Orthopedic surgery is a general term that applies to any surgery performed on the musculoskeletal system, which includes your muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints. Some orthopedic surgeons specialize in areas, such as the hip, knee, shoulder, hand, or spine, but while there are many different types of orthopedic surgeries, there are certain things every patient should keep in mind for their post-surgical care.

Orthopedic surgery can be stressful on your body. However, finding a surgeon specializing in your affected joint helps ensure you have the right procedure for your issue, which can minimize pain and lead to shorter recovery times.

The actual length of your recovery will depend on the type of surgery you have and your health. You will likely need some form of pain management immediately after surgery and during recovery.

For many people, that means pain medication and the type of medicine doctors prescribe you can vary based on your level of pain and health status. Prescription medications can help, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can be equally effective.

If you're uncomfortable with pain medication, there are alternative methods you can try, such as acupuncture, ice packs, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), among others. You might also want to combine alternative pain management methods with medication.

Pain management is an incredibly important aspect of post-surgical care because the less pain you feel, the more likely you are to get up and move around, which can help you recover more quickly. Work with your orthopedic care provider to manage your pain in ways that are right for you.

Whether your orthopedic surgery is traditional or robot-assisted, you will have some type of wound that will require care to prevent infection. Your surgeon will most likely close your wound with stitches, staples, glue, or clips and cover it with a dressing. To take care of your wound, you will need to change the dressings frequently. Your provider will let you know how often to change and when you can remove the dressing.

Follow these four tips when caring for your wound:      

1. Don't rub, scrub or scratch your wound.
2. Don't use any type of lotion, powder, or cosmetic on your wound unless your provider gives you the OK to do so.
3. It may help to wear loose clothing to prevent pain and irritation.
4. When changing your dressing, always wash your hands first and work in a clean space.

If you experience any kind of redness, increased pain, swelling, bleeding, or drainage that smells or is green or yellow, call your provider right away, as this may indicate that your wound has become infected.

You will most likely be placed on some sort of physical restrictions immediately following your orthopedic surgery, although you may be encouraged to move around shortly after the procedure. Your orthopedic surgeon will tell you when you should start physical therapy or sports medicine to help get you back to your pre-surgery physical activities.

During physical therapy, your therapist might:

• Give you a list of exercises to perform at home
• Guide you through exercises to strengthen your muscles
• Massage certain areas to help with pain               
• Use heat, cold or electrical treatments to stimulate the muscles

Physical therapists are experts in the musculoskeletal system. Their help will enable you to heal faster and regain healthy muscle and joint function.
  

To help your body heal, get sufficient, high-quality sleep, and eat a healthy diet.

Your body does important work while you sleep, such as regulating hormones and repairing cells, muscles, and tissues. For general health, you should try to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Those seven to nine hours are especially crucial after orthopedic surgery.

What you eat is just as important as sleep for your recovery. Eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean sources of protein to help your body get the nutrients it needs to heal. In fact, getting enough protein can help preserve muscle mass after surgery, which may help you rehabilitate faster.

If you have difficulty sleeping or getting adequate nutrition, talk to your provider about possible solutions.