The number of answers to this question is much larger than you might think. However, many people might think that taking their prescribed medication is the only step they need to take to prepare for surgery. 

Preparing for surgery naturally can involve taking a variety of steps. The steps you should take can depend on the surgery you’re having and other factors. However, there are four steps in particular that can help most surgical patients prepare for surgery naturally. 

Four effective steps for preparing for surgery naturally

Figuring out how you should prepare for surgery naturally might involve talking to medical professionals. You should discuss natural preparation options with your primary care doctor. It’s also a good idea to discuss them with your surgeon. Additionally, you may want to consult a physical therapist prior to surgery. 

Speaking to these medical professionals can help you narrow down which natural surgery prep steps are right for you. Four of the steps your medical team might suggest that you take include: 

1. Increasing your pre-surgery calcium intake — Calcium is a nutrient that helps build and maintain bones. It’s also involved in muscle contraction. Many doctors recommend getting more calcium before surgery, especially if it will involve bones. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) typically recommends increasing pre-surgery calcium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day. 

2. Quitting smoking — Research has shown that smokers are more likely to have post-surgical issues. Danish studies reported that 28% of people who didn’t quit smoking before surgery had wound healing issues. In comparison, only 9% of patients who stopped smoking several weeks before surgery had wound healing problems. 

3. Eating plenty of protein — Proteins are the building blocks for most types of body tissue. Healing tissues that have been damaged during surgery requires lots of proteins. You can help your body stock up on protein by eating enough of it before surgery. Some doctors recommend eating six to 12 ounces of protein daily prior to a surgical procedure. 

4. Attending pre-surgical rehab sessions — Pre-surgical rehab, or pre-hab, from a physical therapist can have multiple benefits for surgical patients. Research shows that just one or two pre-hab sessions decreased the need for post-surgical care by 29% in patients who had a knee or hip replacement. The same study reports that patients who used pre-hab also saved more than $1,200 in the health care costs related to their surgery. 

Prepare for surgery naturally with pre-hab at Continuum Wellness

Looking for pre-hab that can help you prepare for surgery naturally? Look no further than our physical therapy team at Continuum Wellness. We can perform a free screening for you, which is designed to reveal the pre-surgical issues you’re dealing with. Then our team can construct an individualized pre-hab plan designed to fit your needs. 

Worried about exposing yourself to COVID-19 before surgery? Our team can help reduce your exposure risk. We can do so because we’re currently offering virtual care sessions and at-home therapy appointments. These services are intended to allow you to get the physical therapy you need right in your own home. 

Don’t wait until after surgery to start your physical therapy at Continuum Wellness. Contact our team today for more information about our pre-surgical rehab service or to schedule your initial appointment.