Orthopedics This Week reported on a recent study that found that patients who had a one-on-one education session with a physical therapist and access to a web-based microsite prior to joint replacement surgery achieved physical therapy goals more quickly.

HSS physical therapist and lead investigator Rupali Soeters, PT, PhD said "supplemental one-on-one education gives joint replacement patients more information about what to expect and can allay some of their concerns."

"After surgery, patients may be dealing with issues such as fatigue, discomfort or anxiety, and it may not be the most opportune time to give them information about the road ahead," said Amar S. Ranawat, MD, hip and knee surgeon at HSS and senior study author.

According to the article, patients with these additional tools needed fewer physical therapy sessions in the hospital as well.

Read the full article at ryortho.com [subscription required].