If you have suffered a serious injury, it is important to know what orthopedic rehabilitation is and how it can help. Orthopedic rehabilitation focuses on restoring mobility and function after an injury or illness that has caused the body to stop functioning properly. It helps patients get back into daily activities such as work, school, and sports by focusing on improving range of motion, strength, endurance, balance and coordination. In this blog post we will discuss 8 tips for a smooth orthopedic rehabilitation so you can fully get back to your life!
Consistently do exercises that are appropriate for your injuries.
You will need sufficient time to heal before returning to activities that are more intense. Make sure that the complexity and intensity of your exercises is compatible with your stage in the healing process.
Maintain an appropriate level of activity by periodically performing moderate exercise.
Be sure not to push yourself too hard at this point in recovery because it could contribute to the risk of re-injury.
Write down the intensity and duration of your exercising as well as any problems you encounter during recovery.
It is important to pay attention to your body and be proactive so you can heal as quickly as possible.
Make sure that you stretch before and after exercising.
Forgetting to stretch before and after exercising can cause tension in the muscles which could lead to reinjury or further injury if left untreated.
If you feel any pain or stiffness in the joints, be sure to let your doctor know right away.
By keeping your medical practitioner in the loop, they can direct you on what activities are appropriate for that day. You may need a break from exercising if there is too much tension in the muscles which could contribute to reinjury.
Maintain a healthy diet
This means eating nutritious foods with lots of fruits and vegetables while limiting fast food or sugary snacks as well as drinking at least half an ounce of water daily for every pound lost after surgery (or one ounce per pound). Remembering these steps will help promote good health even after your body recovers from the injury.
Limit alcohol intake.
Alcohol is not recommended during your rehabilitation process as it can be risky and impede the recovery process.
Most of all, don’t forget to keep up with activities that you enjoy.
Doing things you enjoy such as playing video games, watching television/movies or even reading a book can help you through rehabilitation to take your mind off of the recovery process and serve as a reminder that you can still live a fulfilling life.
Recovery may seem like an endless road but these steps will certainly make the journey easier for you and your family. If you have any questions about the recovery process, make sure to use online resources or consult with your doctor.
