How to recover from surgery faster

My physiotherapy team and I see huge differences in how well people recover from surgery. This is a big issue for over-60s, who often need major surgeries on difficult areas such as shoulders, knees and hips.

To put it bluntly, we have seen the good, bad and ugly in how people approach the surgery and recovery. Some people may have a poor attitude or refuse to take advice, but others make simple mistakes in their recovery because they don’t know any better.

We know good preparation is critical to good recovery, and small things add up to a lot. Let’s assume you’ve done the right thing in preparing for surgery – that you’ve had a proper assessment, committed to an exercise plan, and looked after yourself generally.

What else can over-60s do to ensure a quick and successful recovery from surgery? Consider these tips:

Listen to the professionals 

This can’t be stressed enough. A successful surgery is just the start. You can’t afford to ignore advice from your surgeon or physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy will be important following most operations, particularly for major operations such as hip replacements. Good therapists will give you pain management strategies, an exercise program, address your biomechanics, mobility, strength and core.

They will advise you on the correct movements for recovery. Again, this cannot be stressed enough because if you move a knee, shoulder or hip the wrong way you may create actual damage and require further surgery. For example, those recovering from hip surgery need to ensure they don’t bend the hip more than 90 degrees – moving too far the wrong way may result in dislocation of the joint. Qualified physiotherapists will work with you to gradually build the strength and range of movement in the joint.

Read more: How to bounce back from surgery faster

Keep moving

But always within tolerable levels of pain – again, your doctor or physiotherapist will advise on how much you can do. Most recovery programs centre around small movements done often – you don’t want to overdo things as this may result in painful swelling and lead to further problems.

Walking is an important movement for just about any surgery, but you may need to build up to it gradually. Expect to walk like Frankenstein’s monster for a while if you are recovering from hip or knee surgery – you’ll seem stiff and robotic at first. You may need to use a walking frame or crutches for a period. Gradually, you will increase your mobility and be able to walk further.

Look for improvement

Your movement, whether it’s walking, balance, ability to climb stairs, should improve every three to four weeks – if there’s no improvement in this time see your specialist, physio or medical practitioner. 

Manage your pain

You may wish to avoid medication, but fighting through pain only slows your healing process. This can be a tricky issue as pain levels may persist for 6-24 weeks after surgery. Pain medication may be required – only use when necessary and in line with expert advice.

Consider hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is wonderful for those recovering from hip, knee or ankle surgeries. Being in chest-level water takes 70 per cnet of your weight off, allowing your biomechanics to work better. Muscles work under less load, joints move with less stress, core control improves and sets you up for strength and conditioning once you reach full functional levels. It might take some time – about six to 24 weeks – but few activities are as effective.

Prepare to be frustrated

When recovering from surgery you’ll likely be frustrated at some point. Progress may be fast some weeks and slow or non-existent in others. Always compare your progress to the very beginning – there will be ups and the downs but on average you will be improving.

Only worry if your professionals are worrying

It’s natural to be anxious, but all you can do is focus on what you can control. Communicate regularly with your professionals, and only worry if they are worrying. Till that time keep doing the little things.

What do you think? What are your tips to recovering from surgery quicker?