Does the word “recovery” make you flinch a little bit? If so, then you are not alone. Most people dread being forced to cease their normal daily activities in order to rest a healing limb following intensive surgery. Although you may be dreading the recovery process, you still want to ensure the elimination of elbow pain later on down the road, so you are trying to be serious about recovering completely. If you find yourself in the same boat, then you may find that the tips below are beneficial. There are many “little things” you can do during your recovery process that may actually speed up your healing while decreasing your chances of developing post surgery complications.
Elbow Pain and Your Brain
What does elbow pain have to do with your brain? More than you might think. Due to a concept known as the mind-body connection, the way you view recovery might actually affect how your elbow heals after intensive surgery. Yes, the mind-body connection is important outside of the yoga class, in fact, it may be essential to holistic healing.
Fit Brain
Do you take time out of your day to exercise? You probably do so with the intention of strengthening your muscles, keeping your limbs flexible, and keeping your heart healthy. Your brain is much like any other part of your body in that it requires regular exercise in order to stay “fit.” The concept of neuroplasticity, i.e. the malleability of your brain, has a lot of significance for those who are concerned about staying healthy. Your brain can “grow” if you “feed” it well. Unfortunately, the opposite can occur when the brain is ill cared for. In order to keep your brain “fit,” try some of the exercises below:
* Read a classic book. There are a lot of classic books out there just waiting to be read. You did not have time before (just think of all of the times you complained about your busy schedule and not having enough time to read like you used to), but you definitely have time now! As you try to rest your arm to get rid of elbow pain for good, it is imperative that you keep your brain healthy too. Occupy your mind with a book.
* Read a new book. Ready for a dare? Choose a book you have made fun of but have never read (does Twilight come to mind?) and just read it for the heck of it. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy a guilty pleasure reading!
* Play a memory game. There are many very challenging games out there that were designed to help kids learn to match and memorize. Get past your pride and pick up a memory game to play with your kids. You might learn just as much as they do.
Stay Disciplined
Be deliberate about healing holistically as you seek to get rid of your elbow pain and keep these tips in mind. You will be glad you did in the end, and you may even enjoy your recovery far more than you thought you would.
Ready to get well? Put one of these concepts into practice today in order to recover successfully.
Visit Suburban Orthopaedics for more information.
