Evidence-based patient education from surgeons who've seen every outcome — good and bad.
47K+
Patients educated
8 min
Avg lesson length
20%
Faster recovery
What's your surgery?
We'll customize your education path and recovery timeline.
knee
Knee
TKA / PKA / Revision
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Hip
THA / Revision / Resurfacing
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Shoulder
TSA / Reverse / Rotator cuff
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Spine
Fusion / Disc / Decompression
Good morning,
Your Recovery Path
Pre-Op Preparation
Overall Progress
45%
Orientation
Anatomy
Pre-Op Prep
Surgery Day
Week 1-2
Month 1
Full Return
Today's Lesson
home_health
Pre-Op · Module 3
Preparing Your Home for Recovery
12 min · 6 steps · Interactive checklist
Next Up
Your Curriculum
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Understanding Your Surgery
Anatomy, procedure, what to expect
Done
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Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
8 critical questions before consent
Done
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Preparing Your Home
Safety setup, equipment, help network
Next
nutrition
Pre-Op Nutrition Protocol
Unlock after completing Home Prep
Locked
medications
Medication Management
What to stop, what to continue
Locked
surgical
Surgery Day: What Happens
Step by step from arrival to recovery room
Locked
Pre-Op · Module 3 of 7
Preparing Your Home for Recovery
schedule
12 minutes
checklist
6 steps
verified
Evidence-based
infoWhy this matters
Research shows that patients who prepare their home before surgery have 34% fewer post-op falls and return to independence 2-3 weeks faster. This module walks you through exactly what your care team wants you to do.
Evidence
Falls are the #1 complication in the first 2 weeks after knee and hip replacement. Most are preventable with simple home modifications.
homeRoom-by-room setup
Bedroom on the main floor. If possible, arrange sleeping on the ground floor for the first 2 weeks to avoid stairs. A hospital bed or recliner rental may help.
Remove trip hazards. Roll up area rugs, secure loose cords, clear pathways 36 inches wide throughout your main living areas.
Bathroom safety. Install grab bars near the toilet and shower. A raised toilet seat (4-inch) significantly reduces hip precaution violations. Get a shower chair.
Essentials within reach. Set up a recovery station: phone charger, medications, water, TV remote, and reading material all at arm's level without bending.
Pets and children. Arrange care for pets that could knock you off balance. Let children know they cannot jump on you for the first 6 weeks.
Your help network. Confirm at least one person to stay with you for the first 48 hours, and someone to drive you to your first post-op appointment.
shopping_cartEquipment checklist
warning
Important: Talk to your surgical team before purchasing any equipment. Insurance (Medicare Part B) may cover a walker, crutches, or shower chair with a prescription from your surgeon.
smart_toyAsk Sage about home prep
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Sage
JointClass AI
Ready to help with your home prep questions. What's your living situation — do you have stairs, live alone, or have specific concerns?
Total Knee Replacement
Your complete recovery roadmap — from pre-op to full return
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Now — 3 Weeks Before
Pre-Op Preparation
Complete your education modules
Home safety modifications
Stop NSAIDs, blood thinners (per surgeon)
Pre-operative physical therapy
Arrange help for first 2 weeks
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Surgery Day
The Procedure
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight
Arrive 2 hours before scheduled time
Procedure takes 1-2 hours
Up walking same day in most cases
Discharge home or next day
bed
Week 1-2
Early Recovery
Walker or crutches for all movement
Ice and elevation 20 min, 4-6× daily
Ankle pumps and quad sets begin Day 1
Expect pain, swelling, and fatigue
First post-op visit around Day 10-14
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Week 3-6
Regaining Independence
Transition from walker to cane
Formal physical therapy 2-3× per week
Drive when cleared (usually 4-6 weeks)
Stairs with rail by week 3-4
Range of motion goal: 90° flexion
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Month 2-3
Strength & Function
Most patients walk without assistive device
Range of motion goal: 110-120°
Low-impact exercise: bike, pool, walking
Return to desk work for most patients
Swelling still normal — continues 3-6 months
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Month 6-12
Full Return to Life
Low-impact sports: golf, cycling, swimming
Full pain relief for most patients
Implant fully integrated and stable
Annual check-up with surgeon
Implant life expectancy: 20-25 years
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Questions about your timeline?
Ask Sage — available 24/7
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Ask Sage
Your joint surgery AI — available 24/7
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Hi! I'm Sage, your JointClass AI companion. I can answer questions about your surgery, recovery timeline, what to expect, and how to prepare. What's on your mind?
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Knee Replacement
Surgery in 23 days · Pre-Op Phase
7
Modules done
45%
Complete
3
Day streak
Achievements
school
First Lesson Complete
Completed "Understanding Your Surgery" — Apr 8
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Question Asker
Used Sage to prepare 8 questions for your surgeon
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Prep Streak: 3 Days
Completing a lesson every day this week
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Home Prep Complete
Finish the Home Prep module to unlock
Phase Completion
Share with your surgeon
Show your care team your progress before your pre-op appointment.