Rapid Recovery for Total Joint Replacement
Recuperate from surgery faster and with less discomfort
Knee, hip and shoulder replacement is no longer just for aging adults. Many active adults and athletes are diagnosed with hip, knee and shoulder conditions requiring total joint replacement surgery. In an effort to lessen the pain associated with surgery and help patients resume their normal activities sooner, Dr. Thomas McGovern and other physicians at Core Physicians have recently begun treating their patients with a new pain management program called Rapid Recovery. This new therapy helps patients to recuperate from surgery faster and with less discomfort.
The Rapid Recovery program uses a combination of medicines before, during and after surgery to minimize pain and maximize a patient’s ability to resume movement. Joint replacement patients treated with the Rapid Recovery program have experienced less pain, decreased nausea and have been able to begin rehabilitation sooner.
The Rapid Recovery Program Uses Three Stages to Control Pain
Stage One
Begins before the operation. Prior to entering the operating room, the patient receives medications that treat different pain pathways. Medications are given before surgery so they are already working when the patient awakens in the recovery room.
Stage Two
Takes place at the time of surgery. During the operation, the patient receives a long acting local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication into tissues surrounding the hip or knee. Once again, this treatment is working by the time the patient is in the recovery room.
Stage Three
Following surgery, patients receive medications that target different pain pathways and minimize the use of narcotics. Treatment begins immediately after surgery and continues throughout the hospital stay.
"The Rapid Recovery program effectively combines medications to address pain before it starts, allowing for lower doses of medication and lessening the side effects such as nausea and fatigue." Tom McGovern, MD
The overall benefits of total joint surgery with the Rapid Recovery program include:
- “Next Generation,” advanced pain management
- Ability to be up and moving sooner combined with progressive rehabilitation
- Comprehensive preoperative education program
- Potential for discharge on post-operative day two or three
- Potential for discharge to home from the hospital
- Rapid Recovery coaching program
- Orthopedic nurse coordinator for program guidance
- Long term follow-up