Brookings Health Launches Free Joint Replacement Education Sessions

Brookings Health System is launching Joint Camp, a free, 60-minute educational session for individuals in our community who are having, or are thinking about, knee or hip joint replacements. Initial sessions will be held on Sept. 25, Oct. 30, Nov. 27 and Dec. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brookings Hospital, Conference Room A.

Joint Camp introduces patients to team members, services and steps they can take to have the best outcome possible from their joint replacement and successfully return to their activities of daily living. The camp focuses on Mako robotic-arm assisted joint replacements which Brookings Health added to its line of available orthopedic services this past spring.

“The goal of Joint Camp is to answer any questions patients, or potential patients, may have before their joint replacement. We want to get them in the mindset of what it will take on their part to have a successful procedure,” said Operating Room & CSR Director Candy Johnson. “Statistics show that preparing for joint replacement helps speed-up patient recovery and increases a patient’s satisfaction with a new joint.”

Joint Camp is presented by team members who regularly assist patients on their joint journey, including nurses and therapists. Topics covered include an explanation of joint pain, physical and occupational therapy preparation, how to prepare the home for safety, what to bring with to the hospital and what to expect the day of surgery. In addition, patients will learn about available services to help them plan for recovery and going home, including swing bed, short-term rehabilitation, home health and outpatient therapy.

Patients are also encouraged to bring along a support person to Joint Camp. The support person will work with the patient to learn therapeutic exercises and expectations for post-surgical care.

“People who have joint replacement surgery have several restrictions, including driving and heavy lifting,” said Johnson. “The support person should plan on helping with those restrictions as well as any other needs the patient has during recovery.”

After attending Joint Camp, patients will have the necessary tools and understanding for a successful joint replacement surgery. Individuals interested in attending Joint Camp may register for an upcoming session online at www.brookingshealth.org/JointCamp or call (605) 696-8888.

Brookings Health System offers local, complete orthopedic care with leading-edge technology and procedures. Orthopedic services help patients at any age reduce pain, improve function and maximize quality of life. From emergency services to surgical care to therapy, Brookings Health tailors high-quality orthopedic care to patients’ unique needs. More information may be found online at www.brookingshealth.org/Orthopedics.  

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, and medical clinics in Arlington, White and Volga, South Dakota. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.