By Katie Cooper – The Group-Based Knee Replacement Rehab Program outlines a rehabilitation program launched by the Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre (ERHHC) for patients recovering from total knee replacement surgery. The initiative is designed to maintain high-quality, evidence-based care while improving access to physiotherapy services throughout the community.
As the demand for outpatient rehabilitation services continues to grow, ERHHC has implemented this innovative approach to increase physiotherapy capacity while ensuring post-operative joint replacement patients receive timely care. Through a structured four-to-six-week rehabilitation program, multiple patients participate in treatment together, allowing the physiotherapy team to deliver the same high standard of care more efficiently.
“This approach allows us to provide timely rehabilitation for post-operative patients while creating additional opportunities to see patients requiring non-urgent care, whose wait times can often be quite extensive,” said J. Malette, Physiotherapist. “Not only do patients achieve excellent post-operative outcomes, but they also have the opportunity to complete their rehabilitation alongside others who have experienced the same procedure. By offering a therapeutic group-based approach, we are able to use our time and resources more effectively while continuing to work toward reducing wait times for physiotherapy services in Espanola.”
The program aligns with provincial best practice recommendations and reflects broader efforts across Ontario to enhance rehabilitation services as the number of joint replacement surgeries continues to increase. Evidence consistently demonstrates that group rehabilitation can deliver outcomes comparable to individual physiotherapy, including improvements in mobility, function, range of motion, and quality of life. Patients continue to receive individualized assessments throughout their recovery, and those with more complex needs will continue to have access to one-on-one care when appropriate.
In addition to clinical benefits, the program has fostered valuable peer support among participants, helping to build confidence and encourage recovery.
“It’s incredible to see someone come into their first class struggling with pain and feeling discouraged, only to have a patient who is five weeks into the program tell them, ‘I was exactly where you are a few weeks ago,’” said L. Stephens, Physiotherapy Assistant. “That reassurance is powerful. Patients can see what progress looks like, and it helps build confidence in their own recovery journey.”
The group-based rehabilitation program reflects ERHHC’s ongoing commitment to implementing evidence-informed models of care that improve access to services while maintaining the high standard of patient care expected by the communities it serves.
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