Healing Quickly After A Total Joint Replacement
One of the most common operations in the US, replacing worn-out or damaged joints can improve pain levels and overall quality of life. People with hip pain can begin regaining strength and overall range of motion requires daily low-impact exercises focused on strengthening leg and upper body muscles. However, to ensure recovery, properly preparing the home for life after the procedure is just as important as physical therapy. By pairing exercise and a healthy diet with strategic planning, patients can recover quickly and easily within the comforts of home.
Do I need to fall-proof my home?
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. Safety measures in the bedroom and bathrooms minimize the risk of accidents. Helpful devices to consider include 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 chances of a seamless recovery.
Gearing up for recovery
Shifting to a balanced, healthy diet before a total joint replacement (TJR) procedure helps shorten recovery. Nutritional building blocks such as calcium, iron, and fiber stave off potential constipation often caused by pain medication while supporting bone health. Minimizing tobacco use before total joint replacement surgery helps produce a quick recovery. Frequently smoking causes breathing issues, which increase the risk of potential complications while under anesthesia. Quitting or drastically lowering use 4-6 weeks before the procedure keeps the bloodstream supplied with oxygen during surgery.
Using the new joint
The weeks immediately after surgery should be spent resting and stretching the new joint. After a few weeks of downtime, kicking off a daily exercise plan will begin to restore a patient’s mobility. Strengthening and balancing movements such as knee pushdowns, leg extensions, and heel slides strengthen the joint and the surrounding muscles.
Returning to daily life
Hip replacements are a routine procedure that drastically improves the lives of countless Americans. To achieve pain-free mobility post-surgery, carefully preparing the home and body before the procedure helps minimize the potential for a fall. Moving furniture before surgery limits the risk of complications after the procedure, while a daily rehabilitation plan strengthens the new joint in the following weeks. With a successful robotic total hip replacement, patients can experience better mobility and an improved quality of life.
