Exercise, fitness and joint replacement

Each week I receive hundreds of emails. I can't possible mention all, or even many, on my blog, but from time to time I will put notes from the emails I receive. This email came from Daivd Lumgair of Thornhill, Manitoba. His story illustrates the importance of being fit and doing exercises before knee surgery in order to have a faster recovery after surgery. As David points out physical exercise can be "anti-incapacitating".

David Lumgair writes:

"I have had full left knee joint replacement, at Seven Oaks in Winnipeg, April 13 05.
Prior to surgery, I had a mind set, an attitude, that I would be very positive about recovery. I expected to recover as quickly as possibly. I wanted an atmosphere of strengthening and growth at the surgery site prior to surgery. The condition of bone, muscles, tissue and circulatory system would affect how quick and effective healing would happen. So, at my own expense, I visited a fitness centre, to receive and be coached with exercises, that would accomplish said goal. I was amazed at the gains in strength and in flexibility. My knee replacement was needed because of work and wear on bowlegs. Osteoarthritis?

I did lots of cross-country skiing prior surgery too, and I continue to ski. When I had my staples out, at 2 weeks and 2 days after surgery, I was showing Dr. David Foerster, my surgeon, my strength and flexibility. His response was to say that there are people who, at two month after surgery, would wish to be doing as well as I was doing at 2 weeks!"

David's story illustrates the importance of exercise in helping recovery from surgery - in the case of David - the exercise was done before the surgery to get his muscles in shape to help with the post-surgery recovery.

David's note to me continues:

"From my experience, I am sure that conditioning prior to surgery is essential!!!!
I have heard that Alberta has a pre-surgery assessment and conditioning program.
Can we pick some good ideas from their program? Seems to me that clients, and all caregivers, would find satisfaction with quick and strong recovery."

Thank you for your correspondence David. The future of our province depends on the health of our people!

If you have comments to add, please send me an email at jgerrard@leg.gov.mb.ca

Today'sNew word: anti-incapacitating,
Physical exercising to maintain physical fitness, is anti-incapacitating.