At Community Memorial Hospital, recovery from knee and hip replacement surgery is active duty. Patients are encouraged to get up and get moving at New York State’s number two rated hospital for joint replacement surgery and the recipient of the HealthGrades 2008 Joint Replacement Excellence Award™.

“We get them going,” says Director of Physical Therapy Julie Dunckel of joint replacement patients and her staff’s philosophy of early mobilization. The department’s therapists visit patients the first day after surgery to get them out of bed and walking. Reactions to a new joint can vary, many patients can’t wait to be up while some are hesitant, so the therapists customize their approaches based on a person’s tolerance.

“Patients can be a little bit nervous and unsure that the new joint will support them,” reports Therapist Tina Johnson, PT, DPT. “Getting patients up right away gives them confidence quicker, lets them feel independent sooner and starts increasing range of motion and building strength.” The goal is for the patients to feel safe and be able to do what they need to do at home on a daily basis – all part of a hospital-wide effort of treatment and recovery that has earned Community Memorial years of five-star ratings.

“Physical therapy is very important in our whole healthcare delivery,” explains Dr. Joe Mannino, a partner with Hamilton Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. “Surgery is just the first step. Physical therapy plays an integral part in getting those joints working and getting patients functioning again.”

Mark Weir injured his knee 30 years ago playing softball and it has plagued him ever since. Despite two arthroscopic surgeries and near constant pain he was told at 48 he was too young for a joint replacement until he went to Dr. Ray Meeks of Hamilton Orthopaedic.

“He took one look at my x-ray and said I was a perfect candidate,” recalled Weir on the first day after his surgery and an initial visit from physical therapy. Johnson, with Physical Therapy Assistant Ron Britton, PTA, stop by Weir’s room in the Intensive Care Unit to see if he is ready to get out of bed and ambulate. He’s eager and travels, with the aid of a walker, an excellent 150 feet flanked by Johnson and Britton, who offer educational tips and encouragement.

“It felt good to get up,” says Weir once he has returned to bed, “But my knee is talking to me now.”

“I thought it would,” says ICU Nurse Penny Davis, who is there to make sure her patient is doing well and is comfortable.

“All through the night, the nurses have been terrific. Everybody has,” says Weir, who decided on Hamilton Orthopaedic and Community Memorial after talking to several people and some Internet research.

“I’m very impressed with the whole outfit.”

Mary Gajewski, who had an arthritic hip replaced, has steps to contend with at home in South Trenton so Johnson and Britton work with her on using a cane and climbing steps in the department.

“We educate patients on what they can and can’t do,” says Johnson. Britton supplies the positive reinforcement. “You make it look easy,” he tells Gajewski after she has mastered the stairs twice.

“It’s really been wonderful,” says Gajewski shortly before being discharged. She is a speech pathologist who has worked extensively in nursing homes and hospitals and was actually born in Community Memorial.

“I really think the smaller setting lends itself to quicker healing. The therapists have been very supportive. They’ve given me a good foundation. I’m tired, I’m sore but my functioning has improved and I’m going to get better and better.”

Like all patients, Gajewski left Community Memorial with a plan created by her surgeon, physical therapy and social services. It is just one of many examples of the teamwork that enhances care and ensures joint replacement patients have the best opportunity to be better than ever.