Joint Replacement

The Total Joint Replacement Center provides comprehensive preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation services for patients undergoing total hip replacement and total knee replacement surgery.

The center is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation specialists, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists and case managers. Working together, these skilled professionals provide a comprehensive range of patient services, including:

• Advance planning for hospital and post-hospital care
• On-site rehabilitation
• Individual physical therapy

Total hip and knee replacement surgeries generally take two to three hours and involve replacing the patient's joint with an artificial joint made from metal or plastic. After surgery, patients stay on the orthopedic unit, to begin recovery and rehabilitation.

A Totally Different Approach

Patients who come to the Total Joint Replacement Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center are surrounded by an atmosphere of caring, comfort and understanding. It's a very different atmosphere than other replacement centers. The staff's goal is to get you back on your feet — both physically and psychologically. For that reason, the staff will not treat you as a "sick patient," but as one who has elected surgery to help improve quality of life.

This means:

• The staff will work to help you develop and maintain a positive outlook throughout the rehabilitation process.
• Your energies will be focused on maximizing functional mobility.
• You will play an active role in your healthcare.

The Total Joint Replacement Center is designed to make the patient's surgical and therapy experience as easy, pleasant and productive as possible. The facilities are laid out so that patients must walk short distances several times a day, promoting activity and reducing the amount of time spent in bed.

Preoperative Joint Classes

All in-person preoperative joint classes have been canceled until further notice. In the meantime, please watch our Preoperative Joint Replacement video.

Learn more about the hospital’s outpatient rehabilitation program >

Postoperative Rehabilitation

Provided on-site, rehabilitation places a greater emphasis on functionality and post-hospital care. Patients will receive physical therapy while they are in the hospital, beginning as early as the day of surgery. Our overall goal is for our patients to return home as quickly as possible. Surgeons may recommend that patients continue physical therapy at home, or that they be admitted to a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility before returning home.