ROCKPORT and BELFAST — When it comes to a successful total joint replacement, being prepared can make a world of difference.

That’s the idea behind classes now offered to patients scheduled for total knee or hip replacements at Pen Bay Medical Center or Waldo County General Hospital.

“The more patients can do ahead of time, the easier their rehabilitation is going to be,” said Susan Volmer, a physical therapist at WCGH who has taught these classes at WCGH for several years, with a brief hiatus during the early days of COVID.

At PBMC, Nurse Practitioner Sarah Dingle and Physical Therapist Nicole Brooker started offering in-person classes earlier this year. Previously, they were held virtually.

During class, participants learn the physical therapy exercises they will need to do after surgery. Dingle, a provider at Pen Bay Orthopedics, said practicing the exercises prior to surgery helps strengthen the legs, which makes for an easier recovery. The classes also teach participants how to prepare their homes for when they return from surgery.

“The biggest part of the class is trying to teach participants to anticipate what their needs are going to be when they are less mobile immediately after surgery and while walking with a walker,” Volmer said.

Topics include pain management, getting out of the car, using the bathroom, getting in and out of bed, and using adaptive equipment like walkers, sock aides, reaching tools and more. Patients are usually scheduled for their single-session class about a month before surgery. They are encouraged to bring a family member or support person with them, and leave with all the information they need to be ready for surgery and recovery.

According to Leanne Temple, a medical assistant at WCGH Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, the advance preparation pays off for patients in another way – most patients who have the surgery at WCGH are able to go home the same day.

“They have the skills needed to go home and take care of themselves,” Temple said.

Joint replacement surgery is removing a damaged joint and putting in a new one. It may benefit people who have difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, dressing or climbing stairs. If you are experiencing difficulty with these activities, talk to your primary care provider to find out if joint replacement may be an option for you. Your provider may give you a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon for evaluation. Joint replacement may be necessary if non-surgical treatment, such as physical therapy, medicine and lifestyle changes fail to help pain and disability.

“Having a total joint replacement is a big undertaking,” Dingle said. “We want our patients to know what to expect so they can have the best outcome possible.”

For more information about joint replacement, visit: Joint Replacement | MaineHealth

About Pen Bay Medical Center

Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.

Waldo County General Hospital

Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit wcgh.org.