Three Steps to Faster Recovery
Patient involvement in our three-step program is proven to significantly decrease pain and improve recovery. This program provides a realistic explanation of the expectations for the patient, which helps to reduce the unknown and eases anxiety. An educated patient is better prepared to deal with the surgery and the recovery process.
The Three-Step Joint Replacement Program is the first and only one of its kind in the San Fernando Valley. The goal is to ensure patients are well-educated before surgery and that their house is easily accessible when they return home—all in an effort to help them recover faster.
Here’s a brief overview of the three-step program.
STEP 1: KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Prior to surgery, patients and their caregivers attend a free seminar where they can meet others who are about to undergo the same surgery. A physical therapist and nurse will discuss:
- pre-surgery preparations
- surgical procedures (includes viewing artificial joints)
- what to expect during their hospital stay
- the importance of walking and exercise
STEP 2: PERSONALIZED IN-HOME ASSESSMENT
About three weeks before surgery, a physical therapist visits the patient’s home for a personalized assessment to:
- evaluate the patient’s physical condition
- assess the home and suggest ways to make it safe and meets the patient’s needs after surgery
- recommend equipment prior to and after surgery
- pre-procedure pain questionnaire to gauge the current pain level, as well a history of the pain
STEP 3: HOME RECOVERY PROGRAM
Upon discharge from the hospital, patients receive another home visit. Having met their physical therapist preoperatively, they are more comfortable to discuss any concerns in addition to:
- pain management
- therapeutic exercises and range-of-motion activities
- safety precautions
- equipment usage
- functional mobility
- resuming activities of daily living
Patient involvement in the three-step program can significantly decrease their pain and increase their recovery. The goal is to fully prepare patients before surgery to ease any anxiety and give them the tools they need to recover fast.
Los Robles Homecare Services and Northridge Hospital Medical Center present a
free pre-operative community seminar about knee and hip replacement surgery. Check our community education page for class dates. In partnership with Los Robles Homecare Services, a specially trained orthopedic care licensed physical therapist visits a patient’s home before and after a total hip or knee replacement. For more information about our Three-Step Joint Replacement Program, please call 818-885-8500, ext. 2498.
