Essential Tips for a Smooth Post-Surgical Recovery Process
These tips for a smooth recovery will have you back on your feet in no time!
Are you scheduled for orthopedic surgery? Whether it’s a total joint replacement or an ACL repair, one of the most important factors for a successful recovery remains unchanged: dedicated post-surgical rehabilitation at Omni Physical Therapy & Wellness. But how can you make sure your rehabilitation goes well? A few simple tips for a smooth recovery will help you feel your best.
Full rehabilitation after surgery can be a lengthy process. Even a minor procedure like carpal tunnel release can take six months to a year before you’ve regained the full strength of your hand. More intense surgeries have similar rehabilitation times–and some can be even longer.
Fortunately, a dedicated post-surgical rehab program can help you make the most of that rehabilitation period. In fact, physical therapy is crucial in helping you restore strength and mobility in the months after your surgery.
The physical therapists at Omni Physical Therapy & Wellness will help guide you through a customized post-surgical rehabilitation program built around your needs and goals. But a truly successful rehabilitation program also hinges on someone else: you! Staying dedicated to your rehab will help you see the results you want.
In this article, our therapists share a few proven tips for a smooth recovery. Keep reading to learn more–or schedule an appointment at our Garden City physical therapy clinic!
What Is Post-Surgical Rehabilitation?
While surgical procedures can profoundly impact our lives for the better–or even save our lives completely–they are invasive treatments that can put a big toll on the body. In the weeks immediately after surgery, you’ll likely experience pain and limited mobility as your body works to heal the surgical site. You may also be at risk for certain complications, such as blood clots.
In orthopedic surgeries (surgeries that address impairments of the musculoskeletal system), you’ll also need to rebuild the strength, flexibility, and endurance of the impacted body part. For example, if you’ve undergone an ACL repair, you’ll need to build back up your knee’s strength and range of motion while relearning how to walk and balance.
Furthermore, many people don’t realize that movement is incredibly important after surgery as early as the first week. Remaining completely sedentary can raise your risk of developing blood clots and prevent the affected area from healing correctly, leading to increased pain or limited range of motion.
Post-surgical rehabilitation is a customized program that addresses these concerns. In the early days of recovery, it will help you remain comfortable as your body heals. You’ll begin simple mobility exercises and learn how to manage around your home, especially if you’ll be using a sling, crutch, or other device.
As you start to improve, your rehabilitation program adapts with you. You’ll move from simple mobility work and pain management strategies to more intense strengthening and functionality exercises. Eventually, rehabilitation will help you prepare to safely return to your favorite activities.
Five Tips for a Smooth Post-Surgical Recovery
At Omni Physical Therapy & Wellness, our physical therapists want to see you thrive after your surgery! Here are five tips for a smooth recovery as you transition from the hospital to regular physical therapy:
- Identify Your Rehabilitation Goals: When you come in for rehabilitation, our therapists will work with you to achieve your specific recovery goals. Think about why you had surgery and what outcomes you hope to achieve: Are you an athlete who wants to get back in the game? A grandmother who wants to play with her grandkids without back pain? Let us know!
- Get Moving (But Don’t Overdo It): It’s vital that you not remain completely sedentary immediately after your surgery; however, this is also not the time to start a hardcore exercise program. We can provide a simple, effective movement plan to maximize your recovery without risking complications.
- Follow Your Program: At the same, though, it’s essential that you not perform any exercises or movements that your physical therapist hasn’t approved. Doing so could complicate or even impair your rehabilitation. Your therapist will happily show you modified or alternative exercises that won’t cause issues.
- Do Your Homework: You’ll most likely visit our clinic 2-3 times a week after your surgery, where we’ll guide you through your program and check your progress. However, your therapist will likely give you homework, especially as you improve. These simple at-home exercises will ensure you get the most benefits from post-surgical physical therapy, so don’t skip them!
- Eat Nutritious Meals: Make sure to eat balanced, nutrient-dense foods after your surgery (and don’t forget to stay hydrated). Aim for lean meats and “rainbow” foods: vibrantly-colored fruits and vegetables with plenty of nutritional value.
Want More Tips for a Smooth Recovery?
At Omni Physical Therapy & Wellness, we have plenty of experience helping people fully rehabilitate after a surgical procedure. We’re happy to talk with you in more depth about what to expect from a post-surgical rehabilitation program.
If you live in Garden City and would like more personalized information about your specific operation or recovery concerns, request an appointment with us today!