A few things not covered by Medicare include:

• A private room (unless deemed medically necessary)

• Private nurses

• A television or a phone in your room

• Socks, toothpaste, razors, or other personal items (except those provided by the facility as part of your stay)

In a skilled nursing facility, Medicare covers your rehabilitation for up to 100 days.  For the first 20 days, the only amount you’ll need to pay is your $1,364 deductible. However, if you’ve already met your deductible through the hospital stay immediately prior to being transferred to the skilled nursing facility, you will not need to pay it again. From days 21 to 100, you’ll be responsible for a $185.50 copay per day. And after 100 days, you’ll be responsible for all costs incurred. 

The above information is general and meant to provide you with a ballpark estimate of standard coverage, but there may be additional information regarding your medicare coverage.  The best way to determine how much you’ll pay out of pocket or what your plan covers is to check with your plan provider for details. The more information you have going into your hip replacement surgery, the more you’ll be able to focus on your recovery when it’s over. 

Looking for hip surgery rehabilitation in San Diego? Visit Bella Vista Health Center

At Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego, we offer a wide range of top-notch rehabilitative services, including comprehensive hip surgery rehabilitation programs. If you’re looking for hip surgery rehab for yourself or for someone you love, give us a call at (619) 444-1000 or come visit our 5-star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove today.