One of the most difficult things a person can experience in their lifetime is a major injury or surgical procedure. Anytime this occurs, it can be especially difficult for the person to get back to doing the things they love most in life. Part of this is because injuries and surgeries often significantly impact the mobility of a person and major limitations are often required during the healing process so reinjury does not occur.
Depending on the severity of the injury or surgery, the recommended recovery time can be a matter of days, weeks, months or even years. It is important to understand your body’s limitations during the healing process. Overexertion after surgery or an injury will inevitably lead to more injury and should be avoided.
Understanding Your Limitations
After any major injury or surgery, it is important to consult with your doctor on the best way to proceed with the recovery. In most cases, there will be protocols to follow to ensure that your strength is gained back gradually. Even though modern medicine has advanced substantially, your body cannot heal properly if recommended movement protocols are not followed.
Whilst you may be eager to get back to normal as quickly as possible, your body will inevitably need proper time and gentle strength building to help it heal. In some cases, physical therapy may be required or recommended to assist in mobility and strength building. If this is recommended, your doctor will refer you to a physical therapist to begin to help you gain mobility.
In the cases of major injuries, the recovery process may take months depending on how bad the injury is.
A physical therapist can be very helpful in guiding patients during their recovery to better understand their limitations. Because of their extensive knowledge of the body, physical therapists are often the best teachers for mobility exercises. They will often explain what activities are helpful and warn you against too much exertion.
When it comes to recovering from surgery, recovery time can vary. However, if you have had surgery to repair a major injury or have had a major surgical procedure, the recovery recommendations will be different. Minor surgeries can leave a person immobile for a few weeks. When it comes to major surgery, recovery may require months of strengthening and physical therapy before mobility is returned.
The Process of Recovery
Having a candid discussion with your doctor about your healing process is important to ensure you know what to expect. If physical therapy is recommended, it is important to follow through on your appointments, failure to attend physical therapy appointments will extend the recovery time. If the physical therapist gives you exercises that are too strenuous and you’re left in significant discomfort, notify your doctor and a physical therapist so they can adjust your recovery plan.
Often doctors will recommend light exercise as part of gaining back mobility. Depending on the injury or surgery, starting out with short walks can be helpful to get your body back on track to feeling better. If the injury or surgery requires a brace to be worn during the healing process, it is especially important to wear it during any exercise or activity.
This will ensure the injured area is properly supported as it gains strength. By following your doctor’s guidelines for proper care and rehabilitation, your injury can begin to heal, and your strength will begin to return.
Craig Evans is a Founder & Author for Curious Vision
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