VALD | Practitioner's Guide to Osteoarthritis and Joint Replacements

Meeting a rising surgical demand with measurable and specific rehab.

With a growing population and rising activity demands, practitioners face increasing challenges in managing the full pathway of joint replacement care. As surgical volumes rise, technology-driven evaluation becomes essential for delivering consistent, high-quality rehabilitation.

This guide combines research and expert insight to help practitioners refine their assessment and treatment of hip and knee replacements, enabling clearer progression, more informed decisions and better outcomes for active patients.

In 20+ years and over 500 TJA cases annually, I've learned that we can't clear a 55-year-old golfer based on walking speed alone. Force plates, dynamometers and timing gates objective key drivers of successful outcomes, demonstrating research-informed methods for reducing injury risk.

Practitioners should not underestimate the power of assessing physical function in patients with osteoarthritis. Even though their joint disease is unlikely to change, if you can show that their range of motion, strength and function are improving – and their symptoms are stable – it can be very empowering for them.

Normative data provides crucial context for understanding where a patient sits today and how their trajectory is shifting over time, and VALD technologies make these comparisons accessible in real time. In joint replacement rehabilitation, these reference points help distinguish true functional change from normal variability, giving patients clearer insight into their progress and reinforcing confidence in their recovery path.

In cases of osteoarthritis and joint replacement, dynamometry testing is an integral part of both initial and ongoing assessment. Regular testing motivates patients to keep working towards targeted strength goals, which ultimately lead to better function.

If you’re not testing, you’re guessing – being able to test strength, power and range of motion objectively has taken my practice to another level. I can effectively guide treatment and easily show patients their progress. I also love using it to support my return-to-activity decisions.

The ability to objectively measure progress has transformed patient engagement and satisfaction – patients feel more empowered and confident in their recovery journey.

Practitioner’s Guide to Osteoarthritis and Joint Replacements

Meeting a rising surgical demand with measurable and specific rehab.

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