Education and support
Many of our patients have told us joint replacement has changed their lives by improving lifestyle, improving mobility, and relieving pain. As you approach your day of surgery, it is completely normal to have mixed emotions, or feel nervous about the procedure and journey ahead. We want you to know that we are here to help you.
We have developed a class and patient guidebook to prepare you and your family— and help you achieve your goals.
Joint replacement patient guide
Once you and your surgeon decide on joint replacement surgery, you’ll receive a patient guide for your joint replacement journey that includes all the details — Surgery checklist so you can be prepared, what to expect here in the hospital and a section about going home and all the things you need to know to recover after surgery and illustrations of safe ways to exercise and perform everyday tasks while you’re recovering at home.
It's really important to read this, bring it with you to the hospital and not tuck it on a shelf!
Joint Replacement Patient Guide (click to view pdf version)
Preoperative education class
To make sure you are fully prepared for your joint replacement surgery, we have designed a class for patients like you. The class will help you know what to expect at every step of your joint replacement journey. You will be introduced to the exercises,
tips, and activities that will speed recovery and ensure lasting success. Your class helps you prepare for your experience and provides you an opportunity to clarify any questions or concerns you might have about your procedure or recovery.
We have heard from many of our patients that “the class helped put my mind at ease,” “the class is wonderful,” “I was skeptical of coming to class and wasting time, but am so glad I did! I left feeling more prepared and at ease for my upcoming surgery”
It is very important that you and your coach attend this class. We look forward to meeting you at class!
Your active recovery
There are many goals we have for you before you leave the hospital. Your nurses and therapists will help you achieve these goals before going home.
- Walking with your walker
- Safely performing your activities of daily living
- Understanding your exercises
Many of our patients are doing well enough to leave the day after surgery. However rest assured that we will not discharge you until you have safely reached all your goals.
After you are discharged from the hospital, it is important for you to continue your rehabilitation to successfully regain as much mobility and strength in your new joint as possible. The amount of time needed to fully rehabilitate a joint replacement
varies from patient to patient, but can last several months as both strength and endurance increase.
In outpatient rehabilitation, your therapist will provide guidance on:
- Regaining functional range of motion and strengthening muscles in your new joint.
- Pain management, with the goal to exercise comfortably.
- Returning to independence in daily activities with full-functionality and little or no pain.