Home. Recovery After Surgery
Recovery After Orthopedic Surgery
Understanding
the Orthopedic Surgery Recovery Process
Most patients at Orthopedic Surgeries Mexico undergo minimally invasive orthopedic surgery to reduce the potential for discomfort and complications during recovery. If you're eager to regain mobility and improve your quality of life, it's important to focus on the initial recovery phase before considering your long-term health goals. A smooth recovery sets the foundation for a successful outcome.
Depending on the type of orthopedic surgery you undergo, most patients will spend one night in the hospital before moving to a nearby hotel for the following night and then returning home.
Different types of orthopedic procedures require varying recovery times. For instance, a joint replacement surgery is more complex than a minor arthroscopy and may result in a longer hospital stay and extended recovery period. Our experienced orthopedic team in Mexico City will guide you safely through the recovery process, ensuring personalized care and support throughout your journey.
The First Few Days
Following Orthopedic Surgery
Once you wake up from orthopedic surgery, you will feel somewhat groggy but not experience much pain due to the medication. You will have intravenous (IV) tubing in your arm for easy administration of additional pain relief if needed. Many patients may have a few small incisions depending on the procedure, which will be sutured closed. Our staff will encourage you to get out of bed and walk short distances during your hospital stay to aid recovery. A physical therapist will visit you to provide guidance and address any concerns, outlining the rehabilitation plan specific to your procedure.
In most cases, your surgeon may recommend limited mobility on the first day. The next day, you might feel more discomfort, which can be managed with prescription pain medication. After adequate recovery time in the hospital, patients can return home or to their hotel to continue recovery with clear post-operative instructions.
The First Few Weeks After Orthopedic Surgery
After about a week, you should experience less pain, allowing you to gradually increase your activity levels by taking daily walks to promote circulation and support healing. Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity to reduce the risk of blood clots. At this stage, most patients can begin gentle exercises as recommended by their physical therapist. Following mobility guidelines is crucial to avoid complications and ensure a smooth recovery. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential to support the body’s healing process.
The First Few Months
Many patients can resume normal life style approximately eight weeks after orthopedic surgery. By this point, you should notice significant improvements in mobility and strength, motivating you to continue following your recommended rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy. Gradually, you will be able to increase your activity levels and exercise routine, as guided by your doctor, to regain full function and support your long-term recovery.
You will need regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider for the long term to monitor your recovery and ensure that no complications have developed. These visits may include assessments to check for any issues related to healing or joint function. At around two months, you may be able to resume a more active lifestyle with some restrictions, such as avoiding high-impact activities and following a tailored exercise plan to protect your surgical site and promote optimal recovery. Your healthcare provider will guide you on gradually increasing your activity levels while ensuring a safe and effective rehabilitation process.
Arrange for Help When You Return Home
If possible, have a friend or family member assist you with daily tasks until you can manage them on your own. This support might include help with caring for children, pets, and grocery shopping. Additionally, you may need someone to drive you to follow-up appointments until your doctor clears you to drive again and you are no longer on prescription pain medication. Their help can make your recovery process smoother and allow you to concentrate on your rehabilitation.
Returning to Work
Typically, most patients feel strong enough to return to work after two to four weeks following orthopedic surgery. However, the time you need to recover at home can vary depending on the type of surgery you had and the physical demands of your job. If your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activities, particularly if you need to lift objects weighing more than 25 lbs., you should wait at least six weeks before returning to work. Your doctor will provide guidance based on your specific recovery progress and job requirements.
Your New Lifestyle Habits
Several weeks after orthopedic surgery, you should be able to tolerate a gradual increase in physical activities and slowly build up your exercise routine. As you continue to heal, it’s important to avoid high-impact or strenuous exercises until your doctor gives the green light. About a month post-surgery, your doctor may permit activities such as swimming and low-impact aerobics.
During your recovery, you can contact your surgeon or our medical team directly via phone or email to address any questions or concerns. You might also consider joining support groups or online forums to connect with others who have undergone similar surgeries and receive additional tips and advice on adjusting to your new activity levels and optimizing your recovery.
Why Choose Orthopedic Surgeries Mexico?
Led by experienced, board-certified surgeons, our orthopedic center in Mexico City has a proven track record of success. With a high success rate and over 8,000 successful surgeries performed, we are dedicated to supporting patients throughout their recovery journey. We adhere to the strictest international safety standards and employ state-of-the-art techniques to minimize recovery times and reduce the risk of complications. Our comprehensive approach includes detailed education, a tailored rehabilitation plan, access to our online support community, and thorough postoperative follow-up to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
At our orthopedic center in Mexico City, we believe every patient deserves the opportunity to enhance their mobility and overall quality of life through life-changing surgeries. We offer our procedures at a fraction of the cost found in the United States, with clear, upfront pricing, accessible financing options, and inclusive medical tourism insurance. Our commitment is to help patients thrive physically, emotionally, socially, and professionally, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive recovery journey.
Reach Out Today
Knowing what to expect during the recovery process after orthopedic surgery is essential. For more information regarding orthopedic surgery recovery, contact the Orthopedic Surgeries Mexico today by calling +52 1 56 1148 8107 for a complimentary consultation.