My Bilateral Hip Replacement Journey: How Functional Medicine Played a Key Role in My Recovery From Surgery
Three years ago today, I faced a significant health challenge: bilateral hip replacement surgery. Yes, I said bilateral: I had both hips replaced on the same day. As a Physical Therapist and Functional Medicine Health Coach, I knew this would test my body, my mind, and my professional expertise. I'm excited to share how I used functional medicine to prepare for the surgery and to aid in my recovery, and how these strategies can benefit anyone facing a similar journey.
Here’s how I helped myself before and after surgery to recover faster and come back stronger than ever before.
Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery with Functional Medicine
Preparation is crucial for any major surgery, and my hip replacements were no exception. I took an approach grounded in functional medicine, focusing on optimizing my body's resilience and health before the procedure.
1. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition:
Chronic inflammation can complicate surgery and recovery. I adopted an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as nuts and seeds, were staples. I also eliminated processed foods and sugars that could exacerbate inflammation.
2. Stress Management:
Stress can negatively impact healing. Personally, I practice Transcendental Meditation so I made sure I was consistent with my practice. Practicing mind body techniques like meditation, yoga and even deep breathing can help reduce the stress and anxiety while promoting a calm, focused mindset leading up to the surgery.
3. Mindset Matters:
Having a positive and proactive mindset is crucial when preparing for surgery. I focused on visualizing a successful outcome, and maintaining a positivel attitude. This mental preparation was just as important as the physical preparation, helping me stay motivated and resilient throughout the process.
4. Targeted Exercise:
Strengthening the muscles around my hip was essential. Although I was limited by pain and mobility, I did my best to maintain my cardiovascular endurance with walking and stationary cycling, while focusing on strength, flexibility, and stability exercises. This preparation ensured my body was as strong as possible before the surgery.
Post-Surgery Recovery Using Functional Medicine
Recovery from surgery is where functional medicine truly shines, offering a holistic approach that addresses the whole person.
1. Personalized Nutrition:
Post-surgery, my diet continued to play a critical role. I focused on nutrient-dense foods to support healing and reduce inflammation. Bone broth, rich in collagen, and clean sources of protein were consumed at meals to aid in tissue repair. I also included plenty of leafy greens and berries for their antioxidant properties.
2. Supplements:
I used some of my favorite supplements to support my recovery. Plant powders, omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and probiotics helped manage inflammation and promote gut health.
3. Physical Therapy:
Yes, even the PT needs physical therapy. As a physical therapist, I understand the critical role that physical therapy plays in recovery. Despite my professional background, I needed guidance and support to navigate my rehabilitation effectively. Collaborating with another skilled PT provided me with exercises, accountability, and encouragement to help me regain mobility, decrease swelling and improve my strength and endurance.
4. The Power of Sleep:
Quality sleep is essential for recovery. During sleep, the body undergoes the critical repair processes of reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing. I did my best to prioritize good sleep hygiene by maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a dark and quiet environment, and avoiding stimulants such as TV and caffeine before bedtime.
Thriving Post-Recovery
After surgery, I was back in the office seeing patients two and half weeks post-op and I haven’t looked back since. This journey has sparked my passion for a future where functional medicine is seamlessly integrated into physical therapy practices. I envision a holistic approach where personalized nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle interventions are standard components of physical therapy care, working alongside traditional rehabilitation techniques to optimize recovery, enhance patient outcomes, and improve overall well-being.
If you’re preparing for surgery or navigating recovery, consider how functional medicine can support your journey. As a physical therapist and Functional Medicine Health Coach, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s work together to optimize your health and recovery.
Contact me today to learn more about how functional medicine can support your surgical journey and recovery.
