Proliance Orthopedic Associates started its Pre-Op Optimization Program just over a month ago. Under the direction of Staci Lyons from Pinnacle Therapy, the program’s goal is to improve the overall health and fitness of patients who are scheduled to undergo hip replacement surgery or knee replacement surgery.
Initially, the goal was to take patients who had a body mass index (BMI) of over 38 and lower it, so the potential complications from surgery would be lowered. Another positive result would be improving the patient’s overall fitness.
Many of the individuals who have gone through the 14-week program have not only lost weight, but they have learned to eat a more nutritionally sound diet. They have positively changed their lifestyles to become healthier individuals. It is important to take responsibility for our overall health. We cannot assume that by having one bad joint fixed, the rest of our physical problems will fade away.
Often osteoarthritis involving a hip or knee is a symptom of other malfunctions in the body. If we make an effort to improve our health, lose weight, and increase our strength, the benefits of joint replacement will be realized to an even greater degree.
For more information about the POA Pre-Op Program or orthopedic surgery in Renton or Covington, contact Proliance Orthopedic Associates at 425-656-5060.
We will be starting a research study in the near future to document the effectiveness of an organized nutritional/exercise program to improve patient health and well-being prior to joint replacement surgery.