Orthopedic support services

As leaders in orthopedic care, we know what it takes to keep joints healthy, and we combine medical treatment with important support services to get you back to doing the things you love.

You will begin your journey with an orientation program where our program staff will explain what you can expect during and after surgery. Coaches are encouraged to attend these pre-operative sessions.

• Learn exercises to do before your surgery and proper nutrition to help build your strength and speed your recovery.
• You and your coach will have the opportunity to meet your healthcare team before you come to the hospital.
• Meet others about to have joint replacement surgery.

We recommend you choose a close friend or family member to serve as your coach. Your coach will play an important role in helping you reach your goals, offering support and providing positive reinforcement at home.

From your orthopedic surgeon to your case manager to your physical therapist, your Northbay Health team will support you through your entire journey.

After your initial consultation, we’ll pair you with a program coordinator to ensure that all your care is coordinated effectively before, during and after your procedure. Based on your individual needs, your program coordinator will help with personalized education to help you understand your procedure and what to expect, plan your discharge, and help schedule any follow-up appointments.

In addition to your orthopedic surgeon, radiologist and nursing staff, your care team also may include the following:

Case manager: Your case manager will work with you before and during your hospital stay to plan your discharge. If needed, your case manager will arrange for nursing or physical therapy in your home or at an outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation center.

Dietitian: Your dietitian provides nutrition counseling to help you make healthy choices about the foods you eat and can help you understand the connection between diet and healing.

Physical therapist: Your physical therapist will work with you to help you gain strength and range of motion in your joints and help ensure that you do your exercises correctly. Your physical therapist will also help teach you how to properly and safely use your walker if needed, climb stairs and get in and out of your car.

Restorative nursing assistant: Your restorative nursing assistant, or RNA, will help you with your daily activities including assisting you during your physical therapy sessions.

Occupational therapist: Your occupational therapist will help you learn to safely and effectively perform activities of daily living like bathing and dressing. Your occupational therapist will also teach you to use special equipment, like reachers and other adaptive equipment, which will assist you throughout your recovery.