Joint Replacement

St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood and St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor each offer the comprehensive Joint Camp program for patients who are undergoing surgery to replace hips and knees affected by trauma or arthritis.

Joint Camp

Joint Camp removes the mystery from joint-replacement surgery by enabling small groups of patients to go through the process together —from pre-surgical education and surgery, to recovery, rehabilitation and discharge.

By involving patients in the process from the beginning, joint replacements become more positive, successful experiences.

During pre-operation education, patients learn about all aspects of total joint surgery and rehabilitation, such as anesthesia, the basics of joint anatomy, medications and what to expect after surgery.

In post-surgical rehabilitation, therapists demonstrate exercises that help strengthen muscles as well as the types of equipment that patients may need to use during their recovery. This includes crutches, walkers, and even a small device that helps patients put on their socks.

Joint Camp participants share an array of fun activities, including a miniature golf tournament, and they are even treated to a gourmet dinner before going home after surgery. There’s even a reunion party at which Joint Camp “graduates” meet again and share their success stories.

The unique program has consistently resulted in satisfied patients, physicians and other healthcare professionals.

In this atmosphere of mutual support and intense rehabilitation, Joint Camp patients become motivated, experience shorter hospital stays and have speedier recoveries than in traditional surgical settings. Our patients—the “campers”—support each other, make new friends and have better outcomes.

Call 253-426-6004 for more information about the Joint Camp experience.