Rehabilitation Tips After Orthopedic Surgery
February 15, 2024
Orthopedic surgery can alleviate pain in the present and offers results well into the future with proper rehabilitation. It’s critical to commit to a rehabilitation plan and follow your doctor’s recommendations to heal properly. Here are some of the most common rehabilitation tips to help get you back on your feet.
Follow Post-Surgery Instructions
Your surgeon will offer advice and recommend physical therapy to begin your rehabilitation. It’s important to follow post-surgery instructions to heal properly. Attending physical therapy sessions regularly and completing any at-home strengthening exercises will increase your strength and mobility while promoting healing.
Manage Pain
Your surgeon will likely prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort while healing. Take these as prescribed and do not change your dosage until talking to your doctor.
Incision Care
It’s important to keep your incision clean to avoid infection and allow it to fully heal. Typically, you should change your wound dressing once a day. Watch for signs of infection like redness or swelling and wash your hands before touching the incision.
Find a Routine
Following surgery, your routine will likely look a little different. Try to maintain a sense of normalcy by creating a temporary routine. This could include reading in the morning before starting your mobility exercises or calling a friend each night after physical therapy. This can also help you stay consistent with your recovery plan.
Focus on Nutrition
Surgical aftercare is as much internal as it is external. Eat foods that nourish your body and include a lot of vitamins. An anti-inflammatory diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and fish can also help you heal and reduce pain. Be sure to stay hydrated to help your body repair quickly.
Use Caution with Physical Activity
It’s natural to want to go back to your normal fitness routine following orthopedic surgery. However, lifting and physical activity can cause unnecessary strain. Be sure you’re cleared with your physical therapist before returning to your favorite workout class.
Don’t Forget About Mental Health
While focusing on your physical health, it’s easy to forget about your mental health. Be sure to stay engaged and connect with family and friends to keep a positive mindset. Recovery takes time and keeping your mind occupied can help it go by faster.
Trust the Orthopedic Experts
Your recovery journey is personal and the experts at the Bone and Joint Center of Yuma will guide you through a customized rehabilitation plan. They’ll help you manage pain while you regain strength and complete the healing process.
Reach out to us to learn more!