Guthrie Joint Camp

Information And Options For Treating Joint Pain

A New Approach to Joint Replacement Rehabilitation

Guthrie's Joint Camp is a four-day program designed for people in need of hip or knee replacement. Joint Camp begins prior to surgery, when people begin a physical strengthening program and attend an educational session to learn more about the procedures and what will occur during their hospital stay.

People scheduled for joint replacement surgery are admitted for surgery on a Monday or Tuesday, and group rehabilitation begins. We encourage every Joint Camp participant to choose a rehabilitative coach, usually a family member or friend, to attend the pre-surgery education sessions and helps with rehabilitation.

Guthrie Joint Camp is based on a group care approach to education and rehabilitation. The goal of the program is to increase post-surgical mobility and to improve clinical outcomes and the total joint replacement experience.

Guthrie Joint Camp's multidisciplinary team includes surgeons, surgical technicians, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, physical therapists, therapy technicians, nurses, clinical pharmacists, a social worker, discharge care coordinators and clinic office staff.

Each week, a new group of Joint Camp participants begin their program at Guthrie. Supported by their "coaches," they learn how to care for their new joint. Most people are pleased with their progress.

"We see Joint Camp patients doing more the first day following surgery than most patients do on the day of discharge in an ordinary rehabilitation setting," explains Sue Walker, physical therapy assistant. "More importantly, our goal is to assure that our patients are better able to take care of themselves once they go home."