Healing After A Total Joint Replacement
Approximately 1.25 million Americans undergo total joint replacement (TJR) surgery annually. One of the most routine orthopedic procedures in the country, replacing worn-out or injured joints can improve pain levels and notably boost the overall quality of life. Regaining strength and range of motion requires daily low-impact exercises focused on strengthening leg and upper body muscles. Properly preparing the home for life after the procedure is as necessary as physical therapy to ensure a full recovery. By pairing advancements in convenience with strategic planning, patients can recover quickly and easily within the comforts of home.
Preparing your body for recovery
Before a total joint replacement, physicians recommend prioritizing a balanced, healthy diet. Nutritional building blocks such as calcium, iron, and fiber stave off potential constipation often caused by pain medication while supporting bone health. Limiting nicotine usage before total joint replacement surgery helps produce a quick recovery. Often smoking causes breathing issues, which increase the risk of potential complications while under anesthesia. Many healthcare experts recommend quitting or drastically lowering the use of tobacco products at least a few weeks before surgery.
Daily exercise is a must
While the weeks immediately after surgery should be spent resting and stretching the new joint, some physicians recommend kicking off a comprehensive exercise plan shortly after that. Strengthening and balancing movements such as knee pushdowns, leg extensions, and heel slides strengthen the joint and the surrounding muscles.
Staying safe
Recovery varies from person to person, depending on many factors, such as overall health and fitness levels before surgery. Falls or injuries during the recovery process can halt or hinder progress. To ensure a seamless recovery, some doctors recommend installing proper safety measures in the bathroom, such as grab bars near the toilet and bathtub, a raised toilet seat or commode, and a hand-held showerhead. With safety measures in place, patients decrease the chances of a fall while increasing the likelihood of a quick recovery.
Getting back to your life
Hip replacements are a routine procedure that drastically improves the lives of countless Americans. In order to achieve pain-free mobility post-surgery, patients must follow proper procedures to keep the home and body safe. Carefully preparing the home before surgery limits the risk of potential complications after the procedure, while a rehabilitation plan strengthens the new joint. Compounded, patients can achieve higher mobility and an overall improved quality of life thanks to a successful total robotic hip replacement.
