Kara DavidsonAchieving the best orthopedic surgery recovery requires dedication, diligence, and self-discipline. Good habits, a healthy diet, and mental wellness all play an essential role in healing. Even though many of these suggestions might seem apparent, following a doctor’s orders is frequently disregarded. For example, doctors often instruct patients not to take baths after a procedure, and there is typically a good reason for this.
Listen to Your Doctor
Following your doctor’s instructions before and after surgery is crucial to a successful orthopedic recovery Santa Barbara CA. While some instructions may seem silly, like “no baths” or “don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds,” there is usually a good reason for them. It is also essential to take your pain medication, even if you do not typically like how it makes you feel. Refusing to take your prescription can delay the recovery process and cause serious health complications. The mending process can be aided by getting lots of rest, which is crucial. It’s also essential to get lots of water. You’ll receive after-surgery instructions from your doctor. These will support healthy healing and aid in lowering the possibility of problems. Refrain from disregarding your doctor’s instructions to ensure your recovery.
Get Plenty of Rest
When you get proper rest, your body heals faster. However, it is essential to sleep only a little, or you will be too tired to complete your physical therapy exercises. Additionally, it’s crucial to move around as much as you can. Studies have shown that staying stagnant in bed will speed up the process of muscle atrophy and could even lead to blood clots. The movement also helps your circulation, which will hasten the healing process. Eating a nutritious diet is also crucial. Foods high in protein, Vitamin C, and calcium are essential for orthopedic surgery recovery.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
The road to recovery from orthopedic surgery can be a long one. Patients can return to their pre-surgery baseline for a few weeks to several months. Feeding your body nutritious foods throughout recovery is crucial to aid healing and reduce issues. It will also help avoid a loss of muscle strength, which can be a common problem during the recovery process. Eat plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. It will help your body heal quickly.
Exercise Regularly
It takes time to recover from orthopedic surgery. Your musculoskeletal system must rebuild the muscle, ligament, bone, and tendon tissues damaged or removed during your operation. Your doctor will help you reintroduce your exercise routine gradually. You may start with a walking routine and eventually move on to jogging. Always remember to listen to your body. If you begin to experience pain, stop your workout immediately. It is tempting to power through pain, but doing so could lead to additional injuries.
The fitter your body was before surgery, the quicker you may recover from a surgical procedure.
Take Your Pain Medication
It is normal to experience lingering pain after orthopedic surgery. Managing pain can help you be more comfortable, rest better, and reduce stress. Many pain medications are available, including NSAIDs, which have fewer side effects than opioids. You can take them in pill or liquid form and by injection. Orthopedic surgeons also educate patients about what to expect preoperatively, which can help reduce overprescribing opioid pain relievers after surgery. Having realistic expectations can also decrease frustration during the recovery process.
Stay Active
Although it may be tempting to jump back into your regular exercise routine immediately, starting slow can prevent injury and set you up for success. Begin with low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, yoga, and Pilates. When you feel ready, start working with a physical therapist. They can help you get more robust and mobile, speeding up your recovery time. Following your doctor’s instructions and taking your medications as directed is essential. It will reduce complications, improve outcomes, and minimize your orthopedic surgery recovery time.
