Our physical therapists work with patients and their families, teaching them exercises and strategies for walking, stair climbing and even simply standing up.

The patients are on their feet just hours after their surgery is completed.  After their surgeons have done a follow up check up the physical therapy team moves in, armed with beach balls, walkers, canes and a whole lot of love.

Knees are bent, straightened out, bent again.  Bounced on beach balls (carefully of course).  Knees are used to stand up, and then take a first step, and then a stroll across the ward.  Patients, families and WOGO staffers cheer everyone on. 

An afternoon PT class featuring the musical encouragement of Salsa was very successful today.  We watched an army of patients stand and step forward and back, and lift their feet to the music. Family members were treated to a simple floor show of joint replacement patients exercising their new parts.  Smiles all around, and they are contagious!

And then the dreaded stairs which I am sure look daunting.  The stairs in the hospital are steep and look scary to me and I haven’t just had joint replacement surgery.  After salsa dance lessons one of our beautiful ladies tackled the stairs with ease.  She went up and down like a pro.  Not to be outdone, one of the gentlemen quickly followed suit.  A bit of competition never hurt anyone!

BRAVO to this amazing group!  You make me smile.

Also check out these Zimmer videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YKeHVON78k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJztw0g62Qc