If you know that you’ll be needing a joint replacement, it’s best to be prepared with information on what to expect. This includes the procedure itself, the stages of recovery, and of course, recovery times so you have an idea of how much time you need to take off work. After learning the basics, contact Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay to schedule your consultation for expert joint replacement surgery near you.
Advancements in Total Joint Replacement Surgery
Over the last several years, innovations within total joint replacement surgery have allowed patients to recover faster, with less pain. Surgery is now largely performed in an outpatient setting, reducing the need for long hospital stays. Outpatient surgeries are also correlated with higher patient satisfaction as patients are offered personalized one-on-one care. Utilization of spinal anesthesia allows patients to recover faster from anesthesia and return home quickly. Additionally, robotics have allowed surgeons greater access to real-time information, making total joint replacement surgery more accurate.
The Stages of Joint Replacement Recovery
Every patient and every joint replacement surgery is different, so the exact timeframe for your recovery may vary. But in most instances, patients usually only need to take time off work for about two to four weeks following the procedure. However, the nature of your job is also something to consider. A desk job at an office will be easier to return to compared to a labor-intensive job as a contractor. If your occupation is similar to the latter, then there’s a possibility that you may need to take up to 3 months off work to ensure a stable recovery.
The amount of time it will take to get back to work depends on a number of factors, including what you do before the procedure. Your practitioner will schedule your joint replacement surgery weeks in advance for this very reason. By partaking in routine exercises and other lifestyle choices every day in the weeks leading up to your procedure, you can greatly expedite your recovery time.
Recovery Tips After Surgery
What you do after your joint replacement surgery is crucial. There are a few things you can do to help you get back on track like keeping up an exercise routine, eating healthy, maintaining cleanliness, and managing pain levels with ice packs or medications. Another post-surgery service we highly recommend is physical therapy under the guidance of licensed professionals. These sessions are designed to help you regain mobility after surgery.
Joint Replacement 101
Having a rough estimate of how much time to take off from work is no doubt crucial, but it also helps to understand the basics of the surgery itself. Joint replacement surgery, also referred to as arthroplasty, is the process of removing any damaged cartilage or bone in the injured joint and substituting them for artificial parts. These parts can also be considered prosthetics. The goals of total joint replacement surgery are to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Joint replacement surgery boasts a high success rate, improving the lives of thousands each year. For more information on this service, visit our joint replacement portal.
Schedule Your Consultation With Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay
To learn more about joint replacement surgery, contact Orthopaedic Medical Group of Tampa Bay for more information and to schedule a consultation. Our team of skilled surgeons will ensure that you receive expert treatment for your joint injuries
