Exercise

Exercising will make your body as strong as possible before your surgery. Improved strength going into surgery results in improved recovery. 

At least 150 minutes of physical activity each week will help improve or maintain your health.  If your medical condition or joint pain does not allow you to do that much activity, do as much as you can.  Every minute of activity helps!

Great job if you are already exercising regularly. If not, simple aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises are a great place to start. See below for some suggestions.

GLA:D Canada (Oliver)

GLA:D Canada is a program for people who experience any level of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.  

To register contact the Oliver Physiotherapy Clinic: 471 Fairview Rd Oliver B.C.  250-485-7124

Mary Pack Arthritis Service (Penticton)

Mary Pack Arthritis Service at Penticton Regional Hospital offers classes on Osteoarthritis that provides the tools and information patients need to self-manage their arthritis. They help with exercise prescription, advice on footwear, community connections, and pain management.  

Please call to register: 250-492-4000 ext 2286.  Also, their occupational therapists and physiotherapists can provide one-to-one treatment with a doctor's referral.  

Active Living (Penticton)   http://activelivingservices.ca/

Active Living PATH to Health Maintenance Program - Group exercise supervised by Kinesiologists who will create individualized exercise programs and monitor your progress.  

WHERE? 

• Located in the Cardiopulmonary Wellness Program Gym at the South Okanagan Events Centre

WHEN?

•  Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6:40 to 9:00 am 
• 12 session card $78.00 Complete 12 exercise sessions in 5 weeks and receive one FREE exercise session

OR

• Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am to 12:00 noon 
• 8 session card $58.00.  Buy 3 cards ($176.40) and receive 2 FREE exercise sessions

Cards are good for one year.  For more information call 250-276-2181.

Whether you're undergoing colorectal surgery or arthroplasty, simple walking and breathing exercises have been shown to improve patient outcome after surgery.  Exercise does not need to be strenuous or stressful.  Even a short walk is better than nothing.

We have a patient passport available for you to print off and keep a written record of what you want to work on.  This will allow you to track your exercise achievements! Keeping a journal helps you stay focused and reach your goals.