Top Tips to Prepare for Orthopaedic Surgery

by Adam Brown  BScPT, MClScPT
updated May 24, 2024

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Always be prepared. In particular when you know what’s coming! A little preparation can mean the difference between a comfortable journey to an ideal outcome, and a difficult, stressful recovery with poor results. Here are eight essential tips to help you get ready for the procedure and the postoperative period.

 

Prepare Your Home Environment

Make your home safe and comfortable for your return. Clear pathways, remove obstacles, and consider installing grab bars or other assistive devices to prevent accidents.

 

Get Your Pain Control Plan Straight

Talk to your family doctor and pharmacist about a pain management plan. They can provide valuable guidance on medications and therapies to manage your pain effectively.

 

Schedule Rehabilitation Sessions

Arrange your initial rehabilitation sessions in advance. Having appointments booked ensures you start your recovery journey promptly after surgery. Consider a session before your surgery to learn what exercises you should be doing in the first few days and be trained on how to get around with assistive devices.

 

Plan Your Meals

Nobody wants to have to cook meals when they are in pain or recovering from a major surgery. Pre-make or order nutritious, easy-to-reheat meals. Proper nutrition aids in healing and reduces the stress of cooking while you recover.

 

Communicate Your Needs

Discuss ways friends and family can assist you during your recovery. Whether it’s grocery shopping, household chores, or companionship, their support can make a significant difference.

 

Arrange Mobility Equipment

Source any mobility aids or equipment you might require, such as crutches or a wheelchair, to enhance your mobility and independence at home.

 

Organize Transportation

Arrange for a reliable driver to take you to physiotherapy sessions and medical appointments. Having transportation readily available eliminates unnecessary stress.

 

Clear Your Calendar

Give yourself the time to heal and focus on recovery. While you may not want to disappoint colleagues or friends by temporarily canceling commitments, it will help ensure you have the space to handle whatever comes your way. Canceling things last minute is much more stressful and tends to cause people to try and do more than they should.

 

Create an Entertainment List

Just because you are recovering does not mean you should be bored! Curate a list of books, movies, or TV shows you’ve been wanting to explore. Entertainment can be a great companion during your recovery, keeping you engaged and positive.

 

By following these tips, you can create a supportive environment that promotes healing and ensures a smoother transition into your post-operative phase.