Why Good Pain Control Before and After Surgery will Boost Recovery

Pain is often the reason someone agrees to have surgery. And no surgery is without pain. It is obvious that the two are inextricably linked, and there are significant consequences to that. Over 800,000 knee joints are replaced each year in the US, and up to 33% of those patients have chronic pain 6 months after surgery. For patients having chest (thoracic) surgery, nearly 50% can have chronic pain. Pain before surgery has impact of pain after surgery.

Because our body and emotional systems are linked, pain before and after surgery affects the amount of time to recovery, adds risk of heart and lung complications to any type of operation, decreases a patient’s quality of life, and can even affect thinking and decision making. Depression and anxiety are strong risk factors for difficult pain control after surgery. Poor sleep causes more pain sensitivity, and more pain causes poor sleep. Mobility suffers when it is too painful to work at or maintain strength and agility. Using prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medication might be helpful but there are significant risks and effects of short- or long-term use.

Taking pain management seriously and using an INTEGRATIVE approach is imperative for best surgical recovery and overall quality of life. Combining the best of western and eastern therapeutic approaches, we can find a balance that works better than either one alone. Here are a few examples. Depending on the health issue, one might consider combining acupuncture and chiropractic treatments with physical therapy for pain control and added mobility. Yoga movements can be chosen to avoid pain and optimize agility. Removing certain foods from the diet or adding supplements can decrease painful inflammation that has been persistent despite cortisone injections or it can augment the outcome of the injection.

What is Integrative Surgical Care and What does it Offer?

The surgical patient is better served through the mindful and thoughtful principles of Integrative Surgical Care, a surgeon-run and whole-patient focused wellness company bridging the philosophies of eastern and western medicines. By taking into consideration details of the surgical experience and melding that with the holistic care of the whole patient, every surgical patient can go into surgery prepared, better tolerate the operation, optimize their recovery, and minimize risk. Surgery is stressful on the mind, body, and spirit, and Integrative’s approach and services helps the patient regain control.

Surgery Ready Supplement is the only surgeon-manufactured supplement with the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids your body needs to heal and is the easiest and fastest way to start improving your surgical health. Arginine is one of the ingredients and I specifically used it for all of the reasons above. The supplement is safe to take before and after surgery. All it takes is 2 tablets and a dollar a day to improve your surgical health. 

Surgery Reset Program is the only surgical wellness coaching service available. It is nurturing and encouraging while you or a loved one goes through one of the toughest times in their life. By evaluating and improving sleep, pain, inflammation/mobility, nutrition, microbiomes, and stress, you can take charge of your surgical health. 

Feel the control and start today.

Of course, talk with your providers before making any significant changes, additions, or deletions, from your treatment plans or health routines.