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Whether you are recovering from an injury or a surgery, most of us would like to return to our normal activities as soon as possible for a variety of reasons. Being injured can take a financial toll on families, force patients to miss crucial games or practices, or prevent us from enjoying that golf game over the weekend. There are many factors to consider when prognosticating when someone can return to work, sport or recreational activities. Demographics, lifestyle, type and severity of the injury, and compliance to rehabilitation protocols are all factors in how long it takes to recover from an injury or surgery. Some of these factors we can control and some we cannot. This blog will focus on the factors we can.
First, if you have diabetes, maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is critical to the healing process. Decreased blood flow to the lower extremities is very common amongst diabetics. This inhibits crucial cells, gases and nutrients from getting to the injured area, which will all increase tissue healing times. Also, be sure to check and maintain healthy blood glucose levels during physical therapy sessions.
If you smoke, stop. For the same reasons above, poor circulation and oxygenation from smoking will increase the amount of time it will take for injuries to heal. Also, rehabilitation can become taxing on the cardiovascular system depending on the injury. In these instances, smoking will limit your ability to effectively carry out the rehabilitation.
Compliance to rehabilitation protocols is also very important. Performing the home exercise program as prescribed by the physical therapist is essential. The patients that get the best outcomes following surgery or injury are the patients that are proactive in their recovery. However, rushing through rehabilitation programs can be detrimental, as it can interfere with healing, or even ruin repairs made by the surgeon. Unfortunately, progressing too slowly can also be detrimental, it can cause unnecessary stiffness and/or weakness which will hinder your ability to return to your prior level of function. It is also very important to wear any sling or braces as prescribed by the surgeon. This is very important to protect repaired tissue.
Nutrition and hydration are important factors in your recovery. Metabolism increases when the body is repairing itself. It is important to provide your body with the proper hydration, macro and micronutrients to provide an optimal environment for healing. For more information on nutrition following injury or surgery click here. As always, it is important to consult your physician regarding any dietary changes or supplemental nutrition.
Weight control is also important. Controlling weight in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis is directly correlated to controlling pain. If you are overweight, your weight bearing joints have to endure excessive loading which will increase pain in the affected joints. Proper weight management also has a direct correlation to positive outcomes following joint replacement surgery.
In conclusion, by following the tips listed above, you can help facilitate a quick and complete recovery. If you have any questions regarding your injury recovery, be sure to ask your doctor or another medical professional.
