Post-Surgical Accelerated Recovery Phase
The post-surgical acclerated Recovery Phase consists of the partnership between you and your physical therapist. There is much more to recovery than just going to therapy 2-3 times a week. Your recovery will already be accelerated depending upon your ability to achieve and optimize the first 2 phases. Your post-operative recovery phase includes:
- Utilize ice therapy for 30 minutes out of every hour during the first couple of weeks. This not only helps with pain but also with swelling. As you improve your swelling, you will increase your range of motion. Dr. Sumko or a team member will talk to you about recommendations for ice therapy machines.
- This is obtained by gentle motion exercises when not icing. If approved by your insurance you may use a ROM Tech bicycle 5-7 times a day. If not you will be instructed with motions exercises taught by your therapists and discussed at the time of your surgery.
- It will be essential for you to participate in outpatient physical therapy 2-3 times a week for about 4 to 6 weeks. You will need to find a physical therapist close to your home. Dr. Sumko and his team can help you find one if you don’t already have a therapist. Therapy begins 4 to 5 days after your surgical procedure. You will be given a script for this on the day of surgery. You may want to call and set up therapy once you know your surgical date.
- Maintaining your protein, albumin, and nutrition is important in the post-operative recovery phase. If you were able to purchase the Mayo Clinic nutrition bundle, your nutrition will be covered for the initial 2 weeks afterwards. It is important to maintain a high-protein and vegetable diet especially the first two weeks after surgery.
- Wearing TED hose stockings for 4 weeks on the operative leg will help to reduce the risk of blood clots as well as reduce swelling. We ask you wear the stockings for 2 weeks on the NON-operative leg. You may use the ice machine wrap right over top of your TED hose. There are ice machines wraps for both the hip and knee after replacement or arthroscopic surgery.
- Taking your prescribed medication as scheduled is also essential to have optimal pain control during your recovery phase. Dr. Sumko will provide you with the list of his medications. Over 80% never take a single narcotic when following his medication regimen.
