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Aurora Medical Center

Total Joint School

What is Joint School?

Joint School is a comprehensive program specifically designed for patients in need of hip or knee replacement. Joint School emphasizes an educational, patient-centered approach to the joint replacement experience to help minimize your anxiety. We educate you about the entire process so you know what to expect before, during, and after your surgical procedure. 

Prior to your surgery, we strongly recommend you attend a Joint School orientation session. This pre-operative session will answer many of your questions as well as provide some helpful exercises and hints to better prepare you for the joint procedure. 

In an effort to make your experience a comfortable one, we ask you to identify a family member or friend to be a care partner who can accompany you during your time at Joint School. If you do not have a care partner, we will have one of our volunteer care partners assist you during your stay at our facility.

Total Joint School brochure | Joint replacement timeline

A healing environment

We strongly encourage you to be an active participant in your care. Our holistic approach incorporates healing on all levels – mental, emotional, spiritual, social and physical. Conventional medical therapies and technology are combined with complementary medicine to maximize positive health care outcomes.

During your total joint procedure, you will experience the benefits of our healing environment. Our dedicated orthopedic unit overlooks beautiful Lake Michigan. While at Aurora Medical Center in Manitowoc County, you will have the ability to order room service, receive a complimentary massage, and utilize aromatherapy. After surgery, you will wear your own comfortable clothing.

Small group therapy

Our joint rehabilitation program encourages your quick recovery by introducing activities as soon as possible. If you choose, you will have the ability to participate in small group therapy sessions with other Joint School participants. This serves as an additional support network for you and, overall, results in better outcomes. We encourage group participation throughout your stay, however individual therapy is also available if you prefer. After completing our program, you will graduate by walking across our Joint School podium to receive your "diploma".

Joint School graduation

Upon graduation, your healing process will still continue.  Our dedicated case managers will assist you in providing the necessary home care and arranging your physical therapy and physician appointments in agreement with your surgeon. Our goal is to return you to an active lifestyle, so you can get back to your life.