The Benefits of Joint Camp
with John Lesko, M.D.,
Good doctors have always known that a well-educated and involved patient has a better chance for recovery. St. Mary's in Milwaukee, St. Mary's in Ozaukee County and Columbia Hospital raised the benefits of education and involvement up a notch, creating support groups among patients who will undergo similar joint replacements.
From pre-surgical education through the weeks of post-surgical physical therapy, at Joint Camp, friendship and peer pressure ease the pain of rehab and keep patients motivated to continue. The results - for patients and physicians - have been rewarding.
According to John Lesko, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon with Columbia St. Mary's, the program has shortened hospitalization and made the transition from hospital to home easier. "In the past, many patients have gone to rehab centers for therapy. Now the vast majority of our patients go home," Dr. Lesko said.
Joint replacement is a major surgical procedure, one that will in all likelihood improve the quality of life for those who need it. However, the outcome varies dramatically depending on how committed a patient is to assisting in their own recovery through physical therapy.
John Lesko, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon
Columbia St. Mary's
"Peer pressure and camaraderie helps move joint replacement patients along."
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Older patients, most already suffering from painful arthritis that makes exercise difficult, may need extra motivation to keep going in therapy following surgery. Joint Camp aims to do this by using group dynamics to make rehab easier.
Education, coaching and group support
Once patients have made a decision for joint replacement, they're given a loose-leaf binder with information on the procedure and asked to sign up for a special class prior to surgery.
The class covers surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy and the transition back to home. Patients learn how they can help diminish risks for infection, blood clots or poor outcome due to weak or stiff joints.
Whenever possible, patients are asked to attend the class with a family member or friend who will act as their coach. This person will hear the same information as the patient and can help guide a patient through the post-surgical rehab.
In addition, the patients will be in a class where they meet others who will undergo the same procedure. "They may see these same people in the hospital and certainly in rehab. Seeing how others are doing with their rehab will give them an idea of where they sit, and will help move them along in their own rehab," Dr. Lesko said.
The doctor added that patient education is hardly new, but the joint camp concept is. "A week before surgery my patients have always come in to go over the procedure and sign a consent form. They used to have a lot of questions. Now when they come in, they've already had most of these answered," Dr. Lesko said.
Contact Dr. Lesko's office for further information.
John F. Lesko, MD
North Shore Orthopaedics SC
13133 N Pt Washington Rd 116
Mequon WI 53097
(262) 243-3100
Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
