Part of planning for a successful knee surgery is considering what your needs will be afterward. While some try to jump back into their routine as soon as possible, this can often worsen your pain and prolong your recovery time. Instead, the best method for feeling better is to adhere to the guidance of your physical therapist and the following do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Prepare your home.

After surgery, your mobility will be limited for several weeks. Arrange to sleep in a room that doesn’t require steps to get to. Prepare meals ahead of time and store them for easy reheating afterward. If necessary, rearrange furniture to make easy-to-navigate paths to the kitchen and bathroom.

Modify your schedule.

Take as much time off work as the physical therapist or doctor recommends. Know that you likely will not be able to drive for several weeks, so arrange transportation for yourself and your kids, reschedule other appointments that can be put off, and arrange for pet care.

Keep up with exercises and physical therapist appointments.

Meet with the therapist as often as they feel is necessary. In the beginning, they will help you do exercises and monitor your recovery. As you get better, there will be exercises to do at home to help the knee regain strength and flexibility.

Don’t:

Neglect the rest of your body.

Following the physical therapist’s exercises is just one aspect of healing. Make sure to eat properly, rest often, and watch for any signs of infection, such as fever, increased pain, or nausea. Don’t push physical limits because you are impatient to get back to normal.

Ignore challenging emotions.

It’s natural to feel frustration or stress after surgery, but if feelings get overwhelming, don’t be afraid to reach out to a counselor, pastor, or other caring professional. Talk to other patients at your physical therapy appointments and motivate each other to improve.

Schedule other procedures.

Wait until you are healed to have other elective surgeries or procedures, including dental work. Also, try to limit your exposure to cold and flu germs while recovering.

In addition to following the above tips, turn to Family Physical Therapy & Sports Center for help feeling like your old self again. Located in Kearney, NE, these highly-trained and licensed physical therapists will develop a routine to take care of your knee post-surgery. Visit their website to learn more about their services, including chiropractic care. Call (308) 236-5884 to make an appointment.