Undergoing an orthopedic procedures can be an important step toward improving mobility, reducing discomfort, and helping you return to your daily activities. However, pain and discomfort are often a normal part of the recovery process, particularly in the days and weeks following surgery or other orthopedic treatments. Managing this pain effectively can play an important role in supporting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.
The right approach to pain relief can vary depending on the type of orthopedic procedure, your overall health, and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. From following your prescribed recovery plan and using appropriate pain management techniques to getting enough rest and participating in recommended physical therapy, several strategies may help reduce discomfort and support healing.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 ways to relieve pain from orthopedic procedures and share practical tips that may help you manage post-procedure discomfort safely. It is always important to follow the advice of your orthopedic surgeon or healthcare professional, especially if your pain becomes severe, worsens unexpectedly, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Here are 5 tips to help get you started:
Table of Contents
Stay Active – Orthopedic Procedures
Staying active after surgery can be a tough choice. The reality is, however, as soon as your doctor clears you to begin walking, the more motion, the better.
As the body moves, blood flow improves and the risk of deadly blood clots. Which can develop during long periods of inactivity, begins to fall.
A 2014 study done by Maastricht University Medical Centre, found that not only is postoperative exercise after surgery a necessity, but even preoperative exercise can improve patients’ results. That’s right, and it pays to stay active, after, and even before your surgery.
Of course, you may struggle with mobility post-surgery, and not just during recovery. Unfortunately, the reality is many orthopedic patients never fully recover their mobility post-surgery, especially those over the age of 65. This can make even the easiest things like getting up and down the stairs, nearly impossible. Don’t be afraid to try mobility accessories like walkers or stair lifts to help decrease recovery time and keep you mobile and independent.
Breathing Exercises
Prolonged immobility from surgical procedures can cause some serious problems for the human body. Muscles begin to atrophy; circulation slows, even the base of your lungs can begin to collapse.
When this happens, phlegm can build up, which makes lung infections more common. That’s why it’s so vital to remain active after surgery.
Still, for many orthopedic patients getting up and walking around after surgery isn’t an option. If you’re in this camp, it pays to utilize breathing exercises to re-expand your lungs and rid them of phlegm.
Get Adequate Rest
Getting adequate rest post-surgery may sound like an obvious thing to do, but unfortunately, too many patients forget this step and end up doing too much too soon.
While you should stay active post-surgery, doing too much too soon can put you back in the hospital before you know it. One of the most common reasons that surgeries are unsuccessful is because patients end up reinjuring themselves before they can heal.
When this happens, it’s not only demoralizing for the patient but also often leads to bankruptcy as insurance companies try and avoid paying for redo surgeries.
Medical Marijuana
If you’re in some serious pain, and the classic Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) aren’t working for you, then you may want to look into getting a medical marijuana license. Your orthopedic physician may not be able to give you an MMJ license. But they can recommend a local physician to help get you enrolled.
Medical marijuana has been proven to reduce overall pain in some studies, including a recent study was done at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, which found that orthopedic patients who used marijuana saw improved lower extremity activity and reported less pain than their sober counterparts.
Medical marijuana may not be one of your first options if the pain from your procedure becomes unbearable, but it is a great last resort in worst comes to worst scenarios.
Try A Spa Day – Orthopedic Procedures
If all else fails, it’s time for a spa day. The pain from orthopedic procedures can be overwhelming, have a relaxing spa day might be just what you need.
Getting a massage and relaxing in comfort is a great way to heal.
You may even want to try a natural spa, like Soap Lake Natural Spa, the minerals in the water are known for their healing benefits. Of course, you’ll need to wait until your incisions have healed. But unfortunately, recovery from surgery is a long game, so you’ll have plenty of time for the spa.
Conclusion
Recovering from an orthopedic procedure takes time, patience, and the right approach to pain management. While some discomfort may be expected during the healing process, following your healthcare provider’s recovery plan can help you manage pain and support a smoother recovery. Simple strategies such as taking prescribed medications as directed, getting adequate rest, using recommended therapies, staying active within safe limits, and attending follow-up appointments can all play a role in reducing post-procedure discomfort.
It is important to remember that pain relief after orthopedic procedures is not the same for everyone. Your recovery may depend on the type of procedure, the severity of your condition, and your individual health needs. Always communicate openly with your orthopedic surgeon or healthcare professional about your pain, especially if it becomes severe, suddenly worsens, or does not improve as expected.
By taking a safe and informed approach to pain management, you can better support your recovery and gradually work toward improved mobility and comfort. Following professional medical advice and giving your body the time it needs to heal are essential steps toward a successful recovery after an orthopedic procedure.
