What do you do when you’re feeling pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints? If these scenarios sound familiar, then you need to undergo what they call regenerative orthopedic treatment. But what should you do after you’ve undergone such a medical procedure? Dr. Michael Poss will discuss how you can take care of yourself after your regenerative orthopedic treatments.
Rest And Sleep
Resting includes activities like taking a walk or meditating that can help you relax and keep your mind off of your pain. Sleep, on the other hand, allows your body to repair itself while you’re unconscious.
How much rest you need depends on what kind of surgery you had and how hard it was on your system. If you have been very active up until now (for example), then it may take longer for your muscles to recover than if this was not true for you.
Apply Ice To The Surgical Site
Ice is an important part of post-operative regenerative orthopedic care, but it must be used properly. A cold pack or bag of ice can be applied for 20 minutes at a time and not more than three hours in a row. Never apply ice directly to your skin – instead, place it between two towels or use a thick sock filled with crushed ice.
Use Pain Medication As Prescribed
It’s important to use your prescribed medication as directed by your doctor, but also remember that you don’t need to take more than prescribed. If you’re still in pain, ask them if they can increase your dosage or recommend another option for relief.
Also, remember that mixing alcohol or other drugs with any type of opiate-based medication can be dangerous–even deadly. Ask questions and make sure you understand what risks are involved before making any decisions about taking additional drugs alongside these prescriptions (especially if they’re over-the-counter).
Keep The Treated Area Clean And Dry
After your regenerative orthopedic procedure, you’ll need to keep the area clean and dry. For Dr. Michael Poss, the best way to do this is by using the saline solution on a cotton ball or washcloth. Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, soap, or lotion in the area as they can dry out your skin. Also, avoid applying heat (a heating pad) or cold packs to prevent further damage to your soft tissues and joints.
Start Physical Therapy As Soon As Possible
And finally, physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process from regenerative orthopedic treatments. It can help you regain range of motion and strength, which are key to being able to move comfortably through your daily life.
Physical therapists (PTs) work with patients who have had surgery or other treatments that affect their mobility. They will teach you exercises that will strengthen your muscles and improve your overall health, including how to use assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs if necessary. The goal here is for patients’ bodies to feel less stiff so they can move more easily without pain or discomfort.
Other than that, you may see a physical therapist before surgery or during recovery from an operation (post-op). If this happens at home, ask friends or family members who know basic first aid how best they can help while preparing meals so as not to get too tired while doing so.
