Get your go back.

Get Your Life Back

Over time, your world has been shrinking. You've reached the point where you're ready to push back. Our team is here to answer your questions. We'll help determine whether a hip replacement or a knee replacement surgery is right for you. And, if it is, our team will help you prepare your mind and body for your upcoming treatment or surgery. We'll help you focus on getting back to doing the things you love.

Mentally Preparing for Surgery

Sandy, a former patient of Dr. Harrington’s, shares how she made the decision to finally have a joint replacement. After living with pain and making substantial lifestyle changes for years, she committed to having surgery and doing what she could to make her rehab the most successful.

First Steps

You begin by meeting with your surgeon to review your specific diagnosis and treatment options. Our highly-skilled surgeons at Wentworth Health Partners Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine offer expertise in the latest knee replacement techniques, customized joint replacement technologies and minimally invasive knee replacement approaches and procedures. Today's minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries also mean you'll often have a faster recovery.  

Overview with Dr. Konopka

Dr. Joseph F. Konopka, MD, MSC provides an overview of the patient evaluation process.

Exam Room

Center for Surgical Optimization and Pre-Operative Services

You’ve decided surgery could be your best option for solving your joint pain. Our surgeons have the knowledge to determine what is best for you -- whether it's a total hip replacement, direct anterior approach hip replacement, total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, hip revision or knee revision. Our Center for Surgical Optimization and Pre-Operative Services team is there from the start. We begin with a complete health assessment. We consider potential risk factors by reviewing your current health, any medical problems, your medications, and your functional and nutritional status. We determine if you need further interventions, which may include a new treatment, seeing another doctor or clinician for additional therapies, or recommending lifestyle changes to be made prior to surgery to best ensure your success.

For the Long-Term

Once your pre-op plan is developed, it’s time to consider your post-surgery recovery process. Our team members will review with you and your family what to expect so you're prepared and confident. Your care team will determine your post-surgery physical and occupational therapy needs. Though the actual surgery time may be brief, the recovery and rehab process will demand your full commitment. We understand your recovery journey is a team effort and we'll be there partnering with you every step of the way.

Explore the Center for Surgical Optimization and Pre-Operative Services with Dr. Wheeler

Dr. Jayanthi Wheeler from the Center for Surgical Optimization and Pre-Operative Services walks you through what to expect.

Joint Therapy Teams Group Physical Therapy

To better prepare yourself for a hip, knee or shoulder replacement, our physical therapists will guide you through flexibility exercises, strength training, and endurance exercises. Studies show if you take the time to improve your strength and flexibility before your surgery, you'll have a better outcome after your surgery. You may work with therapists to develop an appropriate home exercise program, participate in individual sessions, or take part in group exercise with others going through the same journey. We'll help you choose the Prehab environment that's best for you.

Joint Therapy Teams Physical Therapy Specializations

At Wentworth-Douglass, we know that you are a unique individual with specific needs. That's why we have physical therapists with different specializations to meet all of your goals. If you require special attention for issues such as inflammation, edema (swelling), or help with your balance, our specialized physical therapists are here to answer any questions and prep you for surgery.

Our Team of Physical Therapists with Katrina

Katrina explains the benefits of physical therapy for joint replacement patients.

Dedicated to Your Comfort

Kendra Langus, a doctor of physical therapy, is our Director of Clinical Operations for Musculoskeletal Services here at Wentworth-Douglass. She works with her team to ensure you receive the highest quality rehab care, in a comfortable and caring environment, to prepare you for a successful surgical outcome.

Pre-Op Class

Meet Donna, manager of our renowned Joint Replacement Program. She will help you navigate through your journey, beginning with your Pre-Op Class. You're encouraged to bring along a friend or family member as a “coach” for the class, which you attend a week before your surgery. You'll learn what to expect throughout your joint replacement experience and how to create an atmosphere of wellness for yourself. Donna emphasizes that “Together Everyone Achieves More,” so your care team will include a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, nutritionist, respiratory therapist, integrative wellness therapist, and case manager.

Helping You Prepare for Surgery

Our Joint Replacement Program Manager, Donna Smith, RN, BSN, shares what to expect in the pre-op phase of your journey.

Integrative Wellness Tools

Our Integrative Wellness program helps empower you to feel more calm and confident before your surgery. By using techniques such as deep breathing and positive healing thoughts, as well as aromatherapy or pet therapy, we work to make you feel more comfortable. You may even choose a Reiki treatment, which is a gentle, nonintrusive touch therapy providing deep relaxation that evokes a sense of peace and well-being.

