How to Care For Your Joints after Joint Replacement Surgery

Unfortunately, you may need joint replacement if you have worn-out joints and chronic pain. Luckily, you will live a normal life after the joint replacement surgery, but you should learn how to care for the replaced joint to improve the health outcome after the surgery. You may be concerned about activity after the surgery, but Grants Pass joint replacement experts will guide you on the appropriate activities to keep the joint flexible and functional. These tips will keep the joint functional after a replacement surgical procedure.

Activities to Do At Home

A day after the knee or hip replacement surgery, you will rest in bed, but you will need physical activities to keep the joint functioning as the joint heals. The physical therapist will help you move around in a hospital and show you the exercises to improve healing. They will give clear instructions on the activities to take at home, and it would be wise to follow their instructions to improve the healing process. Outpatient physical therapy after surgery improves the outcome, and it may be better to improve the activity level each week.

Safe Exercises after the Joint Surgery

Although you would sit after the procedure, you may avoid sitting for 30 minutes and more as it strains the new joint. If you had pelvic joint replacement surgery, you might use a wheelchair or crutches to support yourself when moving. Moving frequently for short distances may increase recovery; you can use the rails to climb the stairs until you regain stamina. Your physical therapist will assign daily activities; finishing the activities improves the healing process. You should not resume the daily activities until the doctor gives you the go-ahead; some activities might increase joint pain.

What to Avoid After Surgery

Lifting heavy objects and bending or squatting may elevate the pain and dislocate the delicate joint. It is better to avoid straining during the healing process and wait until the doctor lets you know it is safe to lift the heavy objects. Moreover, you should avoid positions that exert pressure on the delicate joint as it would not be ready to bear any heavyweight.

Why You Should Be Active After the Surgery

Engaging in physical activities will help you regain joint strength and maintain muscle tone, flexibility, and function. Activity will relieve the discomfort in the legs as it improves the range of motion and alleviates pain and inflammation. However, you may need to rest to allow the joint to heal, and your doctor will offer advice about ways to start engaging in activities you enjoy. The new joint may be easy to dislodge, and you may avoid putting pressure on the new joint to avoid pain, inflammation, and injury.

Knee and pelvic joint replacement surgeries may reduce your movement and impact your life, but you may need to care for your joint after the surgery. Your physical therapist will help with the movement in the hospital, but they would recommend the right activities during the recovery at home. You will regain joint strength and maintain muscle tone with the appropriate exercise to improve the joint’s healing. Good luck caring for your joints after joint replacement surgery.

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