Being told that you need to undergo a surgical procedure can make your brain go a mile a minute. You have a ton of questions to ask, and then comes a mess of thoughts full of concern and worry. This all can be overwhelming, to say the least, but just remind yourself that surgery, when recommended by your doctor, is likely to be the best option to reduce physical pain and improve range of motion in the affected area.
After surgery, you’ll begin physiotherapy in Brampton to help ensure your quality of life does not suffer. Physical therapists work hard to create post-surgery exercise routines based on the individual and around the type of surgery, but you must help yourself too. The following are a few tips for successful rehabilitation after undergoing common orthopedic surgeries.
Commit to your recovery
Not surprisingly, you need to take your recovery and rehabilitation seriously. Get in this mindset before your scheduled surgery to boost your chances of success! First, plan to do all the exercises your physical therapist tells you to do. He or she will help you perform the exercises at first, but it’s up to you to follow through on doing any prescribed home exercises. Be sure to go to all of your follow-up appointments, even if you’re not feeling your best, and take your medications as directed.
Use hot and cold packs
Your doctor probably prescribed you an anti-inflammatory after your surgery, but heat and ice are also strongly recommended to assist during the healing process and throughout physiotherapy in Brampton. A cold pack or ice will reduce pain and inflammation; heat, meanwhile, helps relax sore, stiff muscles. Ice the injured area for a few days after surgery, then alternate cold and heat packs once the swelling has gone down. It’s important to wrap ice and heat packs in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the affected area.
Practice healthy habits
Eating a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, protein and whole grains can help the recovery process. Healthy portions of nutritious foods will provide essential nutrients to your body and fuel your brain.
In addition to eating in a healthy manner after surgery, you will also need to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. It is especially important not to drink if you have been prescribed blood thinners or a narcotic pain medication. As for smoking, know that tobacco shrinks the blood vessels and slows down the healing process.
Be aware of your mental health
Before surgery, be sure to let your surgeon know if you suffer from depression, anxiety or insomnia. It’s important that your doctor is aware of these diagnoses because it’s not uncommon for a patient’s state of mind to change after surgery. Emotional changes may occur post-surgery as the result of decreased mobility, pain or discomfort, the side effects of medications or the need to depend on others for a time.
If you have a surgery planned and want to schedule physiotherapy in Brampton, don’t hesitate to contact Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic. Our team is here to help!