Updates from Suzie Andrade

Knee replacement recovery isn’t just about physical healing (actually far from) — it’s also an intense mental and emotional journey. If you’ve ever felt frustrated during your recovery, you’re not alone. But what if I told you that frustration isn’t your enemy — it’s actually a sign that you’re learning?Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, recently shared a powerful insight about resilience. She explained that the emotion most associated with the "learning space" — the gap between what we know and what we're figuring out — is frustration. And let’s be honest, few things throw you into the deep end of the learning space 

If you’ve had a knee replacement, you know the struggle is real when it comes to leg tightness. That stiff, cranky feeling? It’s not just in your head. I see so many people mention calf pain and IT band tightness after surgery, and let me tell you—I was right there with you.My secret weapon? A massage gun.But before you start going to town on your leg like a jackhammer, let’s talk about how to use it the right way. Done correctly, it can be a game-changer for tight muscles. Done wrong?

But here’s what I realized: the more you prepare before surgery, the smoother that first week will be. I saw it firsthand when I had one knee replacement where I was winging it and another where I was much better prepared. (Spoiler alert: the prepared knee healed way better!)So, I’m sharing 15 questions you must ask yourself before you roll into the OR to ensure Week 1 goes as smoothly as possible

One of the biggest complaints after knee replacement is stiffness. Prehab exercises improve your range of motion, helping you avoid that “cement block” feeling post-surgery. The more you can move now, the easier it will be later.

If you’re 4-8 weeks post-op and battling swelling, let me tell you this: you’re not stuck—you’re just not there yet. And that&

When I went through my first knee replacement, I spent more days than I’d like to admit with a “why bother” attitude. I remember asking myself, will any of this even matter? And if you’ve been there too, let me remind you that these feelings are valid. Pain has a sneaky way of clouding our thoughts and making us doubt the progress we’re making.

If you've recently had knee replacement surgery (or are preparing for one), there’s one important piece of advice you may not hear often: your body needs 400 extra calories a day post-op! When my physical therapist told me this, I was honestly surprised—but it makes perfect sense. During recovery, your body works hard...

Recovering from knee replacement surgery requires more than just physical therapy and rest—it requires fueling your body with the right foods. The nutrients you take in can speed up tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and give your body the energy it needs to heal. Have you ever considered food to help your healing process? Ya, I didn't either....until I tried it! Let’s dive into how specific foods and nutrients can fast-track your recovery and what to avoid that might slow you down.

I’ll be honest, keeping up with my water intake isn’t always easy. We all know it’s crucial, especially when you're recovering from surgery, particularly knee replacement or just trying to feel your best. Hydration helps with recovery, reduces inflammation, and keeps your energy levels up, (You can read my blog about hydration post knee replacement HERE). But drinking enough water doesn’t have to be boring or feel like a chore. I’ve discovered some unique and fun ways to stay on top of hydration—and I’d love for you to try them out!

This surgery is a significant event that requires proper care and attention to ensure a smooth recovery process. One often overlooked yet essential element in this adventure is good, old-fashioned water. Hydration plays a crucial role in promoting healing after surgery, offering a range of benefits for the body's recovery. And, yes, I did have to force myself to drink enough water post-op! Here are 10 ways water can aid in the post-surgery healing process: