Summit Medical Center - Surgical Treatment Center Oklahoma City OK

 

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Post Orthopedic Surgery Exercises



The human body is an amazing thing, capable of regenerating itself and providing enzymes or cells to assist in survival. However, much like a machine, it can grow worn over time and may come to need assistance in the later years. When irregularities develop in the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, or nerves, orthopedic surgery is utilized to mend the intricate networks and systems that make up the human body. Orthopedic surgery can help to prevent common problems such as arthritis, but also plays an integral part in combating larger issues such as cerebral palsy and bone tumors. While providing significant help in the long run, patients who have undergone surgery may need to keep their body active to prevent less serious complications from arising along the road to recovery.

Summit Medical Center, leading experts in the field of orthopedics, understands the importance of maintaining activity after surgery. There are many exercises that our surgeons recommend after orthopedic surgery in Oklahoma City. These exercises can be done in the comfort of your own home, to reduce pain and stiffness:

General Aerobics
Otherwise known as “Endurance exercise” is the most common form of physical exertion. Engaging in light aerobics can increase cardiovascular health, help control weight gain, and improve stamina. All aerobic exercise aids in creating a better lifestyle in various ways, including strengthening the joint muscles to fight against arthritis and other concerns.

Examples
• Walking
• Riding a Bike
• Swimming


Strength Improvement
The intricate network of muscles woven throughout your body is what allows for movement, and the implicit flexibility of the tissue is what creates range of motion. Unfortunately, muscular tightening or stiffening can cause severe pain and reducing in potential movement. Improving muscular strength will further defend against post-surgical complications. Stronger muscles mean a stronger body, and a stronger body will stand a better chance against a host of other potential physical ailments. Remember, however, that overexerting yourself will do more harm than good. Be sure to check with your primary care physician to learn your limits.

Examples
• Lifting Light Weights
• Finger/Palm/Toe Resistance Devices

Improving Rotation and Motion
Range of Motion exercises are intended to help improve the degree or distance, depending on the joint being used, a limb can move through its typical range. With slow, careful movements, test how far along a normal rotation or bend the effected limb can move. Avoid over stretching, as you could potentially cause damage to brittle or sore joints.

Examples

• Moving joints through their normal arches.
• Turning your feet at the ankles or hands at the wrists slowly.

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