Saint Mary’s Launches New Joint Camp for Total Joint Replacement Patients
March 02, 2026
Saint Mary’s is proud to introduce Joint Camp, a patient-centered program designed to improve the experience and outcomes for individuals undergoing total knee or total hip replacement surgery.
Joint Camp is part of a system-wide quality initiative through Lifepoint Health to deliver a more holistic approach to surgical care. The program focuses on education, preparation, and support to empower patients through every step of their joint replacement journey.
“Choosing joint replacement is a life-changing decision, and success requires more than just surgery—it requires preparation and understanding,” said Bridget Davis, Director of Surgical Services. “Joint Camp is about setting patients up for success from the very beginning.”
The program replaces the traditional pre-admission appointment and includes:
A mandatory 3- to 4-hour class, including a meal
Pre-admission testing and lab work
Hands-on demonstrations by physical therapy
Guidance from surgery, nursing, anesthesia, and pharmacy teams
An introduction to anti-inflammatory nutrition
An education packet with step-by-step recovery instructions
Patients are encouraged to bring their primary caregiver to the session, ensuring their support system is fully informed and involved. Physical therapists demonstrate mobility devices and home exercises, and the surgical care team discusses how to prepare the home for a safe recovery.
Joint Camp begins once the surgery is scheduled at the clinic. All pre-operative education, lab work, and instructions are covered in the session, helping reduce complications and improve outcomes.
“By preparing patients mentally, physically and emotionally for surgery and recovery, Joint Camp helps build confidence and leads to a smoother healing process,” said Dr. Jeff Cartwright, Orthopedic Surgeon.
Patients can enroll in Joint Camp through their orthopedic clinic when their joint replacement is scheduled.
For more information, please contact Joint Program Coordinator Cassity Hoggins at 479.964.9124.