Post-Surgery Recovery: Making the Most of Your Healing Process

Your journey to recovery after a surgery doesn’t end with the operating room. The most crucial phase begins after you awaken, and the steps you take during this period will determine how fast you can get back on your feet. Below, we’ll share some key strategies and tips for post-operative rehabilitation to help you make the most of your healing process and return to your normal lifestyle much quicker. 

1. Start Rehabilitation ASAP

Rehabilitation is a process that works to restore your body to good health through a series of therapies. It is key to post-surgery recovery, and should begin as soon as possible if you want to regain independence, functionality, and overall well-being. 

While your surgeon will usually recommend a few gentle exercises, stretches, or range-of-motion movements to improve mobility and strength, we suggest seeking assistance from a physiotherapist to develop a more comprehensive treatment plan. This is important if you’re an athlete or active individual looking to get back to the field faster. A team that specialises in rehabilitation may be able to help you better target your issues and expedite your return to normalcy. 

Be sure to schedule regular physiotherapy sessions and not one-off appointments to promptly address any concerns, monitor your progress closely, and maximise efficacy. 

2. Manage Pain Through Physiotherapy

Discomfort after a surgery isn’t uncommon. In fact, everybody experiences it. However, that doesn’t mean pain should be neglected as it can actually hinder your progress. 

Rehabilitation and its pain management approaches can help you say goodbye to these uncomfortable sensations and heal faster. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy, for instance, focuses on improving the range of motion and function of your muscles and joints to ease pain symptoms. Other techniques such as sports massage and manual therapy may also be employed to reduce tension in your body and boost blood circulation, promoting relaxation and lowering pain levels.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet for Optimal Healing

Ever heard of the phrase “you are what you eat”? The foods you put into your body are extremely important, and can either aid in tissue repair and regeneration or cause more inflammation. To support healing and maintain muscle strength post-surgery, you must consume a balanced diet full of beneficial items. For example, ingredients such as poultry, tofu, and eggs, which are high in protein and can help your body produce new blood cells. Avoid high amounts of sugar, alcohol, and highly-processed food as they may slow you down. If necessary, consult with a nutritionist to create meal plans that complement your recovery goals. 

4. Get Ample Sleep and Rest

If you spent the bulk of your time hustling before surgery, it’s time to hit the sack more post-operation. Sleep and rest are critical for healing too and the nighttime is when your body goes through most of its repair and regeneration processes. 

In the first two days after the procedure, try to sleep as much as possible—nobody can fault you for that. During the first week, get at least seven to nine hours of sleep daily, with naps in between if necessary. Always listen to your body and allow yourself the time to recuperate if fatigue sets in. 

5. Stay Active Within Limits

While rehabilitation is crucial, you should never overexert yourself and engage in these activities for long periods of time or at higher intensities. Pushing yourself beyond boundaries can do more harm than good. So, stick to a suitable exercise routine then gradually increase frequency for more favourable results without compromising your overall recovery. 

Want to get back on track faster after your surgery? By keeping these tips in mind, you can optimise your healing and resume daily activities much faster. But remember, each journey is unique, so do seek the right guidance for better outcomes. 

SG ProRehab, a physiotherapy clinic in Singapore, offers a variety of rehabilitation services to empower individuals on their path to a healthier, more active post-surgery life. Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you.