As a medical professional, you know that care doesn’t stop after surgery. In addition to the appropriate prescriptions, post-operative patients need clear directions for recovering safely, staying comfortable, and returning to normal activity. Clear, specific, succinct information helps prepare patients for a healthy recovery.

Guidelines for the Post-Operative Patient

The recovery process is different for every individual and depends on the type of procedure, but you may want to give your patients these four general guidelines to help ensure a successful recovery:

Rest

Many patients think they just need to rest the affected area after surgery. For example, they assume that keeping a shoulder immobilized after rotator cuff repair is sufficient. However, the body needs more energy than usual during post-surgery recovery, which is why it is important to not only rest the injury but also rest the entire body.

This includes getting enough quality sleep, which is not always easy when patients are in pain or cannot get in a comfortable position. The body heals more quickly during sleep, so getting more sleep after surgery may help patients speed up the recovery process.1 Helping patients effectively manage pain and recommending suitable positions may help them get more rest while they heal.

Patients who received general anesthesia need clear details about what they can expect in the day following surgery. In most cases, a responsible adult should stay with the patient for at least 24 hours following surgery.2 Some patients may feel cloudy or hazy for a day or two. Informed by the patient’s medical history and surgical procedure, tell the patient what they can expect in terms of recovery from anesthesia. Ensure they understand the importance of rest, and especially the importance of avoiding heavy lifting, driving, and other actions that could be more dangerous following anesthesia. 

Hydration

Another important factor in the healing process is hydration. Staying hydrated allows the body to flush cellular waste, which accumulates more quickly as cells repair themselves.3 Proper hydration allows the body to deliver nutrients to the surgical wound, expediting healing.4 Following surgery, patients who fasted before general anesthesia may be dehydrated. Encouraging them to consume an electrolyte drink may help them restore their electrolyte balance and reverse dehydration. 

Stress Reduction

In addition to getting enough high-quality sleep, it’s important for patients to keep stress levels low during the day. Studies have shown that stress can have a negative impact on the healing process and increase the risk of infection.5 Stress may also make it more difficult for a person to rest or follow medical recommendations. For example, a person facing financial stress may return to work too early. 

When possible, recommend that patients take time off from work and get help from friends and family to manage daily tasks. You might also recommend stress-relieving techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation to help patients stay calm during the recovery process. If the procedure is planned in advance, talk to your patients about ways they can prepare their homes for an easier recovery by moving furniture, setting up single-floor living, and preparing meals they can reheat. The more prepared patients are before having surgery, the less stressful the recovery process may be.  

Cold/Compression Therapy

Many post-operative patients may benefit from a cold and compression therapy system. Immediately after surgery and during the entire recovery process, it helps reduce inflammation and control pain.6 The system is easy to use in any setting and can be adjusted to maintain a consistent therapeutic temperature and the desired amount of pressure. In addition to relieving pain and swelling, cold therapy systems may help aid the healing process so that patients may generally return to normal activity more quickly.

Patients can receive cold and compression therapy in the hospital after surgery, in a clinic during physical therapy, and in their own homes by renting a device with a prescription from you. The device may be used at any time of day, including during sleep, to help dull the pain and make patients more comfortable. Many patients also appreciate having pain relief options that help reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medication.  

Speak with your doctor if you are interested in cold and compression therapy for your recovery. 

Endnotes

  1. Whitlock J. 10 ways to improve your recovery after surgery. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/post-surgery-recovery-tips-and-guide-3156833. Published August 22, 2019.
  2. General anaesthesia. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/general-anaesthesia/. Published April 23, 2018.
  3. Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, hydration and health. Nutrition Reviews. 2010;68(8):439-458. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/.
  4. How hydration impacts wound healing. Advanced Tissue. https://advancedtissue.com/2014/06/hydration-impacts-wound-healing/. Published June 27, 2014.
  5. Gouin JP, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. The impact of psychological stress on wound healing: methods and mechanisms. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America. 2012;24(2):201-213. doi:10.1016/j.ccell.2012.03.006.
  6. Gotter A. Treating pain with heat and cold. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pain/treating-pain-with-heat-and-cold. Published February 2, 2017.