Our team of sports medicine physicians focuses on treating and preventing injuries related to physical activity and exercise. Sports medicine physicians receive additional training beyond their primary medical education to understand the unique demands that physical activity places on the body. From biomechanics, exercise physiology and injury patterns to understanding the emotional side of recovery, our Forté sports medicine team provides comprehensive care to our patients.
For athletes and everyday active adults who face injury, returning to sport and daily activities, without pain, is the goal. An integral part of the healing process, alongside physical therapy, is the mental aspect of recovery. With orthopedic surgery resulting from injury comes some physical pain and certainly mental frustration. The surgical procedure may limit mobility and require assistance for daily movement and self-care tasks.
Though frustration, even depression, can occur postoperatively, a positive mindset is key.
Staying optimistic will provide a mindset better suited for physical therapy and likely even improve the overall surgical outcome.
Surgeries for ACL and meniscus are commonly performed by our team or orthopedic surgeons. Forté outcomes are monitored by our partnership with CODE TECHNOLOGY. According to our patient-reported outcome data, before surgery, 35% of acute knee patients reported being affected by emotional problems—such as anxiety, depression, or irritability—at least sometimes, often, or always. At 6 months post-op, only 25% of patients report this.
“In my 21 years of experience, those patients who positively attack their ACL tear as a hurdle to overcome recover quicker and tend to do better than those who act victimized by their ACL tear,” said Dr. Mark Ritter, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist. “A good attitude certainly helps!”
How Stress Negatively Impacts Recovery after Surgery
The body-mind relationship after having orthopedic surgery can significantly affect the recovery outcome. The body’s ability to heal slows when experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. Chronic stress reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, grow new tissue and increases risks of postoperative complications such as high blood pressure, nausea and reduced appetite. Stress and anxiety also lead to altered pain perception, causing post-op pain to feel more intense than it truly is. Lastly, ongoing stress weakens immune function, which may lead to wound infections or other complications.
Benefits of a Positive Mindset and Healing from Surgery
Studies have shown that an optimistic mindset leads to improved surgical outcomes. Patients who remain positive are often able to:
• Focus on the end goal rather than the immediate pain
• Experience less pain
• Require fewer pain medications
• Reduce risk of post-surgical complications
• Speed healing, assisted by better sleep
Tips to Reduce Stress after Surgery
The most common strategies for stress reduction include surrounding yourself with positive people and creating an environment which fosters healing. Here are a few tips to do so:
• Be informed. Ask your physician questions to understand the expectations for the surgery and recovery timeframe.
• Establish daily relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.
• Lean on your support system for emotional and physical help. Divvy household tasks or set up ridesharing to/from school or appointments.
• Eat a balanced diet including protein, Vitamin C, Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids. These help with tissue growth and repair, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Create an environment for ample sleep and rest.
• Move your body, according to your surgeon and physical therapist, to improve circulation, reduce stiffness and muscle weakness as well as promote overall healing.
• Celebrate the wins—from little victories to the renewed use of your affected body part, give yourself kudos for milestones reached.
How Forté Performs in Returning Patients to Activities
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics returns athletes to sport and our rehab specialists are highly experienced at their subspecialities. CODE TECHNOLOGY reported that at six months after acute knee surgery, 85% of patients rated their quality of life as "excellent" or "very good." At one year post-op, 91% of those same Forté patients reported having returned to sport at some level of participation.
Schedule a Consultation at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Today
Our sports medicine physicians have decades of experience treating athletes with injuries. From professional and collegiate athletes to the everyday athlete or individuals with active lifestyles, this specialized field of care focuses on preventing, diagnosing and treating physical activity and exercise injuries. We have convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Mooresville, Noblesville and Tipton. Don’t let an injury keep you sidelined. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine physicians.
