Hip and knee replacement | Northern Health

Hip and knee prehabilitation

A joint replacement can help you relieve pain in your joint and enable you to live a more active and fulfilling life. Research shows that people who are well prepared and fully participate in their care have a smoother and faster recovery after joint replacement surgery. These resources below can help guide you through getting prepared for your joint replacement surgery.

BC surgical patient prehabilitation - Physical activity - YouTube video

Total hip replacement

This will provide you with links to information that will help prepare you for surgery. Please use the resources on this page as a supplement to any instructions from your surgeon, doctor, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist as you prepare for surgery.

Exercise guide for hip replacement surgery (PDF)

Education resources

Energy conservation (PDF) - Northern Health
Hip replacement surgery information (PDF) - Northern Health
OASIS class descriptions (Early Preparation for Surgery Webinar) - Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
OsteoArthritis Service Integration System (OASIS) - Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Total hip replacement checklist (PDF) - Northern Health
Universal hip precautions (PDF) - Northern Health

Equipment resources

Bring your two-wheeled walker and any other equipment recommended to the hospital on the day of your surgery. Please label these items with your name using a luggage tag or masking tape.

Install bathroom equipment (i.e. raised toilet seat, bath bench, etc.) before you come to the hospital, so it is ready for you when you get home.

Items such as dressing aids, reachers, and cushions should be purchased before surgery. Some Northern Health sites have them available for purchase; check with your site if you are interested in purchasing one or more of these items.

They can also be purchased beforehand from:

Medichair at 250-562-8280

PG Surg Med at 250-564-2240

Rehabilitation hip replacement kit

Sock aid: To get socks on without bending down ($10)

Reacher: For getting lower body clothing on/off ($17)

4” foam cushion – to increase surface heights and maintain hip precautions ($22)

If you have funding through WorkSafe BC, please connect with your pre-surgical screening or optimization team for further information about what is available for you. See WorkSafe BC section below for more information.

Total knee replacement

This page will provide you with links to information that will help prepare you for surgery. Please use the resources on this page as a supplement to any instructions from your surgeon, doctor, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist as you prepare for surgery.

Exercise guide for knee replacement surgery (PDF)

Education resources

Energy conservation (PDF) - Northern Health
Knee replacement surgery information (PDF) - Northern Health
OASIS class descriptions (Early Preparation for Surgery webinar) - Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
OsteoArthritis Service Integration System (OASIS) - Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Total knee replacement checklist (PDF) - Northern Health

Equipment resources

Bring your two-wheeled walker and any other recommended equipment to the hospital on the day of your surgery. Please label these items with your name using a luggage tag or masking tape.

Install bathroom equipment (i.e. raised toilet seat, bath bench, etc.) before you come to the hospital, so it is ready for you when you get home.

Cryocuff rentals (ice wrap that goes around your knee with cooler attachment) available from:

Medichair at 250-562-8280

PG Surg Med at 250-564-2240

Amazon – Cryo Cuff

Dressing aids (reacher, sock aide, long shoehorn): Some Northern Health sites have them available for purchase; check with your site if you are interested in purchasing one or more of these items.

If you have funding through WorkSafe BC, please connect with your local pre-surgical screening or optimization team for further information about what is available for you. See WorkSafe BC section below for more information.

Before, during and after hip and knee replacement

Research shows that people who are well prepared and fully participate in their care, have a smoother and faster recovery after joint replacement surgery. Preparing for surgery involves getting yourself and your home in the best possible shape. During the wait for surgery, it is important that you strive to maintain and improve your health and fitness.

Download and follow the guideline below, to get you in the best possible shape for surgery and recovery.

Before, during and after hip and knee replacement surgery (Remember to bring the guide with you to the hospital.)

Note: If there is a difference between this guide and instructions from your surgeon, family doctor or orthopedic team, follow the instructions specified by your surgeon/doctor/team.

More information

Worksafe BC

Through WorkSafe BC you may be eligible for:

Private Occupational Therapist (OT). Home visit and set up of services and equipment prior to surgery, depending on local services.
Private Physiotherapist (PT). Pre and post-surgical rehabilitation at your local private clinic or virtually depending on your location.
Rental equipment through either dealer. The Red Cross Equipment through MEPP is for people without private supports such as ICBC, WSBC, no extended health.
Private purchase of equipment that meets your weight capacity.
OT support to assist with community supports and transitions. They may be able to assist with transportation as well, depending on local services.

To obtain the above you will need to speak with your case manager. The private OT/PT will be able to assist with pre-rehab and set up services you might require post-surgery (groceries, meal prep, housekeeping, yard work, etc.) if they are available in your local community.

WorkSafe BC hip replacement (PDF) - Northern Health
WorkSafe BC knee replacement (PDF) - Northern Health

Additional equipment you might want to discuss with WorkSafeBC to purchase or rent:

Cryocuff cold therapy - ice pack cooler. This helps reduce swelling.
Leg lifter to assist getting in and out of bed
Dressing aids
Reachers
Cushions

Please advise your site as soon as possible to arrange Red Cross equipment if WorkSafe BC does not agree to private OT/PT/rental equipment.