Post-operative Recovery & Rehab Protocols
You will be given specific advice, expectations, and a rehabilitation plan tailored to the particular surgery you've had. The general guidance below applies broadly to most patients recovering from orthopaedic surgery with Dr Varun Arora.
Above all, listen to your body and use common sense as you recover. If something doesn't feel right or you're worried, please contact the practice.
Caring for Your Wound
Your waterproof dressing should stay on and undisturbed for around two weeks. Try to keep it clean and dry throughout this time.
If a dressing needs to be replaced before then, a waterproof option from your local pharmacy (such as Opsite or an equivalent product) can be used.
Most patients are closed with dissolvable sutures, so there is generally no need for these to be removed.
Avoid bathing or swimming for four weeks following your surgery.
When resting, keep the operated limb elevated above the level of your heart where possible. Swelling and pain are closely linked, so keeping swelling under control will also help keep your pain under control.
Managing Your Pain
Take your prescribed pain relief regularly rather than waiting for pain to build up. Some discomfort is a normal part of recovery, and this should gradually improve week by week, though it's common to experience ups and downs, including flare-ups in the first one to two weeks.
If you experience a flare-up, rest, apply ice, and elevate the leg. If this hasn't settled after 10 to 20 minutes, it's appropriate to take your stronger, immediate-release pain medication as needed.
Icing and Cryotherapy Compression
Regular icing plays an important role in recovery, helping to reduce both pain and swelling, and can lower how much strong pain medication you need.
Aim to ice the surgical site for 15 to 20 minutes every hour while you're awake. A dedicated cryotherapy device gives far more consistent, effective cooling than a makeshift option such as a bag of frozen peas.
Dr Arora recommends RE3 cryotherapy compression braces for this purpose, which combine cooling and compression in a single device. Instructions for use are available directly from RE3 Compression.
Moving Early
In the first one to two weeks, aim to get up and walk to the bathroom and back every hour or so while you're awake. It's important not to overdo things during this period, even on days when your pain is well controlled.
Gentle Exercise and Range of Motion
Alongside hourly walks around the house, gentle ankle pump exercises performed hourly while awake are an important part of early recovery. You should expect your movement and range of motion to improve gradually and progressively as recovery continues.
For patients recovering from knee surgery in particular, working towards fully straightening and bending the knee is one of the key goals of your rehabilitation.
Pacing Your Activity
You will be given a step-count guide to help pace your activity. This is intended as a general guide, and the key message during the first six weeks is not to push too hard, too soon. A steady, progressive increase in activity and intensity over the following weeks and months will support a smoother, safer, and more comfortable recovery.
Preventing Blood Clots (VTE)
If you have been prescribed medication to reduce your risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), it's important to take this as directed. This may be in tablet form (such as aspirin or apixaban) or as a small injection under the skin (such as clexane).
Regular movement and gentle hourly exercise while awake also play an important role in reducing your risk of blood clots.
DR VARUN ARORA | MELBOURNE ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON
Pelvis, Hip, Knee & Trauma Surgery in Melbourne
Please don't hesitate to contact the practice at any stage of your recovery if you have questions or concerns — we would always rather hear from you early.