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Month: March 2022

It is common to experience weakness, stiffness or tenderness as you recover from orthopaedic surgery. Causes include lack of exercise, as well as the strain the operation itself puts on the body. While rest is important during recovery, too much can cause lack of mobility, reduced range of motion, muscle atrophy and overall weakness. Physical therapy is key in building your muscle strength back up as you heal, and making sure your body is as strong as it can be. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy after orthopaedic surgery.

Strengthened Muscles

A significant portion of the recovery process is participating in the therapy the doctor orders. Recovery and exercise plans will be tailored to meet each individual patient’s needs. With proper physical therapy, patients can perform exercises that will build muscle strength back to their functional best, helping them get back to their regular lives. It is important to remember each patient recovers at his or her own pace.

Enhanced Mobility

Some loss of mobility is common after orthopaedic surgery, but this can be extremely frustrating to the patient. While rest is important, it is crucial to not let lack of mobility worsen as you recover. With a good physical therapy regimen of stretching and exercise, you can help improve your mobility and quickly get back to using your muscles regularly. Canes, crutches, walkers or other assistive devices can also help reduce stress on your joints while recovering.

Improved Circulation

After orthopaedic surgery, many people spend a lot of time laying or sitting down. But lack of activity can lead to restricted blood flow, which can make it much harder for the body to heal properly. Poor blood circulation can increase your healing time, lead to more pain and a higher risk of infection. With regular physical therapy, you will increase blood flow providing the body with the circulation it needs to properly heal. Circulation exercises play an important role in reducing the chance of postoperative complications.

Pain Reduction

Recovering after a surgery can be painful, and many people worry that physical therapy may cause them more pain. However, physical therapy actually increases muscle strength and joint function which helps alleviate pain over time. This can make your recovery time shorter and decrease the need for pain medication.

Strengthened Core

Your core is the center of your body, and having a strong core is key to keeping you stable and preventing other injuries. A weakened core can lead to balance and stability issues, putting you at risk for injury and making recovery time longer. Physical therapists often focus on core exercises to increase stability and improve your overall health.

The decision to have surgery is such an important one. Studies show effective patient education prior to surgery and physical therapy participation after surgery contribute to more positive patient outcomes. At Southwoods, we focus on creating the best experience for our patients. If you are considering orthopaedic surgery, visit SouthwoodsHealthOrtho.com for more information on our services or to find a surgeon near you.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate the community and promote awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening, prevention and treatment. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. While there’s no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer, there are things you can do to help lower your risk. Here are 5 tips to keep your colon healthy.

Eat Healthy

Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet, and have been linked to lowering the risk of colon cancer and other diseases. Focus on consuming an assortment of colorful fruits and vegetables like dark, leafy greens, and red, orange, blue and purple fruits. It is recommended to consume 25-35 grams of fiber a day. While all fruits have some fiber, there are some that are higher than others. Good sources of fiber include nuts, seeds, berries, lentils, beans, broccoli, carrots, apples and pears. Red meat and highly processed foods are full of saturated fat, which has been associated with increasing your risk of colon cancer. A diet rich with foods that are nutrient packed and high in antioxidants and fiber can help decrease your risk and benefit your overall health.

Stay Active

Not only is regular exercise crucial to a healthy lifestyle, it is also key to a healthy colon. Studies show that people who are physically active have a 24 percent lower risk of colon cancer than those who are not. Exercise causes an increase in blood flow and circulation which increases bowel movements and makes your GI system more effective and healthy.

Drink Plenty of Water

If you don’t stay properly hydrated, there is a potential for toxins to build up in your body. These toxins can cause gas, constipation, bloating, IBS and other digestive issues. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated and keep your colon healthy.

Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking

Drinking alcohol in excess has been linked to colon cancer. Drinking can increase the workload on the liver, which causes more toxins to build up and pass through the colon. It is important to drink in moderation or cut out alcohol completely. Smoking has also been linked to colon cancer, among many other types of cancer and health issues. It is best to quit smoking altogether to lower your risk. Quitting can be tough, consult your doctor to create a plan that works for you.

Get Screened

Although a colonoscopy may sound dreadful and uncomfortable, it is crucial in diagnosing colon cancer in its early stages. For people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer, screenings are recommended to start at age 50 and continue through age 75. Finding cancer early often allows for more treatment options and a higher rate of survival. Colorectal cancer screenings can help find cancer in people that don’t have symptoms, which can be life saving. There are a few different options for screenings, which are typically covered by insurance.

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and all year long, take the opportunity to learn more about the disease and find out how you can take steps to keep your colon healthy. Finding colorectal cancer early, when it’s small and hasn’t spread, often allows for more treatment options and more successful outcomes. Talk to your doctor today!

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