Before Joint Replacement Surgery

Pre-Op Exercises

Preparing for Your Surgery & Post-Discharge Care

• Register here to attend our complimentary Joint Care Orientation class (optional, but recommended).

• Patients who attend Joint Care Orientation prior to surgery typically have a much better experience than those who do not.

• Park in the main parking lot. Enter the lobby and notify the receptionist that you are attending Joint Care Orientation Class. A staff member will greet you and direct you to the classroom.

• Begin discussing your discharge plans with family and friends. Information will be provided at Joint Care Orientation about equipment needed, therapy and household arrangements.

• If you take arthritis/anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinner medication or aspirin, notify the physician who prescribed the blood thinner that you are having joint surgery. This will ensure coordination between physicians.

• Practice cough and deep breathing exercises.

• Practice your total joint exercises as instructed by the physical therapist during orientation.

• Complete a home safety assessment. Information will be provided during orientation.

• Follow the Anesthesia Fasting Guidelines about eating or drinking before surgery. Most home medications can be taken with a sip of water the morning of surgery, but some specific medications should not be taken. Medication instructions for morning of surgery will be discussed at your Pre-Admission appointment. View the guidelines. Blood thinners need to be discussed with your surgeon.

• No makeup, jewelry, hairpins or nail polish should be worn on the morning of your surgery. Leave all valuables and cash at home.

• Shower with the special soap (CHG) you received during your Pre-Admission Testing Appointment. View CHG shower instructions. 

• Call the Joint Care clinical education specialist at (256) 817-5368 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions.

Joint Care Links

Exercise Videos for Patients