Surgical procedures are often required to help one adequately recover from an injury, like a torn ACL or an Achilles tendon rupture. However, surgeries themselves can technically be considered an injury too. The body essentially views and treatsinjuries and post-surgical wounds the same: trauma in need of repair.
While surgeries can be essential and life-altering in many cases, it’s crucial to know how to keep recovery on track. One mistake during recovery can result in delayed healing or even the need for another procedure in the near future.
Common Post-Surgery Challenges People Often Face
Everyone recovers from surgery differently, with some struggling more than others. Not to mention, the recovery process can differ based on the type of surgery and how successful the procedure was done.
Nonetheless, there are some overlaps and similar symptoms many people face after a surgical procedure, such as:
- Pain at the site of incision
- Nerve or muscle pain
- Joint/muscle stiffness
- Localized swelling
- Reduced muscle strength
- Limited flexibility
- General fatigue
- Recovery-related anxiety
These symptoms are more than just uncomfortable. They can have a big impact on your life as you recover. From your ability to promptly return back to work to being able to engage in yardwork, there are many limitations and challenges the recovery process can involve.
How to Heal Faster After Surgery
Healing quickly is always the goal after surgery, but more often than not, recovery seems to drag on. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to heal faster.
Sticking to your doctor’s instructions regarding post-operation care, activity restrictions, and prescription medications can ensure you heal by the expected timeline. Speeding up the healing process, however, involves more work.
Proper sleep, a healthy diet, and ample hydration can help support post-surgery healing. The gradual introduction of gentle movements and stretches, stress management, and the use of various recovery modalities such as cryotherapy and percussion therapy can also play a big role in your recovery.
Can Recovery Services Help with Pain Relief?
Yes! Several recovery services at Recovery Lab can help reduce pain after surgery.
Try localized or whole-body cryotherapy for pain relief and the reduction of inflammation. If you’re experiencing muscle stiffness or tension, you may want to try cupping, percussion therapy, or mobility stretching. Sore legs? NormaTec compression therapy can help get fluids moving to reduce heaviness and aches.
How Do Recovery Services Speed Up Healing?
Recovery services can accelerate healing in different ways.
Red light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy both support tissue repair at the cellular level. Multiple services are capable of alleviating inflammation, including cryotherapy.Meanwhile, compression therapy is known to deter excess fluid buildup and swelling, which can otherwise be detrimental to the healing process.
All in all, each of our wellness services is capable of aiding the post-surgery healing process. While great alone, they can also be combined to achieve more extensive benefits.
Whether you recently had surgery or have an upcoming procedure, we’d love to ease your healing journey. Call us today to learn more about our services.
