Falling down is an accident, but staying down is not your only option. Choose to rise! Orthopaedic surgery is something that both athletes and weekend warriors alike are forced to face. As people who once enjoyed athletic, high-energy lives, a change in lifestyle can be hard to stomach. In fact, according to the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, motivation is the leading factor in how quickly people can get back on their feet.
Don’t get discouraged; you’re not alone. By 2020, an estimated 6.6 million people will undergo Orthopaedic surgery to address a musculoskeletal malady. Seek the help of a reputable orthopedic surgeon. They’ll guide you as to what steps to take to accelerate the healing process so you can get back to doing what you love – whether it’s hitting the links, hiking, or catching waves.
Rest is synonymous with recovery; and while a certain amount of R&R can be beneficial, rehabilitation requires that you get out of bed once in a while. If your physician prescribes physical therapy, the physical therapist will develop a unique plan to address your ailments. Rehab exercises will gradually increase your movement over time, helping you become stronger and more flexible. Balance is everything; don’t overexert yourself, but don’t hide in bed, either. Getting up and moving from time to time can accelerate healing, prevent infections, and provide a much-needed mood boost.
Celebrate small victories. We tend to be hard on ourselves, but we’re only human. Keep a journal and log your progress throughout your recovery. Journaling can be therapeutic, but in terms of recovery it can help us remember how far we’ve come. If you get discouraged, imagine what your journal would look like if you were doing nothing – not that great, right? So, a little effort goes a long way.
The stress and worry of an injury is enough to set a patient into a tizzy; according to Medical News Today, it’s quite common to experience depression following surgery. Have you ever heard the saying, “you need an attitude adjustment”? As it turns out, our disposition can play a vital role in how well we are able to persevere through difficult times. A study published by the National Institutes of Health cited “having a positive outlook” during recovery as being a helpful tip for an easier transition.
Don’t be a hero. It’s imperative to heed the advice of medical professionals when healing from musculoskeletal damage. This can mean everything from using crutches or another medical aid if required, to finishing all of your required physical therapy appointments. This will prevent subsequent injuries.
You don’t have to go it alone; it can difficult for once self-sufficient people to relinquish control while impaired. Be open to building a support system of friends and family who can assist you in healing. It’s tempting to internalize and do everything yourself, but accept the help – whether that means picking a few goods up from the grocer, or bringing in the recycling bins.
Lastly, selecting an experienced and empathetic physician will provide invaluable security during this tumultuous time. Dr. Jeffrey Carroll and the staff at Movement Orthopaedics offer a variety of cutting–edge procedures to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (586) 436-3785.
1Beckersasc.com
2Chicagotribune.com
3Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
