Pre-Op Joint Replacement Class

If you are going to have joint replacement surgery at Regions Hospital, we encourage you to attend this class. We also encourage you to invite a family member or friend to attend the class if that person will be helping you after surgery.

The class is taught by a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist and social worker. The first part of the class is a group information session with other people who will also be having joint replacements. The second part is individual sessions with each therapist or caregiver. The class provides the following information:

1. The nurse tells you what you need to bring to the hospital and how to get ready for your surgery including bathing, taking medications, limiting your eating and drinking, as well as your anesthesia options. He/she also talks about the surgery process and what to expect once you have been transferred to your room.
2. The physical and occupational therapists let you know what you can expect from therapy following your surgery and what equipment you may need. They will also give you information on the anatomy of the joint that is being replaced and show you what the new joint looks like.
3. The social worker talks about discharge options, such as being discharged directly back to home with home care services, or being discharged to a transitional care center where you can continue to receive therapy until you can safely return home.
4. The staff will show you what a typical hospital room looks like, the types of equipment you may use following your surgery, what to expect while in therapy and how nursing will assist you.
5. The therapists will meet with you individually to evaluate your strength, motion and function. They may also show you exercises you should begin doing to help prepare for surgery.

Frequency
The class is held each Thursday and the third and fourth Tuesday of each month.

Location
The class is held the Regions Hospital Rehabilitation Institute, located in the Main Section, on the second floor in room 2118. (Follow the signs to the cafeteria, and just before you get there, the Rehabilitation Institute is on the right side of the hall.) Check in with the receptionist when you get arrive.

Registration
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the class starts so we can help you register. This registration will be verified again when you are admitted for surgery.

Parking
You may stamp your parking ticket in the Rehabilitation Institute to receive a reduced rate for your stay. Please park in the North patient/visitor parking ramp and take the elevators down to the 2nd floor.

If you would like more information about this program or if you have a conflict with your scheduled class date, please call our physical therapy department at (651) 254-2071.