Orthopaedic surgery is a big step at any point in the year, but if you've waited until now, another thing is weighing on your mind – how you will tackle the holidays during recovery.
Recovering from orthopaedic surgery takes determination, time, and patience, all of which the holidays can interfere with. However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the upcoming season while keeping on track for a healthy recovery.
The Orthopaedic Specialists team offers various tips and tricks to make your road to recovery easy and flawless, especially during the busy holiday season. Dr. Brandon Downs provides all the necessary information before surgery to make recovery a breeze.
Orthopaedic surgery is necessary for many people with injuries, arthritis, or ligament and tendon damage. Total joint replacements, ACL repairs, and rotator cuff repairs are just a few of the surgeries you may need from wear and tear or injuries.
With the holiday season in full swing, orthopaedic surgery is probably the last thing you want to think about — but it may be necessary sooner rather than later. You don't have to worry too much; there are tips and tricks to get you through the holiday season after orthopaedic surgery.
Dr. Downs gives you all the presurgery details you need to know, as well as a recovery timeline before the big day. A few of the tips he offers for navigating the upcoming holidays after surgery include:
You should have realistic expectations about what you can and can't do this holiday season. Depending on your type of surgery, some things may be off the table this year.
You should be realistic about attending events, cleaning, and other holiday necessities. Don't be afraid to turn down invitations or take time to heal – you'll be happy you did in the long run.
Rest is critical to recovery, but it can be challenging with family coming and going throughout the holiday season. Prioritize rest time each day and be sure not to overdo it.
It's easy to feel the pressure of the season, but prioritizing recovery time and rest is essential for a flawless recovery.
Physical activity during recovery is just as important as resting but be careful not to overdo it. Physical therapy is an excellent part of the healing process; however, you should also get some activity at home.
The key to activities after orthopaedic surgery is to listen to your body, stop if you feel discomfort, and allow your body the appropriate time to heal.
Orthopaedic surgery during the holidays also may spell trouble when it gets cold and icy. A fall in the snow can be disastrous after orthopaedic surgery. Still, there are some steps you can take to avoid accidents this winter.
For instance, avoid going outside in hazardous conditions, use assistive devices as needed, and wear shoes or boots with good traction in snow and ice.
Undoubtedly, the holidays bring fun, cheer, and plenty of activities — but they also bring a lot of stress. Don’t get caught up in the stress of parties, family coming in, and cooking large meals; it's not conducive to the healing process.
Ensure you're taking the time to heal correctly and manage the stress of surgery and the holidays. Relax with meditation and deep breathing to get in the right state of mind for a quick and easy recovery.
The best way to recover from surgery during the holiday season is to listen to your body, follow your post-operative instructions, and reach out if you have any questions. A full recovery with the season's excitement is possible; you must know where to start.
Preparing your house ahead of time, cooking meals before surgery, and communicating with your family and friends can help you prepare for surgery and the weeks to months of recovery that follow.
Call Orthopaedic Specialists to schedule an appointment today with Dr. Downs for orthopaedic surgery or request a consultation on our website.
