Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2018

20 By Andrea Nagel After years of coping with pain caused by degenerative arthritis, Kootenai Health aquatics instructor Gina Vanvoorhis decided to take action. She consulted with Joseph Bowen, M.D., with Kootenai Clinic Orthopedics and together they decided Gina would benefit from a total joint replacement in both knees. “I was in so much pain all the time,” Gina said. “At the age of 50 I walked around like I was in my 80s. I’ve always been a very active person and I wanted to be able to move without the pain.” Following surgery, Gina began rehabilitation at Kootenai Health Rehabilitation Services. With a background in fitness and rehabilitation, she understood the importance of building strength and increasing flexibility in her new joints. Throughout the surgery and rehabilitation process, Gina noticed a missing piece she felt could help patients feel more prepared. “By going through the process myself, I gained an awareness of not having a program to help patients build Healing in theWater strength before surgery,” she said. “It’s just as important to physically prepare for surgery as it is to rehabilitate properly after, and I noticed there are a lot of people just winging it.” Once she began teaching aquatics classes again, Gina asked her participants and other people visiting Rehabilitation Services if they liked the idea of an aquatics program designed specifically for pre- and post-joint surgery. “There was a lot of great feedback and it encouraged me to reach out to the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Institute for assistance in developing such a program,” Gina said. “I worked with our therapists and Dr. Bowen to create a whole-body class that would increase strength and stamina.” The program consists of aquatic therapy to strengthen and prepare the muscles that move, function, and support the hip and knee before surgery. Exercising in water provides the least amount of impact on affected joints while still providing enough resistance during movement to build strength. Following surgery, class instructors help participants follow all precautions recommended by their physician. Post-surgery participants focus on increasing range of motion, balance and strength. “There is a purpose and a focus to what we’re teaching in class,” Gina said. “We educate our participants on why we are doing certain movements, and how it benefits them. We also specifically cater to their needs. Every person in class will be in a different phase of their surgery process and all will have different goals.” In addition to the physical benefits, Gina said participants experience mental and emotional benefits from the water. “When I got back in the pool for the first time after my knee replacement, it was like coming home,” Gina said. “The warmth and pressure of the water combined with the gentle movements helps calm the mind and shift focus from your troubles. Yes, this class is designed to help heal your body, but many people find it heals their mind as well.” New Aquatic Exercise Program Helps Total Joint Replacement Patients Prepare for and Recover from Surgery The Benefits of Water Exercise The natural buoyancy, resistance and support of water make the pool a great choice to prepare your body for joint replacement surgery and rehabilitation. Water therapy allows you to: • Strengthen your upper body and core muscles to aid with performance and recovery outcomes • Stretch, reduce pain and relax • Strengthen and increase your lower body, balance, stability and body awareness • Build stamina and activity tolerance • Exercise with others in a goal- driven, supportive environment • Have fun as you recover Join us for total joint aquatics Classes will begin in mid-November, three days a week. Learn more about our aquatic programs at kh.org/rehab or call (208) 625-5311 .