Post Surgery
When considering any type of surgery, the recovery process is often one of the deciding factors on choosing whether or not to proceed with the procedure. With determination and your physician’s guidance, recovering from limb lengthening surgery is nothing to fear and the outcome of the surgery will result in a lifetime of confidence and self-esteem.
Recovery with Precice
All it takes is a few minutes at home to achieve a 1-millimeter increase in height per day. The total prescribed height will be achieved over a period of weeks or months, depending on how much height is desired.
Calcium and vitamin D are two crucial elements your body needs to form new bone in the space where the lengthening is taking place. Be sure to take your supplements as recommended by your surgeon, and eat the foods that he or she suggests.
It is important that patients also follow all of their surgeon’s directions and come to all of their follow-up appointments. Slight adjustments may need to be made to the speed of lengthening, so the surgeon’s input is crucial to having a successful surgery.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) is an important part of healing. During surgery, an adjustment to the length of the bone is made. As your limb or limbs lengthen, these muscles, ligaments, and tendons will need to stretch to conform to the length change. To help stretch and strengthen the new growth your body is producing, physical therapy will help teach you how to appropriately train your body and ensure your range of motion is kept to a normal standard. A strict regimen of physical therapy can help combat knee and joint stiffness as side effects of the lengthening procedure. The rehabilitation phase generally lasts from 1 to 3 months, and can help to maintain (your) of motion while preventing contractures. A professional physical therapist will give you the motions to practice, which will make the healing process uncomplicated for you.
It is of utmost importance that (you) follow through with all physical therapy guidelines and procedures, as the therapy is what will help establish strength and enable you to become independent again with your new limb growth. Your physical therapist will give you stretches or exercises to complete at home as well as in formal therapy settings. Doing these exercises two to three times per day will allow you to heal quickly and efficiently.
Attending your PT sessions and doing all prescribed exercises at home will help you have the best recovery possible. Expect to do physical therapy for many months after your initial surgery. Patience and dedication are vital to a successful surgery!