Many participants felt it was important to know whether their recovery trajectory was progressing as expected. They also appreciated a sense of confirmation from follow-up visits with an orthopedist or physiotherapist. Find an orthopedist with the right experience to treat your injury or health condition. Ask about their training and degrees, including any accredited fellowships they’ve completed.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapy treatment plan is typically a requirement for any orthopedic surgery. Although some surgeries are more invasive than others, all surgeries cause damage to the body that physical therapy is designed to repair. Patients could attend their first physical therapy session for orthopedic recovery Palm Springs CA during or right afterward after surgery, depending on the kind of procedure. During this first appointment, the physical therapist will conduct a dressing change, assess the incision site(s) for swelling or drainage and educate the patient about post-operative care of their incision(s).
After surgery, patients must use the joint or muscle to encourage healing and lower the chance of problems like blood clots. During physical therapy, the therapist will guide you through movements to increase your range of motion and build strength. In addition, physical therapy stimulates circulation, which is necessary to keep the blood delivering oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues during the healing process.
Staying Active
It’s important to stay active during recovery from orthopedic surgery. The body will atrophy if you spend too much time lying down. Additionally, poor blood circulation hinders the healing process and increases the risk of infection. Walking, jogging, and other low-impact exercises can help improve blood flow and promote healing. A healthy diet must always be followed. Eating various fruits and vegetables can ensure you obtain the nutrients your body needs to repair. In addition, it is recommended that you focus on high-protein foods to offset muscle loss during recovery. Many participants noted that they did not receive any follow-up from their surgeon or therapist following discharge from the hospital. It led to a feeling of being abandoned during their recovery. Regular contacts with the clinic, such as a phone call or video conference, would have improved their sense of well-being and helped them feel safe during their recovery.
Staying Healthy
Keeping up with your health habits is critical to an effective recovery. Maintaining a healthy weight can also aid in orthopedic surgery recovery by relieving pressure on the operated joints. For every pound you lose, 3-5 pounds less stress on the joint. Achieving a successful orthopedic surgery recovery can be challenging, but with the help of your physician and clinical team, you’ll be back on track to enjoying life in no time. While orthopedic surgeons explore nonsurgical treatment options first, injuries and chronic conditions sometimes require surgery. During the research interviews, participants reported that it was helpful to have regular follow-ups with their orthopedic surgeon or physiotherapist after discharge to receive confirmation that their recovery process was going as expected. It may be done in person or through phone or videoconferencing.
Pain Medication
Pain medications are used to help control discomfort. Many patients worry about becoming addicted to pain medicines, but the reality is that if you have legitimate pain from surgery, these drugs are necessary to make you comfortable. After orthopedic surgery, several pain-control options are available, including oral and intramuscular medications, NSAIDs, and local anesthetics. These are effective and safe when taken as prescribed. Please tell your nurse immediately if the medicine does not relieve your pain. She may have more on hand or other options to manage your pain.
Anesthesia and pain-management specialists often combine regional techniques, such as epidural injections, with patient-controlled analgesia pumps. It helps reduce side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, sedation, and dizziness and decreases the reliance on opioids.
