Satellite pre-habilitation programs help joint patients prepare for surgery closer to home

Hip replacement patient Alexander Doggett out for a post-surgery canoe trip.

Alexander Doggett had his first hip replaced at Valley Regional Hospital last November. The summer was already on his mind before undergoing his second hip replacement in March 2020.

“I am looking forward to being in shape. I want to get back in my canoe,” he said.

The Hunts Point resident began discussing joint replacement surgery with his orthopedic surgeon in 2017. At that time his osteoarthritis was causing joint pain and stiffness, but he wasn’t ready.

However, his condition began to deteriorate quickly.

It was getting much harder for the outdoorsman, lifelong car enthusiast and former teacher to do things he enjoyed, like getting down to work under cars and spending time on the lake.

He decided it was time to say yes to surgery.

Last year he took part in an eight-week prehabilitation program at Queen’s General Hospital.

He found the program helpful to deal with his mobility issues and appreciated the camaraderie he found with others going through the same thing.

Nova Scotia Health has offered prehabilitation through Orthopedic Assessment Clinics linked to its five joint replacement sites. This includes clinics in Kentville, Dartmouth, Halifax, New Glasgow and Membertou.

Satellite clinics are also offered in various communities, helping reduce the need for patients to travel for some appointments and prehabilitation.

“We know travel can be a barrier due to the time commitment, costs and discomfort patients can experience with long road trips,” said Sally Blenkhorn, manager, Orthopedic Assessment Clinic and Prehabilitation for the Annapolis Valley, South Shore and South West Nova areas.

“We are pleased to offer satellite prehabilitation in Bridgewater, Liverpool and Yarmouth.”

Prior to COVID-19, each month up to 40 patients were taking part in the program through Valley Regional Hospital or its satellite locations.

Similar satellite clinics are also offered in other parts of the province, including Sackville and Inverness.

“If I hadn’t been able to do my prehabilitation classes at Queen’s General, I probably wouldn’t have attended,” said Doggett.

Looking back he has nothing but positive things to say about his experience, beginning with his pre-operation visit.

“All those taking part were friendly, informative and did not make me feel rushed. The process left me feeling I was in good hands.”

He notes that his experience following surgery continued to be very positive thanks to the clinic and nursing staff, physiotherapy department, volunteers, x-ray staff, all of whom he found caring and friendly.

“I was back home the next day and found all this quite amazing, and it is your clinic that makes it possible. I felt well prepared for my surgeries.”

Note: Orthopedic Assessment Clinic/Prehabilitation teams are exploring alternative ways to continue supporting patients to manage their conditions and prepare for surgery, recognizing the ongoing need for COVID-19 precautions like social distancing.