Recovering from surgery is not always easy. The body must adjust and heal on the inside and outside. It takes time but there are some tips that can help you safely speed it up a bit. The following information gives you 5 common tips.
Rest and Immobilize
One of the most important instructions you can get from your doctor for post-surgery recovery is to rest and possibly immobilize the area. For example, knew surgery involves not walking a whole lot or bending the knee too much. Not getting enough rest for the area can cause a delay in healing or improper healing that causes damage.
Plenty of Sleep
Initially, you may be especially tired, particularly if you are given medications. While you sleep, your body uses this time to recover. Following surgery, this time is even more important because the body has more work to heal. It is also an ideal way to make sure that you stay off the area as much as possible.
Diet and Hydration
You should make sure that you maintain a healthy diet, particularly foods rich in proteins. The extra proteins will help add amino acids that aid in tissue repair. Remaining hydrated is equally crucial because the tissues use water, too. Preventing dehydration also helps with pain killer withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced. Doctors recommend eight glasses of water per day, and to reduce caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can reduce the amount of water your body is able to keep, causing dehydration.
Gradually Restarting
If your surgery is orthopedic and related to your back, hips, neck, or limbs you will probably need to undergo physical therapy. The therapist will give you specific exercises to help increase mobility and range of motion. You will also be given instructions for things to do at home. Follow these instructions, but do not go overboard. Increasing your movement or exercise will not help you get back to normal faster. In fact, you can cause more damage. You must gradually restart your normal activities in small amounts.
Even though there are some ways to help your body heal faster following surgery, there are no sure fire ways to speed up the healing process more than what the body is capable of. It is recommended that you increase your protein intake and take multivitamin supplements to help boost the different systems in your body. They will all need to work together to ensure that you recover well.
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Hello Brionna,
Thank you for sharing these five tips to achieving a speedy recovery.
Maryann
November 18, 2013 - 5:48pmThis Comment