Restrictions after procedures are normal. Receiving clear directions and fully understanding the why behind the restrictions is often lacking. If a direction is unclear, continue to ask questions until you are clear. Restrictions are there to keep you safe. Understand them even if you don’t like what you hear.

This one is so important. No one wants to deal with restrictions. They are generally there to protect you from potential harm. Unfortunately, doctors do not always provide enough information about why the restrictions are being put into place.

When I have clients who are having procedures I always tell them to tell their doctor what activities they do. If they go to yoga class, explain the type of class and the level. I tell them how to describe the work we do in the studio. When the doctor understands their normal activities they can properly guide them through their restrictions. This is especially important if your age is greater than your activities might suggest. 

Often the instructions are vague or as patients we hear what we want to hear and not what we need to hear.  This is also why it is important when working with a trainer or a massage therapist that they ask for doctor clearances or understand the restrictions for different procedures. Sometimes we have to hold people back and that may require explaining the why.

I was pleasantly surprised with my recent procedure. My doctor described another patient who had not followed instructions and had an unfortunate situation occur. He said, “So no lifting for 8 weeks, I don’t care how great you feel.” Then before my discharge the nurse actually described the limits for lifting. She said, “ A gallon of milk is between 10 and 12 pounds. No more than a gallon of milk.” Perfect! I was sure to thank her for being so specific. I wish all my clients’ providers gave such clear boundaries.

Next time you have a procedure make sure you listen to the restrictions and FOLLOW them.

Have you had a time where you were unclear about the restrictions or you were perhaps cut loose for activity before you should have been because your doctor didn’t know what your normal exercise looked like?

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