A Guide To Getting Back On Your Feet Post-Surgery

Surgery is more often than not a life-saving necessity, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods once you’re wheeled out of the operating room. You have a long road of recovery ahead. Part of that recovery is simply resting—yes—but to truly recovery from any sort of surgery you also need to invest in physical therapy. The goal is to build your body back up from its weakened state.

If you’re expecting your first surgery soon, then plan ahead. Knowing what you need to do and what you can do to improve your post-recovery period can help you stay focussed, and committed. Done right, you can maximize how much strength, flexibility, and mobility you can recover after your surgery.

Here is a guide to getting back on your feet post-surgery.

Start with HBOT

A great treatment to get after your therapy is HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy). You can get HBOT therapy in NYC, for example, and use it to fuel up your body so it can recover more effectively. With this treatment option you are placed in a pressurized tank. The air pressure is then increased slightly. This increase in air pressure actually makes it easier for your lungs to draw in oxygen, which then fuels the rest of your cells. With that extra oxygen your body can work to recover from wounds (including those from surgery) faster.

As a bonus, this treatment also works to reduce inflammation, and can even help improve your immune system, two factors that can also help you through the post-surgery recovery process.

Improve Your Diet

You are what you eat, so it’s important to improve your diet post-surgery so that your system has all the nutrients and vitamins that it needs to build back your body. This applies in all instances, even amputations. It takes energy to heal over a stump, for example, or to heal internal incisions, or anything else. That’s why you’ll want to choose high-protein foods, dark green leafy vegetables, fish, bone broths, and foods like yoghurt for probiotics.

Keep Your Wounds Clean and Dry

You must invest the time to properly clean your wound, dry it, and redress it in a sterile bandage. Being lax with this can result in an infection, which can very well kill you if it’s not caught in time. Be vigilant about keeping the wound dry, and try to keep pressure off of it at all times.

Follow Your Body’s Signals

Listen to your body. You will be able to feel problems even if you can’t see them. If sitting a certain way makes it feel painful, or like there’s pressure, change positions. You need to avoid inadvertently pulling on your recovering system and causing a tear because you tried to stretch too far, too soon.  

Slowly Start Building Back Your Routine

After the first six weeks you can start working on building back your routine. Start with very, very low impact exercises, like a short walk or even yoga (again, listen to your body and don’t try to follow the instructor 100%). So long as there isn’t any pain, pulls, or pressure, you are good to continue. For best results, of course, consider going for professional physical therapy (if it’s not already part of your recovery regimen).

Did you find this helpful? Check out our other helpful articles on our website.

Read Also

• 
  Discover Innovative Methods of San Diego’s Substance Abuse Treatments
  When it comes to handling substance abuse, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different levels of substance abuse require varying care to meet the person’s needs and then get them back on track. In San Diego, you can find a variety of innovative solutions, including an intensive outpatient program that provides flexibility, support, and accountability to… Read more: Discover Innovative Methods of San Diego’s Substance Abuse Treatments
• 
  Why Does My Crown Hurt? Understanding the Causes and Solutions
  Dental crowns are common restorative treatments used to restore teeth that are damaged or decayed. While crowns are designed to be durable and long-lasting, some patients experience discomfort or pain after getting one. If you’re wondering, “Why does my crown hurt?” you’re not alone. Pain after a crown procedure can stem from a variety of… Read more: Why Does My Crown Hurt? Understanding the Causes and Solutions
• 
  How Medical Spa Services Are Evolving to Meet Modern Health Needs
  As wellness and self-care have taken center stage in healthcare, medical spa services have transformed to meet diverse, modern health needs. These facilities, combining medical treatments with a relaxing spa environment, are now more accessible and comprehensive, addressing both aesthetic and functional health concerns. From personalized wellness plans to advanced technological treatments, medical spas are… Read more: How Medical Spa Services Are Evolving to Meet Modern Health Needs
• 
  Help For Managing Chronic Pain
  Chronic pain is a persistent pain condition lasting beyond the normal healing period, typically over three months, and it can significantly impact one’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Managing chronic pain can be difficult, but numerous strategies and treatments are available to help people achieve relief and enhance their quality of life. A comprehensive approach… Read more: Help For Managing Chronic Pain
• 
  What Is Well-being at Every Life Stage?
  Well-being is a broad concept encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health, and it evolves as we progress through different stages of life. Each phase—childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older age—brings unique challenges and opportunities. Let’s explore what well-being looks like at each stage and how our needs change as we grow. Childhood: Laying the Foundations for… Read more: What Is Well-being at Every Life Stage?
• 
  The Health Benefits of Moving into a Care Home
  It often has negative connotations, but moving into a care home can have a remarkable impact on an individual’s health and well-being. Many people associate care homes with a loss of independence or a reduced quality of life, but, in reality, care homes offer a supportive environment designed to enhance physical, emotional, and social health.… Read more: The Health Benefits of Moving into a Care Home
• 
  Acne Care at the Spa: What to Expect from a Facial Treatment
  For those struggling with acne, a facial at the spa can offer targeted, professional care to complement your skincare routine. While at-home treatments are essential, a professional facial can provide deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and specific treatments that are challenging to replicate at home. Acne-focused facials are designed to target the causes of breakouts while… Read more: Acne Care at the Spa: What to Expect from a Facial Treatment
• 
  A Complete Guide to Dental Veneers
  Dental veneers are a popular solution for achieving a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Often used to address issues such as discoloration, chipped teeth, gaps, or minor misalignments, veneers offer a long-lasting and minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of teeth. Here’s everything you need to know about dental veneers, from the different types available to… Read more: A Complete Guide to Dental Veneers