Orthopedic surgeons perform advanced procedures on patients to help them restore mobility and painless movement to their joints, recover from back injuries, and move past the pain that is preventing them from living a full and healthy life. Here are three ways patients can prepare.

Orthopedic surgeons perform advanced procedures on patients to help them restore mobility and painless movement to their joints, recover from back injuries, and move past the pain that is preventing them from living a full and healthy life. Naturally, the recovery process can be intense for those who have major surgery, which is why patients are often advised to prepare before having an operation. One of the best ways to recover from this kind of surgery is to keep the body moving as much as possible. Not to the point where you risk injury or possibly delay your recovery, but enough so that your muscles don't stiffen in the wake of the trauma. Here are three ways patients can prepare.

Isometrics

Many physical therapists advocate isometric exercise following major musculoskeletal surgery. These exercises, also known as forced muscular contractions, can loosen up the muscles and improve the connection between mind and body. While orthopedic surgeons will often prescribe this sort of exercise to patients who have undergone a procedure, it isn't a bad idea to get used to the exercises prior to the operation. This can save you from having to both learn new maneuvers while also struggling against muscles that don't want to perform as they should.

Strengthen Your Upper Body

Many orthopedic surgeons concentrate on surgeries dealing with the knee and hip joints. As a patient, you'll want to get your joints moving as soon and often as possible to quicken the healing process. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. You're likely to be in a bit of pain following surgery and it can make getting around more difficult than you're used to. This is where a strong and able upper body can serve you well. Start several weeks out from your procedure and start building strength in your upper body through pushups, weight lifting, and anything else you can do to get those muscles working.

Recovery-Proof Your Home

If most orthopedic surgeons could prepare their patients for only one thing, it would be how much more limited their movement will be immediately following a procedure. It's one thing to know this intellectually, but it's quite another to prepare sufficiently. To make it easier on you to get around your house in a wheelchair or even on crutches, clear some pathways. Bring things down to a level you'll be able to reach. Have people around that can help you should you get into a sticky situation. Just doing some basic cleaning can make a world of difference that you'll appreciate when you get back home.

Article Tags: Orthopedic Surgeons