To get the best results from joint replacement surgery, it's important to plan ahead. In addition to the information and support you'll receive from your nurse navigator, conditioning your body can help you get ready for your procedure.  

Pre-Surgical Conditioning (Prehabilitation)

Valley's prehabilitation, or "prehab," program can improve your fitness level and mobility, which can help you recover faster and more easily after joint replacement surgery. Performed in the weeks leading up to your procedure, our prehab program is customized to your unique needs by our exercise physiologists and certified athletic trainers. Learn more about prehabilitation available through Valley's Sports Institute.

Pre-Surgical Skin Preparation

Preparing your skin before surgery can help prevent infection. As part of your surgical preparation, you'll need to shower with a specific type of scrub sponge each day for three days before surgery and on the morning of surgery. 

The sponge contains an antiseptic soap that continues to act even when you've completed your shower. It helps prepare your skin for surgery to reduce your risk of infection. Check with your surgeon for alternative soaps if you have an allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate. If you develop a rash from the soap, stop the washes and notify your orthopedic surgeon.

Click here to download and print our skin preparation patient checklist. You'll need to bring the completed checklist with you the day of your surgery and give it to your nurse in Same Day Surgery.

Each packet also contains a hard plastic nail cleaner. This nail cleaner can be used to gently clean under nails.

Instructions for use

  1. Wash your hair with regular shampoo. Wash your face as usual. Rinse your hair and body.
  2. Wet the sponge and squeeze to produce a lather.
  3. Move away from the water to avoid rinsing the antiseptic soap solution off.
  4. Using the soft side of the sponge, start washing from the neck down and wash your entire body, including your back (as best you can) and groin. Towards the end of your shower, wash the outside surface only of your genital area.
  5. Very important: After washing, rinse thoroughly, especially the genital area to avoid irritation.
  6. Do not wash with regular soap after you have used the sponge.
  7. Do not shave any areas where surgery will be performed. You may shave your face.
  8. Dry with a fresh clean towel.
  9. Dress with clean freshly washed clothes.
  10. Do not use deodorant, lotions, powders or creams after this shower. You may use lotion or cream on your face. You may wear face makeup, but not on the day of surgery.