Episode 9: Joint Replacement Surgery Part 1
How do you know if it’s time for a joint replacement surgery? We ask Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Aaron Balgaard the questions you want answers to.
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Episode 10: Joint Replacement Surgery Part 2
Featuring Angie Miller, Joint Care Coordinator at Alomere Health
If you’ve been considering joint replacement surgery, this episode is your roadmap. Angie Miller, the Joint Care Coordinator at Alomere Health, walks you through the entire process with the kind of practical, reassuring guidance that takes the mystery out of what can feel like an overwhelming decision.
Angie explains what happens before you even set foot in the hospital—from the mandatory pre-op education class to the exercises that can make or break your recovery. She covers what to expect on surgery day, how pain management really works, and why patients are now going home the same day or the next morning instead of staying for days.
You’ll learn about the role your “coach” plays in your recovery, what equipment you might need at home, when you can return to activities like driving and golf, and how to prepare your home for a smooth recovery. Angie also addresses common fears and explains why joint replacement has become such a successful, standardized procedure.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic joint pain yourself, supporting a loved one through their decision, or simply curious about modern orthopedic care, this episode provides the kind of insider knowledge that helps you feel confident about taking the next step.
Hosted by Eddie Reif, this episode gives you the practical information you need to understand the joint replacement process from start to finish.
“I see myself as that familiar face, seeing the patient from pre-op all the way through post-op—so they know they have somebody they can call if they need anything.”
Questions Answered in this Episode
- What does a Joint Care Coordinator do and how do they support patients?
- What signs indicate joint pain is serious enough to consider surgery?
- What non-surgical treatments should people try before joint replacement?
- What happens in the mandatory pre-op education class?
- What is the role of the “coach” in the joint replacement process?
- How should patients prepare their homes for recovery?
- What’s the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
- Why are some patients able to go home the same day as surgery?
- How does pain management work during and after surgery?
- When does physical therapy begin and how intensive is it?
- When can patients return to everyday activities like driving, cooking, and showering?
- What equipment might patients need at home during recovery?
- How long do joint replacements typically last?
- What activities should be avoided after joint replacement
If you’re ready to pursue a joint replacement, contact HEARTLAND ORTHOPEDICS at (320) 762-1144 or use MyChart to schedule your consultation.
Note: Head to Toe podcasts are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical advice is unique to each individual. Talk with your health care provider to see what’s right for you. If you’ve got an urgent health need, please schedule an appointment or visit the Alexandria Clinic Express Care today. If this is an emergency, dial 911.
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