Millions of Americans undergo joint replacement surgery every year, but how many of them really know what to expect?

Jim Mattson has had hip pain for months and now he's scheduled for hip replacement surgery at the end of April. "We put it up on an x-ray and found out that I had bone spurs and no cartilage left in the hip. I'm here today to have a pre-op class for hip replacement."

Every week pre op classes are held for people just like James and the goal is to make them more educated and secure about the procedure they are about to undergo. Registered Nurse Brian Carmichael says, "Today we are talking about, it's a pre-op class for people that are having knee, hip and shoulder replacements. I'm going to walk them right through it, no sugar coating though were going to tell them just how it is."

In this class participants will receive special exercises and instructions that they can start doing now before their actual surgery to help reduce their recovery time. Brian also says "If they work hard before the surgery they can cut off time after the surgery, they can cut off time in their rehabilitation."

Jim's happy with his decision to get rid of his pain by having a joint replacement and he wants to encourage others who are contemplating treatment. "Just do it, I should have done it about 5-6 months ago when it first started bothering instead of putting up with it this long."

Surgery is always the last option for treatment, so your doctor may be able to help you without surgery. Be sure to get checked if you're in pain.

If you're scheduled for surgery soon, ask your physician if they offer a pre-op class.