CCfJR Rehabilitation Program
Rehabilitation is a critical part of successful joint replacement surgery. The CCfJR Rehabilitation Program has four main components:
Pre-Op
Rehab actually starts before surgery with a home visit by a specially trained Home Health/ VNA Physical Therapist, at which time pre-operative exercises are reviewed, equipment recommendations are made and a safety assessment of the home environment is completed.
Post-Op
Immediately after surgery, therapy is begun by the Porter Hospital in-patient Physical and Occupational Therapy staff, with goals of early mobilization out of bed, therapeutic exercises to get the replaced joint working and training in use of adaptive equipment that may be helpful upon the patients return to home. The in-patient rehab staff is highly trained, energetic and motivating.
Post Acute Rehabilitation
Upon discharge from the hospital (usually 3 – 5 days after surgery) many patients are able to return directly home. For patients who live alone or who may need more post-operative assistance, a brief stay in a rehab facility may be indicated.
Most CCfJR patients who need short term rehab utilize the Post Acute Rehabilitation Unit at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center on the Porter Medical Center campus in Middlebury.The Post Acute Rehabilitation Unit specializes in short-term rehab of orthopedic patients in their transition between hospital and home.
Home Rehabilitation
Once you are home, out-patient therapy is initiated by Home Health/ Visiting Nurse Association therapy staff, with a continuation of exercises begun in the hospital, and increased emphasis on resuming activities of daily living.
Some patients continue their rehab in an outpatient setting once they have regained mobility and no longer need homecare. Porter Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Services (“PROS”), with offices at Porter Hospital, Catamount Park in Middlebury, Little City Family Practice on Armory Lane in Vergennes, and at Neshobe Family Medicine in Brandon, as well as other area private physical therapy offices, provide progressive physical therapy to CCfJR patients until they are fully independent.
CCfJR Highlights
- Surgeons are experienced, proficient, board-certified orthopedic surgeons who live and work in the community.
- Surgery is performed in the new, state-of-the-art Surgical Care Center at Porter Hospital.
- Surgical scheduling is handled by a dedicated CCfJR staff member who arranges all pre-operative appointments and who serves as an important resource for patients and their family members.
- Primary Care Physicians are considered part of the CCfJR team and are involved in patients’ care.
- A coordinated care program for each patient is ensured by the supervision of the CCfJR staff in concert with Porter Medical Center and local Home Health / Visiting Nurse Association organizations.
- Each patient is treated as an individual, with his or her own specific needs identified and addressed to make their joint replacement surgery a positive experience.