Program Activities
Activities include group physical therapy twice a day in the gym and a group lunch for patients, their families and staff. Patients and their families benefit from each other’s camaraderie and support, which promotes faster healing and eliminates the fear factor associated with rehabilitation.
Daily Routines
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Joint Replacement Daily Routine — Day One To assure faster recovery and better future mobility, it is vitally important that patients begin rehabilitation as quickly as possible. Consequently, patients—already well prepared to begin the process—rise at 6:00 a.m. the day after surgery, dress in casual clothing and undergo their physical therapy evaluation as early as 9:00 a.m. Every patient has a comfortable mobile recliner that serves as an important part of the recovery process and is used throughout the day for both leisure and rehabilitation activities such aerobic therapy. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to participate in these therapy sessions. This shared experience builds confidence and a support system, which contribute to successful outcomes. Coaches — whether spouses, significant others, or friends — help cheerlead patients to rapid recovery.
Joint Replacement Daily Routine — Days Two and Three Group physical therapy continues twice a day, and coaches are encouraged to become involved as much as possible in the treatment. The group activities promote a friendly competitive environment. The competition continues outside of group therapy as patients try to walk further than their teammates each day. A team walking board is displayed on the unit and used to help track patient progress and create friendly competition.
When patients and their coaches attend the discharge planning process, the nursing and rehab care team provides post-op care information. Patients and coaches are given a home exercise program designed to augment the strengthening and healing process. The discharge goal of MacNeal’s Center for Advanced Spine and Joint Care is to have patients go directly home on post-operative day three and receive home physical therapy.
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Spine Surgery Daily Routine — Day One To assure faster recovery and better future mobility, it is vitally important that patients begin rehabilitation as quickly as possible. Consequently, patients—already prepared to begin the process—rise at 6:00 a.m. the day after surgery, dress in casual clothing and undergo their physical therapy evaluation (if ordered) as early as 9:00 a.m.
Spine Surgery Daily Routine — Day Two Physical therapy continues as ordered, and coaches are encouraged to become involved as much as possible in the treatment. Much of day two mirrors day one.
Daily Newsletter
Each day, a different newsletter is delivered to the patient, providing a list of daily activities, expectations and tips.
Post-discharge Care
Our relationships with patients of the Center for Advanced Spine and Joint Care continue long after discharge. Follow-up calls give the team an opportunity to monitor each patient’s progress, answer questions and say thanks for choosing MacNeal. Continuous improvement is one of our goals and the measurement of patient outcomes is integral to our success.
Patient Reunions
Reunion luncheons give us an opportunity to reconnect with our patients and learn more about their experience. Patients and a friend or family member will be invited to join some of our doctors, nurses, and therapists for lunch to celebrate their success. This also gives patients an opportunity to catch up with other patients that participated in the program. Complimentary parking is available in the east parking lot south of the hospital.