Five ways to recover after surgery

If you're not looking forward to a surgical procedure on your calendar, you are not alone. The positive news is that there's a few ways to ensure your recovery is gentle and less stressful. Here are five ways to recover after surgery so you can get back to life as quickly as possible:

 

Give Yourself Ample Rest Time

Listen to your body for weeks following surgery. Even though you may feel anxious to return in-person to work or your favorite workout, allow yourself some time to recover. If you feel tired, take a rest. It is good to want to get moving but remember to take a break if you need it.
 

Start Moving

It is imperative that you get up and start moving as soon as possible. Upon approval from your doctor, begin stretching scar tissue and regaining muscle strength. Movement promotes the flow of blood, thereby promoting healing. Actively moving your body, even with mild activities, can help circulate your blood and prevent blood clots from forming.

 

Drink and Eat Healthy

Many people lose their appetite post-surgery, but you must maintain a healthy diet for fast recovery. Protein is very important to the healing process, so choose chicken, eggs and other proteins. Vitamin C found in fruits has also been shown to boost the healing process. Foods like fish and eggs, which contain iron and B12 help the body form needed new blood cells. Fiber and probiotics boost the immune system so it can fight off infection. A simple method for getting both fiber and probiotics is eating yogurt and granola. Avoid sugary snacks since they upset the body’s balance and suppress the immune system. Sports drinks with sodium should also be avoided because the sodium makes the body retain water, which can lead to swelling.

 

Control Your Pain

Keeping pain under control after surgery is crucial because if you're in too much pain to walk, you're at risk for blood clots and pneumonia. Keeping your pain at a tolerable level (no pain may be an unreasonable goal) will keep your recovery process moving along as it should. The great thing is there’s several all-natural alternatives for those that don’t want to use over the counter pain medication. Many of our customers have used our Heroic Healing Balm, which we call a safe “Topical Tylenol”  to recover from surgeries such as knee and hip replacement.

 

Pay attention to your body

Maintaining your follow-up medical appointments and following your healthcare provider's post-surgery instructions are critical to your recovery. Taking proper care of your incision, eating and drinking properly to regain your strength, and controlling your pain are extremely important during your road to recovery.