Knee replacement surgery is one of many miracles of modern medical science. The relief from the pain and stiffness of your old knee and the anticipation of gaining strength and mobility in your new one give you a great reason to be optimistic. But you must be equipped to manage the pain of rehabilitation. Diagnosis is determined by the nature of your pain: mild or severe. Your doctor then prescribes the appropriate type of pain relief medication, or other alternative treatments.
Recovery
In order to bring strength and mobility to the new knee, pain management is necessary. Bending and placing pressure on the knee is painful and must be done gradually. Usually you will start off with crutches or a walker, first learning move around the house, going and coming down stairs or visiting the corner store. Gradually, after you gain strength in the knee, you can perform bigger activities such as driving, working or going to school. A physical therapist usually helps you with the recovery process. Occasionally, your knee may have to be drained from flood buildup.
Pain Management Options
Several pain management options are available after knee replacement surgery, including medication, therapy and mind-body techniques. In addition to antibiotics, which prevents blood clogs from forming in the leg, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually sufficient for the pain of a knee replacement. These medications minimize the pain felt in the process of rehabilitating the knee and are non-prescriptive and inexpensive. You usually take one tablet twice a day or according to the degree of . As the knee strengthens you will feel is less pain.
Hypnosis, a popular type of mind-body technique, uses imagery and relaxation as a alternative. This activity is often guided by a psychotherapist and has been proven to help ease pain.
Another mind-body technique useful for pain management is meditation, and it can be practiced independently. It has been found by some patients to be calming and miraculous. The mind and body experience a sense of peace and comfort. The belief is that a divine power is within each person and can be contacted through meditation. Many patients have actually claimed healing.
Acupuncture, a 2,500-year-old Chinese tradition, is another effective method for treating your pain. Needles are placed on various points along the body and are slowly manipulated to balance energy.
Many people turn to alternative treatments because of their adverse reactions to chemical medications. These treatments have proved to be effective from generation to generation.
Tags: pain management, alternative treatments, knee replacement, mind-body technique, pain felt