Joint and spine surgery are fairly involved procedures. No one enjoys having
surgery, and because we are dedicated to making your experiences as pleasant
as possible, we have created a special surgery program that emphasize
a faster, safer recovery.
Key Features of the Joint & Spine Center
Wellness Model: Individuals undergoing joint replacement or spine surgery do significantly
better if they see themselves as healthy individuals who are coming to
the health system not because they are sick, but rather because they are addressing
their pain and want to live a better quality of life. They have better
outcomes, quicker recovery, and a quicker return to home.
Comfy Clothes: Our patients do not wear health system gowns. They are expected to bring comfortable
clothes from home, shorts and T-shirts, that they wear during the day,
further encouraging our program’s fundamental concept of wellness.
Cozy Recliners: In-between daytime activities our patients rest in recliners in their room.
Private Rooms: Rooms dedicated exclusively to joint and spine patients.
Dedicated Staff: All Peak Joint and Spine staff have been chosen specially because of their
expertise; positive, upbeat nature; and high motivational skills.
Orthopedic Program Manager: One person, the Orthopedic Program Manager, oversees the patient’s
entire stay, and is a resource before, during, and after discharge.
Patient Education: An informative pre-operative class for patients and families outlines
what to expect across the span of the joint replacement or spine surgery
journey, fosters a reduction in anxiety, and prepares patients for a smooth
transition to home.
Advanced Pain Management Techniques: Our surgeons and anesthesia providers are trained in the most advanced
analgesic techniques that result in less pain and a quicker recovery for patients.
Complementary Therapies: Aromatherapy, healing touch, spiritual care providers, and Pet Partners
dog visits are all available free of charge to improve the patient’s
experience.
Active Daily Schedule: Our joint replacement patients are up and dressed by 7 a.m. the day after
surgery, attend 2 group physical therapy sessions, and walk at least 3
times a day. Spine patients are up walking within an hour after surgery
and encouraged to walk about a mile every day during their recovery.
Early Mobility: Most patients stand or walk on the day of surgery. On average our patients
walk over 800 feet at one time before discharge from the health system.
Daily Newsletters: Each morning, our patients receive a daily newsletter letting them know
what to expect for the day, along with tips for healing.
Comprehensive Guidebook: Education begins in the physician's office where our patients are provided
with a comprehensive guidebook explaining the upcoming surgery, strengthening
exercises, and pre-surgery and post-surgery guidelines.
Coach: Each of our patients chooses a coach—typically a family member or
friend—who is an active participant in the patient's care before,
during, and after discharge from the health system. Coaches are encouraged
to attend classes and participate in daily care of patient so they are
educated and prepared to take care of the patient when they go home.
Group Emphasis for Joint Replacement: Preoperative and discharge education and inpatient physical therapy takes
place in a group setting to encourage camaraderie and foster support and
encouragement among patients. Patients, coaches, and staff eat lunch together
the day after surgery, and are invited to attend a reunion luncheon after
their recovery to share their experience with other patients, staff, and
physicians.
Visual Patient Incentive Board: Patients compete with other joint & spine patients on distance walked
each day. All progress is tracked on a large exercise board that hangs
in the hallway named “Reach Your Peak” where patients race
to the top of The Grand Teton. The exercise board provides visual reinforcement
of goals met each day.
Ongoing Support: Patients receive a call from the Orthopedic Program Manager within 24-48
hours of discharge and are encourage to call at any time with questions
or concerns.
The Better Way Back
Do you have questions about what's involved with spine surgery? St. John's
is a Better Way Back partner, giving potential patients the ability to
connect with former spine surgery patients who want to share their experiences
with you. Learn more and find a patient ambassador at
www.thebetterwayback.org or call
800.745.7099.
For upcoming class dates and to register, contact the Orthopedic Program
Manager at
307.739.6199. Our department can also be reached at
888.739.7499.
Rafael N. Williams, MDOrthopedic Surgery, Orthopedics - Joint Replacement307.733.3900View Profile
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