What to Expect in Surgery with Dr. Harrington

Dr. Harrington walks you through your day of surgery.

Procedure

Your orthopedic surgeon and our skilled OR team will ensure the surgery is as successful as possible. Once your surgery is finished, you'll proceed to your inpatient room. You can expect to be standing and moving that very first day, while your physical therapist assesses your progress.

Inpatient Room

A Patient’s Recovery Process with Sandy

Sandy, a former patient, talks about what she experienced in recovery after her surgery.

Joint Camp

During your hospital stay, you will have customized twice-a-day sessions with your physical therapy and occupational therapy specialists where you will regain strength, mobility and confidence in your new joint. Exercises at Joint Camp include stairs climbing, exercises within parallel bars, and practicing everyday tasks like getting in and out of our therapy car. While relaxing between sessions, you have access to our television channel, C.A.R.E. (Continuous Ambient Relaxation Environment), offering around-the-clock soothing instrumental music accompanied by images of nature.

Inside Joint Camp with Katrina, PT

Katrina shows you around Joint Camp Rehab.

Celebratory Meal

All of your hard work has paid off! At the end of your stay, you’re welcome to invite your “coach” to join you for a special celebratory meal. You and your coach deserve it for the commitment you have made in making this surgery a success.

The Importance of Rehab with Dr. Harrington

Dr. Harrington returns to explain why outpatient rehab is so important and how you and our team will create your best path for wellness together.

Physical Therapy Rehab Options with Kendra Langus, PT, DPT

Kendra Langus, PT, DPT, our Director of Clinical Operations for Musculoskeletal Service, reviews all physical therapy options to best suit your needs.

Wentworth-Douglass Outpatient Rehab

One of your choices for outpatient rehab is to continue with the team of therapists at one of Wentworth-Douglass’ three facilities – located in Dover, Durham and Lee. Our Rehabilitation Services team has all of the outpatient services you need and our facilities are filled with modern equipment. Our expert clinical team will utilize a concept gym, a cutting-edge balance center, and a therapeutic pool. On average, the outpatient rehab experience will require your commitment for 2-3 months and will lead to an independent exercise environment.

Physical Therapy Specialists

Our licensed physical therapists have additional specializations to accommodate all of your needs. Some of the specialty services include vestibular rehab to improve balance and reduce dizziness, and lymphedema therapy to reduce swelling. Staff are also trained in unique methods to assist in the rehabilitation process such as classical Pilates, the Graston Technique which prevents scarring, dry needling used to ease muscle pain, soft tissue mobilization and more. Thanks to specialized techniques like these, all of your needs will be addressed in our outpatient rehab facilities.

Rehab Room Pool

Our Dover center offers the added benefit of water therapy services. The aquatic environment is a very healing and comforting experience you may want to consider. We have a therapeutic pool that runs approximately 93 degrees creating a warm and inviting environment. Aquatics is gentle to your joints, aids in circulation, and provides an effective full body workout.

Physical Therapy at Home

If you need services at home from a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or other specialist to help you with your rehab, Wentworth Home Care, affiliated with Wentworth-Douglass, is an option for you. Staff will arrange for these services depending on your needs. The number of visits made by staff is based on your physician’s orders and medical needs.

The Works

Our physical therapists will help you develop an independent exercise plan to maintain your joint and overall health during outpatient rehab. You can continue this plan at The Works Family Health & Fitness Center, a one-of-a-kind health and fitness center owned by Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, offering hundreds of programs and services. You can choose from a variety of activities such as aquatics, fitness classes, weight-lifting, cardio equipment and more. Our knowledgeable staff also run weight-loss and healthy living services, sports activities, camps and medical wellness programs to complement our outpatient rehab facilities. An additional option is our Works RX program which pairs you with a Medical Wellness Specialist to help you achieve optimal health after your surgery.

Maintaining Your Health After Surgery with Steve

Steve, a former patient of Dr. Harrington's, describes why he chose Dr. Harrington as his surgeon, how his quality of life has improved since surgery and what his individual rehab routine has been since returning home. Steve maintains his joint health at The Works, a Wentworth-Douglass owned health & wellness facility, where he takes a spin class with Dr. Harrington and describes the Works Rx program.

Passion for his Patients with Dr. Harrington

Dr. Harrington reflects on why he enjoys his career, his former patients, their stories and some fond memories of his more than 30 years of performing joint replacement surgery.