Yes, I said it. Self-care when you have surgery is vital for your mental health. So, what does it look like in those first few weeks of not being able to do much?
My #1 and #2 tips are elevate and ice!!
For me, self-care was elevating and icing when I wasn't up going to the bathroom or practicing walking. I mean every time I sat down there was a new ice pack waiting for me. It was my go- to because elevation feels so good on a very tired, over active and ore joint! There's a lot of tissue repair happening in that joint, so the more you can ice and elevate, they better it will feel and the better you will feel!
Tip #3 is stretching!
Take it from me, I don't kid about these kinds of things; no matter what stage of this recovery you are in, stretching your hamstring will do you oodles and oodles of good. I really like this stretch best because it can be done within days of your knee replacement. You will, likely not be at full extension yet, so really modifying this to your flexibility is key. Believe me, it will still help. Eventually, you will be able to get to a full stretch!
Tip #4 Exercise
Likewise, after you stretch, that's a good time to take my tip #4 for selfcare, exercise. Once your hamstring is stretched, that’s a great time to work it out, then stretch it again once you are done exercising. Your exercises for your hamstring will basically consist of stretches from day 1 through those first few weeks. Always heed to the word of your medical team before any exercises!
Last and Final Tip #5 is Vitamin D!
Tip #5, and my last is get outside! Vitamin D from the Sun will do you and your mood a favor. I remember being 4 days out of surgery, and the most I had done was a dry bath when hubby took me outside. He said, just go sit in the sun a bit and, boy, did my mood improve, alot! And there's good reason! Have you seen all the benefits of the sun post knee replacement?
Tips #3-5 can be done (and should be done), at 6 months to infinity post op. Those are good habits to form for lifelong health of your new joint because a body in motion, stays in motion!
Just remember, you are doing an amazing job! If you would like additional encouragement, please join our community on Facebook, I Am Titanium. or Subscribe to Suzie for future updates!
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