Would you believe you’d be walking shortly after a joint replacement or spinal surgery? At St. John’s Peak Joint & Spine, patients walk a cumulative 2000 feet before leaving the hospital. Early mobility allows for independence, so that getting in and out of bed, the car, walking stairs, or bathing doesn’t always require help. It also helps prevent unwanted complications like blood clots and can shorten your recovery time!
Skilled Therapists
Early mobility is not easily achieved, however. Therefore, physical therapy is a large part of the St. John’s Peak Joint & Spine program. Specially trained therapists work with you to increase strength and grow your range of motion. Physical therapists will help you achieve a range of motion close to 0 degrees when extended, and greater than 95 degrees flexion!
Group Progress
Physical therapy can be hard and frustrating, but you’re not alone. Fellow joint and spine patients walk the halls and do exercises together, where friendly encouragement and collective progress builds confidence. Lindsay Tolle, lead physical therapist for the Peak Joint & Spine program thinks that group camaraderie is a great benefit to patients. “Sometimes patients think they aren’t recovering so well, but suddenly gain a lot of confidence by seeing others around them in the same situation.”
No Surprises
“I think one of the biggest tactics we have for motivating patients is setting expectations,” said Tolle. At St. John’s Peak Joint & Spine we make sure our patients are educated on the full scope of care. Patients are introduced to the Peak program in a pre-op class, so that patients understand the processes and they are prepared on the day of surgery.
