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Day 1
On the day after the surgery, exercises
are begun. These exercises help in improving body circulation and the
circulation of the operated limb. This helps in reducing the swelling
and prepares you for early walking.
The exercises also help in reducing the incidence of calf
clots (deep vein thrombosis) and lung complications (pulmonary embolism)
secondary to calf clots.
- Deep breathing exercises
: This is done with a machine called triflometer. To be done
in set of 10, twice a day.
- Static Quadriceps exercises : In
this exercise, you tighten your kneecap till the count of 3 seconds
and loosen it for another count of 3 seconds. To be done in the set
of 5, every hour.
- Calf pumps : Moving the foot up and
down, at the ankle joint to its maximum This exercise reduces the incidence
of calf vein clots.
- Buttocks : Try to lengthen and shorten
the operated leg from the hip. This develops your buttock muscles. To
be done in set of 5, every hour.
- Upper limb exercises :
Done either in sitting or propped up in bed.
- Raising the arms by the
side.
- Spreading the arms by the side.
- Bringing the arms together
in front.
Today the nursing staff will help you turn on your side.
You may turn on either side. That is, if you wish, you may lie on the
operated side as well. While turning on the side it is important to keep
the legs spread apart with pillows in between the legs. Keeping the hip
and the knee straight.
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