Faster Recovery from Surgery or Trauma
Trauma is a result of damage to the individual cells, whether it is from surgery, training or injury. When a cell is irritated or damaged, its membranes break down. As a result, compounds contained within the cell walls are released into the cellular matrix. Some of these substances, such as histamine and prostaglandins, give rise to inflammation, spasms and associated pain.
Inflammation is the body's natural response, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, discomfort and pain. The more cells that are affected by inflammation, the larger the area of trauma will be, and more intense pain experienced.
In areas that are extensively damaged by surgery or other wounds, scar tissue will form, compounding the loss of proper tissue function.
The most effective strategy is to help alkalize the damaged tissue, and help suppress the inflammatory response.
Speed and Enhance Your Healing Process
- Rest or immobilization of the affected area with a splint or a removable brace
- Consuming energized water to avoid dehydration
- Adequate nutrient intake, especially enzymes, vitamins, and minerals
- Adequate sleep - Your body repairs itself during sleep.
Reduce Your Risk Of Injury
- Exercise - stretching and strength exercises will condition your muscles and connective tissues.
- Relax - tension in the muscles increases pain. Breathing exercises, music, visualization
- Avoid drugs - they accelerate tissue breakdown, including joint cartilage.
- Pace yourself - take breaks.
Your muscles, bones and other tissues respond to exercise by increasing in strength and mass. The most beneficial activity for your body is weight-bearing exercise, which forces you to work against gravity. Weight-bearing exercises include walking, jogging, hiking, stair-climbing, weight training, tennis and dancing.
Developing muscle strength will help you maintain better balance and become more flexible. This can help prevent falls that could cause bone fractures and other injuries. If you are experiencing severe pain, your choice of exercise may be limited. Swimming or other exercise performed in water will reduce the impact on your body, and likely be less painful.
Acetaminophen After Surgery or Trauma?
- Recommended for mild to moderate pain (Tylenol, Panadol, Exdol, etc.)
- Acetaminophen is only a pain reliever
- Has no anti-inflammatory properties
- Does not affect proper clotting
Codeine is often prescribed following surgery, when pain is unlikely to be controlled with acetaminophen alone.
Issues That Slow Your Rehabilitation Process
Prolonged inflammation - less effective repair of damaged tissues
Increased scar tissue - results in weaker and less flexible tissue
Infection - increased swelling, slowed healing and degeneration of tissue
Reduced circulation, oxygen supply and tissue drainage - poor wound healing
Existing conditions that already impact healing such as diabetes, hypothyroidism and Cushing's syndrome.
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