Getting back to full strength is always the goal after surgery. But what if your approach to recovery isn’t setting you up for the best outcome? Sometimes, the most important steps are the ones you may overlook in your eagerness to heal.
Patients in and around Meridian, Idaho, trust Jared Tadje, MD, and our team at Tadje Orthopaedics for advanced surgeries like ACL reconstruction and rotator cuff repair. Our commitment to quality care doesn’t end with the operation — we ensure you rebuild strength safely and effectively for a complete recovery.
You can’t wait to get back in the game, and that dedicated, positive mindset is a crucial part of the healing process. But rushing or focusing on the wrong things can set you back. Here’s what a smart recovery looks like:
Don’t jump into too much movement or heavy lifting right away. Initially, your focus should be on managing pain and swelling while regaining some simple range of motion.
Only after these basics are solid does our team give you the go-ahead for more strenuous activity. If you push too hard too soon, you risk reinjury or just add time to your recovery.
When you’re able to work on strengthening exercises, make sure you’re doing them correctly, not just doing a lot. Prioritize proper form and ensure you’re engaging the right muscles before adding more weight.
If you build strength with poor movement habits, it can create imbalances, put extra stress on other joints, and hinder healing.
Smart rehabilitation includes strengthening your whole body, not just the area of surgery. It’s easy to fixate on this area, but if you ignore the surrounding muscles or your core, other parts of your body may start to overcompensate.
To avoid new pain or weakness developing, all supporting parts need to be strong, stable, and working together.
There’s no one-size-fits-all checklist for rebuilding strength after surgery. What may be right for one patient might be entirely wrong for another, even if they undergo the same procedure.
This is why personalized guidance from a medical professional is essential. Our team doesn’t provide generic exercise advice. We consider your specific condition, the details of your surgery, and your individual progress to craft a rehabilitation plan that works for you.
Through regular follow-up appointments and check-ins, we can identify potential pitfalls before they happen and adjust your program as needed. We also emphasize the importance of healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and managing pain effectively to support the healing process.
If you feel like your recovery isn’t progressing as it should, don’t wait to consult with Dr. Tadje and our team. Call us at Tadje Orthopaedics in Meridian, Idaho, today to schedule your appointment.
