Past Updates!
→ 10-Day Recovery Update: Progress, Mobility, and Gratitude – 28 February 2025
It has been 10 days since my surgery, and I just completed my third physical therapy session. My recovery is progressing well—my pain remains under control, and I’ve been able to reduce my medication intake. I’ve now been released to start walking short distances with a cane instead of a walker inside the house. The swelling is persistent, so I’m staying diligent with icing and my exercise routine. I truly believe that my pre-surgery physical therapy, a good diet, and food-based supplements have helped make this journey smoother. I continue to recover quickly, but I’m making sure not to overdo it.
To all my awesome patients—keep walking and doing your exercises to stay well until I return!
→ First PT Session – 21 February 2025
Dr. McCleery had his first physical therapy session, and his therapist was very pleased with his range of motion in the right knee—just three days post-surgery. Pain is well controlled, and healing is progressing rapidly. Overall, he is doing extremely well and even exceeding his own expectations.
→ Surgery Update -18 February 2025
Everything went smoothly, and he was back home before 2 PM the same day. Recovery is going well, with steady improvements each day.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, approximately 790,000 total knee replacements are done annually in the United States.
Dr. McCleery is preparing for his own knee replacement on February 18, 2025, and wanted to share his insights.
Pre-Surgery Preparation for a Smooth Recovery
As Dr. McCleery prepares for his knee replacement surgery, he’s focused on ensuring his body is in the best shape possible for a smooth recovery. Here are some of the specific steps he’s taking:
- Pre-surgery physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding his knee
- Maintaining proper spinal alignment through regular chiropractic care
- Following a nutrition plan that promotes healing and reduces inflammation
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect
As a chiropractor, Dr. McCleery knows how crucial it is to stay on top of recovery milestones. Below is a general timeline of what he can expect during his recovery, which he’ll update as he progresses:
Week 1 (Post-Surgery): The emphasis of this initial recovery phase is pain management. Dr. McCleery will focus on reducing inflammation and starting light stretches to promote blood flow.
Weeks 2-4: As physical therapy begins, our chiropractor expects to make gradual mobility improvements. Chiropractic care may be used to help with pain management and mobility.
Weeks 4-6: During this phase, Dr. McCleery will focus on increasing his range of motion and performing strength-building exercises. He will work with physical therapists to regain function and speed up recovery.
Weeks 6-8: In this last phase, Dr. McCleery will fully commit to rehabilitation, returning to more functional movements and regaining confidence in his knee’s stability.
As he experiences these phases firsthand, Dr. McCleery will update this section and share how chiropractic care aids his recovery process.
Preparing Your Body for Success
Dr. McCleery shares his top pre-surgery recommendations:
- Prioritize spinal and pelvic alignment to optimize your body’s healing position
- Focus on strengthening supporting muscles, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves
- Maintain proper posture to minimize stress on the surgical site
- Consider pre-surgery chiropractic care to improve overall body mechanics
The Chiropractic Advantage in Recovery
As both a practitioner and patient, Dr. McCleery emphasizes the vital role of chiropractic care in joint replacement recovery. Proper spinal alignment and overall body mechanics significantly impact healing and rehabilitation.
“Chiropractic techniques, such as spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy, can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, helping patients feel more comfortable during recovery. Post-surgery chiropractic adjustments can also help restore full range of motion and prevent stiffness in the knee and surrounding areas,” shares Dr. McCleery.
Chiropractic care also complements physical therapy to improve functional movements, strengthen muscles, and maintain overall body alignment during recovery.
The Road to Rehabilitation: Stay Tuned for Updates
As Dr. McCleery prepares for his surgery, he’s committed to sharing his experience to benefit others facing similar procedures. His unique position as both a chiropractor and patient offers invaluable insights into the rehabilitation process. Throughout his recovery, Dr. McCleery will provide regular updates on his progress, sharing professional tips and personal experiences to help others navigate their own path to recovery. His commitment to documenting this process stems from his belief that understanding and preparing for each phase of rehabilitation leads to better outcomes.
Ready to Start Your Recovery Path?
If you’re preparing for knee replacement surgery or recovering from one, chiropractic care can be an essential part of your healing process. Whether you’re seeking guidance on pre-surgery preparation or post-surgery rehabilitation, we’re here to help.
Contact McCleery Chiropractic Health Centre PC today to book a visit, or call us to learn more about how chiropractic care can support your recovery!
Feb 18, 2025 at 4:57 PM
You got this Dan!
Feb 18, 2025 at 7:08 PM
We will be praying for a speedy recovery. Hoping for the best outcome!
Feb 19, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Praying for you!!! You're tough as nails, you've got this.
Feb 19, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Praying everything goes well and you have a speedy recovery!
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