The Zimmerman File: Joint Surgery, 2006 style

Physical therapy is draining and painful. That's why you will want to choose your therapist ahead of time. Look for someone who not only is skilled but will encourage you. Be patient and look for steady gains. Work hard to get a range of motion back. Rest as needed and use warm and cold ice packs to reduce discomfort. As you do your PT at home, have someone who loves you notice your gains and comment on them. It will take several weeks of intense therapy to get you mobilied and then several months to gain your full strength and mobility back to your pre-injury condition. However, the effort is well worth it and in many cases you will be better than before. Trust me, I know.