Most individuals undergo some form of surgery during their lifetime. Post-surgery, the body’s natural healing mechanisms spring into action. The marvel of our body’s self-repairing ability is evident when considering that patients can resume work merely six weeks after an open-heart surgery. With advancements like keyhole surgery, recovery becomes even faster and less physically taxing. It’s crucial to realize that a minor visible wound from such surgeries often belies the internal trauma, as seen in procedures like gall bladder removal or appendectomy.
Common Operations and Recovery Times
- Liposuction: Up to 3 months.
- Tummy Tuck: 2-3 months.
- Face lift: 2 months.
- Breast Reduction: 2 months.
- Breast Augmentation: 6 weeks.
- Rhinoplasty: 6 weeks.
- C-Section Caesarian: 4-6 weeks.
- Hysterectomy: 4-6 weeks.
Every individual’s healing journey is unique, influenced by age, lifestyle, and general health. Rapid recovery hinges on proper nutrition, quality sleep (7-9 hours daily), and gradual reintroduction of exercise. The varying rates of recovery often stem from differences in oxygen supply around wounds and other related factors.
The initial phases of recovery often encompass swelling and inflammation, leading to discomfort, especially around the second or third day post-operation. In joints, swelling acts as a protective measure, limiting mobility, whereas in soft tissues, inflammation can induce pain and restrict movement. This inflammation serves as a healing response, promoting blood supply and nutrient delivery to the wound. As healing progresses, this discomfort eases, and blood flow stabilises.
However, sometimes the healing might stagnate, particularly during the inflammation phase, due to deficits in nutrition, oxygen, or cellular energy. Understanding these nuances is vital for effective recovery.
Potential Mistakes That Slow Recovery:
- Overexerting oneself too soon.
- Prolonged bed rest.
- Not adhering to medication schedules.
- Inadequate nutrition and hydration.
- Skipping rehabilitative exercises.
- Resuming work prematurely.
- Driving before full recovery.
- Neglecting breathing exercises.
ACCELERATE HEALING WITH THESE REVOLUTIONARY THERAPIES.
1. Oxygen Therapy: Hyperbaric (HBOT) & Exercise with Oxygen (EWOT)
Oxygen therapy, specifically Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), has a long history in treating chronic conditions. The principle is simple: everything functions better when cells are adequately oxygenated. By sitting in a pressurized chamber and inhaling elevated levels of oxygen, there’s a significant enhancement in oxygen transfer to the blood. This is especially true for plasma, the thin blood component that can access areas red blood cells cannot, such as the endothelial lining of arteries.
During a typical 90-minute HBOT session, patients can comfortably read or relax. Most notice a difference in their symptoms after about ten sessions. However, conditions like Long COVID might necessitate more than 20 sessions. Contraindications include certain ear and lung problems. While some individuals might feel claustrophobic initially, most acclimate after settling into the chamber.
Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) presents an alternative to HBOT.
EWOT sessions demand minimal mobility, such as walking or cycling. The process begins with a 6-minute warm-up without oxygen, aiming to raise the pulse to 100-110 beats per minute and intensify breathing. Following this, oxygen at a 95% concentration is administered via a mask covering the nose and mouth, sourced from a substantial bag. This heightened pulse and respiration create turbulence in the lungs and bloodstream, swiftly raising blood oxygen levels to 99% during the 15-minute session. The resulting carbon dioxide produced helps the brain balance these two crucial gases efficiently.
The liver, as our primary detox organ and is oxygen hungry, it benefits immensely from the elevated oxygen levels from EWOT. Post-session hydration is crucial to flush out toxins. EWOT is suitable for all ages and improves heart, lung, and brain functions. New users often equate the post-EWOT sensation to a refreshing spring clean. Athletes can challenge their boundaries with EWOT, experiencing reduced muscle burn post-exercise, thanks to the oxygen counteracting lactic acid. Additionally, it alleviates brain fog and certain joint pains, and some angina patients even report exercising pain-free. Monitoring of pulse and oxygen levels is standard during sessions, and pre-treatment assessment is always conducted.
2. Infra Red Light Therapy
Infra Red Light Therapy rejuvenates mitochondrial cells using particular wavelengths, both visible and invisible. This surge in cellular energy is both relaxing and mood-elevating. Its applications span general health, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, pain management, and post-operative recovery. It’s also beneficial for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or managing its aftermath. A typical treatment lasts 30 minutes, with 20 of those minutes in a full-length light bed, such as the Theralight 360. There are handheld variants like Thor for targeted therapy. This therapy can induce melatonin production, the sleep hormone, which doubles as a potent antioxidant. Many users drift to sleep during sessions, especially those grappling with sleep disruptions. The only caution is for those sensitive to light itself.
3. Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
PEMF stands out for its ability to recharge cellular ‘batteries’. Deep-reaching yet painless magnetic pulses work wonders in reducing inflammation, promoting fresh blood flow, alleviating pain, and enhancing joint mobility. These pulses produce micro-currents in body cells (akin to an MRI) which rejuvenate the cell membrane voltage. They also invigorate red blood cells, preventing them from clustering together and potentially boosting their oxygen-carrying capacity by 40%.
These therapies, when applied post-surgery, can sometimes slash healing times by up to 30%. Starting as early as 48 hours post-operation, they promote faster recovery by minimizing swelling and stimulating blood flow to the affected region. Issues post breast surgery, lymph gland removal, hernias, and joint operations can find relief here. PEMF, in particular, can significantly reduce a patient’s reliance on painkillers. Being non-invasive, PEMF is administered through light clothing. However, those with pacemakers or embedded electronic devices should avoid this treatment.
