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You or a loved one may just have had a surgical procedure involving the musculoskeletal system, or you may be planning for an elective surgery in the near future. For future procedures, you and your physician will discuss the specific benefits, risks, and effects of the surgical treatment. In any surgical procedure, the administration of anesthesia drugs, the invasiveness of the surgery, the likely sleep deprivation, and the stress of the procedure itself all affect the health of your musculoskeletal system. Both before and after surgery, you can take several steps to promote healing and a smoother recovery. During this important event in your life, Wellness Professionals can be your partner in joint health.
Surgery and Musculoskeletal System Health
Surgery involving the musculoskeletal system is painful and stressful to the affected muscles, ligaments, bones, and joints. If the surgery involves restoring stability to the mechanical structure, such as the spinal column, vertebrae, or other bones and joints, for example, there may be new screws and plates in the body. There is also trauma to the surrounding tissue after an operation. Broken bones affect the surrounding connective tissue and musculotendinous units. If immobilization is necessary, consequences include joint stiffness, muscle weakness and atrophy, and degeneration of cartilage. Postoperative rehabilitation must address all these effects in order to restore optimal musculoskeletal health.
After any type of surgical procedure, the body needs to recover from the stress imposed on the musculoskeletal system. The body needs time for damaged tissues to heal. Even if a patient hasn't been immobilized, the disruption to normal activity causes joints to stiffen and muscles to lose strength. Recovery time varies with the patient's age, physical condition, and degree of injury. In general, recovery is shorter for younger and more physically fit patients. Recovery times can be shortened if patients maintain a positive outlook, get plenty of rest, and follow a well-balanced diet. Patients who smoke, are overweight, or are out of shape generally require a longer recovery time.
Besides traditional clinical factors that predict surgical outcome, there are other determinants of how recovery may proceed. Fast recoveries are associated with high levels of social support, positive expectations, robust mental health, and self-reliance.
Recovering from Musculoskeletal Surgery
Prior to discharge, you will be given instructions about when it is okay to resume driving, how much you should walk each day, and how much weight you can safely lift. Your physician will also give you instructions about immobilizing and protecting the area affected by the injury and surgery.
One helpful recommendation is to breathe deeply in the days after surgery. Deep breaths boost circulation, help clear your lungs, and reduce your risk of pneumonia.
After the initial phase of recovery, you can turn your attention to more active strategies that promote fast and safe healing.
Posture and Ergonomics
Being horizontal for an extended period of time, either in a hospital bed or at home, will affect your posture, as your muscles start to atrophy and your joints get stiff. After being more bed-ridden than usual, it will feel good to be upright!
In order to ease recovery, establish a comfort zone that has proper supports for sitting, being in bed, and other common positions. If it is possible to sit in a chair following your surgery, make sure your chair is at an appropriate height and has arms that provide leverage to help you stand.
When returning to work following surgery, make the following accommodations:
- Remember to pace yourself. This is especially important when doing prolonged or heavy work.
- If you must carry heavy loads, carry them close to your body.
- Take frequent rests to allow weakened muscles to recuperate.
- To reduce the chance of falls, remove clutter from your work environment.
- Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes.
- Use handrails when climbing stairs.
- Avoid staying in the same position for a prolonged period of time.
- Avoid putting extra stress on your joints. Consider using a rolling briefcase or bag instead of a handheld or shoulder bag.
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