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Joint Camp combines encouragement and competition for quicker recovery from hip and knee replacement
01/15/2007
It's probably not like any camp you know - it doesn't even come with a t-shirt - but 'Joint Camp' at New Hanover Regional's Orthopedic Center at Cape Fear Hospital has helped more than 3,000 hip and knee replacement patients get moving after surgery.

Joint Camp, now four years old, offers a group approach to therapy, both before surgery and through the initial days of rehabilitation after surgery. Before their surgeries, patients attend a class that covers what to expect from the surgery and recovery. They learn what exercises to do and what to eat. After their joint replacements, participants meet again for two group therapy sessions which combine encouragement and competition to get patients moving.

'The good thing about Joint Camp is there's this team morale that gets them involved,' said Kimberly Collins, an assistant physical therapist who leads the sessions. 'The patients push themselves harder, and it's good mentally and socially to get out of their room.'

Helena Simmons, who had both her knees replaced, attended Joint Camp with a neighbor who also had a knee replaced. 'I'm trying to outdo my neighbor,' joked Mrs. Simmons.

Despite the obvious discomfort that comes with trying to move joints and muscles after surgery, there is a lot of joking during the therapy sessions.

'We try to joke and laugh and make it a group atmosphere,' said Collins.

The group includes friends and family members of the patients who act as 'coaches.' The training they receive at the hospital prepares them to help the patients when they return home. Coaches learn how the exercises should be done so they help patients continue with them and speed their recovery.

Ms. Simmons' daughter, Theresa Jackson, attended the sessions with her. She'll be staying with her mother for two weeks after she is discharged from the hospital.

'It's helpful,' said Mrs. Jackson. 'I wouldn't have known what to do.'

Most participants in the Joint Camp program are in relatively good health other than their joint pain. Campers generally find their recovery time short and most are ready and able to leave the hospital in about four days. Typically, they'll participate in outpatient therapy for another two to six weeks and be back to a normal lifestyle within three to six months.

Orthopedic surgeon Doug Messina, MD, says his patients have found the program to be very beneficial.

'I think the ability to participate with other patients in therapy helps them through the first few days of recovery, which can be the most difficult,' said Dr. Messina.

Mrs. Simmons says her Joint Camp experience has been good.

'I think it's very nice,' said Mrs. Simmons. 'You relate to other people and see how they progress. It inspires you.'

For a referral to a physician who participates in Joint Camp, call VitaLine at 815-5188.


Joint Pain Seminars



If you are interested in learning more about joint pain and the options available for treatment, you are invited to attend one of the following free seminars. Each will be held at Cape Fear Hospital in the third-floor education room.

January 23, 6 p.m.
February 20, 11 a.m.
March 30, 11 a.m.
April 12, 6 p.m.
May 17, 11 a.m.
June 21, 11 a.m.
July17, 11 a.m.
August 16, 6 p.m.
September 18, 11 a.m.
October 25, 6 p.m.
November 20, 11 a.m.
December 13, 6 p.m.

To reserve a spot, call VitaLine at 815-5188.

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