NEWSLETTER How to Support Your Healing Process By Helen Reilly, OTR/L
Being sidelined by injuries or surgery is very frustrating. My job is to help get you back into the game as soon aspossible,butpatients often ask me how they can speed up healing
even more. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula to quicken recovery, but there are a few ways you can help your body to heal. Nutrition is Important! When we are injured our bodies need quality nutrition to help our cells regenerate. Make sure you eat enough protein and vegetables… and drink plenty of water! Cut Back on Smoking and Alcohol Consumption If you are a smoker, consider cutting back, or stoppingaltogether.Smoking interfereswithhow our bodies heal due to reduced blood flow and can significantly lengthen the healing timeline. Likewise, if you are a heavy drinker, alcohol will weaken your immune system, thus interfering with your body’s ability to help itself. Diabetes can also affect your recovery, as it slows the healing process. If you are diabetic, keep your blood sugar under control and you will benefit with a shorter healing time. Follow Your Home Exercise Program Another important key to your recovery is exercise.Cardiovascularexercise improvesblood flow throughout the body, which helps promote healing. Ifyou choose to performcardiovascular exercise, consult with your therapist or doctor first, as they will offer safe suggestions. You also will be given a home exercise program (HEPs) to help you regain strength and motion. It is important to performyour HEP unfailinglyto supportyourhealing.Workingwitha therapist is
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an important first step on the path to recovery, however,oneortwo45-minutetherapysessions a week is not enough. It is equally important to set your body up for success by performing yourhomeexerciseprogram.Thatprogrammay includewearingabrace. Ifso,wear itconsistently; don’t skip a day out of laziness or because it is inconvenient,stick to itandyouwillberewarded with a strong recovery! Remember, the healing process is temporary, and putting in the effort and sacrifice now will not only boost your recovery, but help assure you don’t have recurring issues down the road.
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