Skip to main content

Why You Need Physical Therapy After Surgery

Undergoing surgery is always a big deal. It doesn’t matter how many injuries you’ve experienced in your life, or how many times you have to undergo the knife — the task of recovering from surgery never gets easier. This is because having surgery makes you completely rethink how you can use your own body. During the recovery period you are forced to stop using some portion of your body. When it comes to surgery on joints, such as the knees, hips, shoulders or ankles, this can be a painful, debilitating and frustrating process. For many who undergo surgery for injury repair, it means going from living an active lifestyle to staying bedridden or immobilized for weeks! (more…)

Partial Joint Replacement

Millions of Americans suffer from joint pain, with 40 percent saying that it is “very difficult” or they are “unable” to perform common activities like stooping, bending, kneeling or walking a brief distance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A partial joint replacement from a Jacksonville orthopedic specialist may significantly decrease pain and improve your quality of life.

(more…)

Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

Bone density scans determine how strong your bones are and if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones weak and more likely to break.

Bone density scans, also called bone mineral density (BMD), are noninvasive and take just a few minutes to complete. Scans can be conducted on your hips or spine using a scan called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). It’s similar to a traditional x-ray, but your body isn’t exposed to as much radiation. A smaller device can also determine bone density using your finger, wrist or heel. Oftentimes, these devices are used at community screenings or in drugstores that offer bone density scans to patrons.

(more…)

5 Questions You Should Ask Before Any Orthopedic Surgery

After your doctor tells you surgery is required, it can be both frightening and intimidating. There are some things you can do to ease some of the stress involved prior to having orthopedic surgery. By asking your surgeon these five questions, you should better understand what to expect and hopefully ease your anxieties as well as become better informed before undergoing an operation. (more…)

Easing Back Into Exercise After Your Knee Surgery

One of the more common types of orthopedic surgery is knee surgery. People put a lot of stress on their knees by walking, jogging and by partaking in many other common kinds of exercise and activity. Fortunately, partly because of the frequency of these injuries and surgeries, a great deal is known about the best ways to ease back into exercise and back into an active lifestyle. (more…)

Tips to Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, we know the thought of having joint replacement surgery can be stressful. One source of concern for many of our patients is the anticipation of pain and inactivity they will endure while they heal and recover from the surgery.

Our Jacksonville orthopedic surgeons and the rest of our team work closely with our patients both before and after surgery to help their recovery go as smoothly as possible. We have a team of experienced Florida physical therapists who provide physical rehabilitation services to our surgical patients and get them back to an active, pain-free life as soon as possible.

Patients can play an important role in how well and quickly they recover by taking some important steps before the surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss important preparatory steps that you should take before your surgery based on your health and your living situation. However, there are some things that most everyone should do.

Prepare Your Body

  • Eat a healthy diet and lose any excess weight. Being overweight or obese puts more stress on your joints.
  • If you smoke, stop. Smoking can slow down the healing process.
  • Generally it’s helpful to build your upper body strength. This will help you get around on crutches or other mobility devices you will need immediately after the surgery. However, ask your doctor and physical therapist to recommend exercises to do prior to surgery. You don’t want to exacerbate your current joint condition.
  • Practice with the mobility devices you will be using immediately after the surgery to help you get used to them.
  • Tell your orthopedic surgeon about any and all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) you are taking.

Make Appropriate Work Arrangements

  • Be sure to schedule enough time away from work and any restricted work activity after surgery. You don’t want to try to go back before you’re ready. Discuss the timeline with your orthopedic surgeon for when you can expect to be able to go back to the office or at least work from home. Remember that the length of recovery cannot be predicted with certainty. It’s better to arrange for more time off than you need rather than less.
  • If your job involves physical activity, your doctor may need to provide authorization to your employer to restrict that activity during your recovery.

Prepare Your Home and Support System

  • You should get your home ready for your recovery period before the surgery. Set up an area on the first floor where you’ll have everything you need within easy reach. Remove any tripping hazards like rugs. You’ll probably want to sleep on the first floor for a period of time.
  • Have a reliable support system in place. You will need someone to drive you home after the surgery, to and from your post-op and physical therapy appointments as well as to help with errands. You’ll also need help with daily tasks and taking care of any children, animals or anyone else who relies on you. If you live alone, see if a family member or friend can move in with you for awhile. If that’s not possible, a home healthcare provider or rehabilitation facility may be the best choice.

The team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has a great deal of experience helping patients prepare for their orthopedic surgery and their recovery period.  If you have any questions about preparing for joint replacement surgery or what to expect afterwards, call or contact us online.

Image Courtesy of: Southeast Orthopedic Specialist

Close
Close

Schedule an Appointment

Loading...
Get the Care You Need, When You Need It.

You now have the ability to schedule an appointment online any time with our orthopedic surgeons and specialists. Our intelligent system connects you to the right doctor in the right setting at the right time. Schedule your appointment online above!
*Providers will be recommended based on specialty and best availability. If you would prefer to schedule an appointment with a provider of your choice, please call us at 904-634-0640