Preparing for Surgery
Our goal is to provide the safest and most effective surgical care for our patients. While much of the outcome depends on our surgical team, there are at least four important steps patients can take before surgery to improve the chances of achieving the best possible result. The importance of these steps has been repeatedly demonstrated by published research.
Get strong: Pre-surgical physical therapy
- Build muscle in the operative limb
- Learn exercises before surgery that will be necessary after surgery – build muscle memory
- Practice using a walker or crutches to speed early post-operative mobilization
Get trim: Gradual Weight Loss if Applicable
- Less body weight on your joints
- Allows for less inflammation and faster healing
- Lowers risk of wound healing complications
- Lowers risk of component instability
- Lowers risk of fracture
- Lowers risk of falling
Get aerobic: Moving and Exercising
- Walking, water exercises, swimming, stationary cycling and rowing may be well tolerated even with an arthritic joint.
- Getting your heart rate up for 15 to 30 minutes each day will improve your fitness for surgery.
Get rid of bad habits: Importance of Quitting Smoking
- If you quit smoking three months pre-op it can lower the risk of infection
- Quitting promotes wound, bone and tendon healing and decreases risk of surgical infection
Bottom line: getting in the best possible shape before surgery will help you achieve the best and safest result from your surgery.
If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, let us know. 206 386 2600