Joint replacement surgery prep class at Loma Linda University Health Orthopaedics

Preparing for joint replacement surgery can feel like a big step, but at Loma Linda University Health Orthopaedics, patients don’t have to go through it alone. The department offers a comprehensive joint replacement surgery preparation class designed to guide patients and their families through every stage of the surgical journey with confidence and clarity.

 Expert guided

 Patient Navigator Amelia Tiefenthaler, MSN, RN, CBN, leads this interactive class with a patient-centered approach. Each patient is guided through the entire surgical process — before, during, and after — and provided with a comprehensive overview of total knee and total hip replacement procedures. The goal is to support patients at every stage with clarity, compassion, and confidence, helping them understand what to expect and how to prepare for their surgery.

What the class covers

The preparation class provides patients and their support teams with essential topics, including:

• How to prepare for surgery

• Home safety checklist to reduce risks and make recovery easier

• Pain management strategies and precautions

• Medication tracking chart to stay organized

• Discharge planning to help understand what happens after leaving the hospital

• What to expect during post-surgery recovery

• Information on durable medical equipment like a walker

• Exercises specific to total knee and hip replacements

• How to navigate daily living after surgery

Why the class matters

The joint replacement surgery class empowers patients and their families with the tools, knowledge, and support needed for a smoother recovery. By attending, patients often experience:

• Reduced anxiety and increased confidence

• Step-by-step guidance for the recovery process

• A better understanding of how to prevent complications

• A smoother, faster return to daily life

Participants also have the opportunity to ask questions and understand how their loved ones can support them throughout the process.

A little preparation can go a long way toward a safer, more successful recovery. If you are scheduled for a total hip or total knee joint replacement surgery at Loma Linda University Health Orthopaedics, call 909-558-6490 or email [email protected] for more information about the joint replacement surgery prep class.