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POST-DISCHA RGE: W HAT TO EXPE CT AFTE R LEAVING T HE HOSPITAL
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Your physician will provide you with the appropriate pain medication(s) to assist in keeping
your pain manageable as you continue to improve your function with therapy and your home
program. You will receive a prescription prior to being discharged that you will need to have
filled at your preferred pharmacy. Besides medication, applying ice packs to the area that is
sore for 15-20 minutes can help in controlling pain. Performing your exercises and walking has
been shown to help with discomfort that can occur when in one position too long.
Because of the associated risks of using Opioids (nausea, vomiting, constipation, urinary
retention, drowsiness, impaired mental processing and decreased respiratory function) these
drugs should be used carefully. Opioids should be used at the smallest dose that works for you
for the shortest time.
COLD T HERAPY AT HOME
USING COLD T HERAPY A T HOME
Effective cold therapy offers a number of benefits:
Decreases pain and creates a numbing effect
Increases circulation while reducing swelling
Relaxes muscles and reduces spasms
Increases the ease with which joints and muscles move
SAFETY TIPS F OR USIN G COLD T HERAPY
Do not apply ice directly to the skin; do wrap ice in a thin towel or cloth.
Use for 15-20 minutes on the affected area. Remove when the numbing effect is
achieved. Prolonged use of intense cold can lead to frostbite. Do not use ice for more
than 20 minutes.
If using an automated icing device, you may leave on for longer periods of time as
instructed by your surgeon.
Cold can be used as many times throughout the day and night as needed, but you must
allow time for the area to warm to normal temperature before repeating the
application.
