6 Ways to Calm Anxiety before Orthopedic Surgery – Part 2

In today’s article we continue sharing useful tips on how to cope with fear of orthopedic surgery. Missed Part 1 of our article? Find it here: 6 Ways to Calm Anxiety before Orthopedic Surgery – Part 1 

If you are going under the knife in the near future or know someone who is – read the article or recommend it to those who should read it!

4. Seek alternative therapies for anxiety

Your orthopedic surgery may be the only option for your condition and you already know that you may look ahead to a more active and fulfilling life. But when it comes to alternative remedies for stress, there are plenty of options available, so you may choose the one (or ones) which resonate with you.

• Yoga: Yoga has been used for anxiety relief for hundreds of years as it requires different physical poses, relaxation, controlled breathing and contemplation to help decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and stress.
• Hypnosis: Patients and doctors have used hypnosis as a remedy for many conditions over the years, including stress moderation, quitting smoking, weight loss, and many others.
• Acupuncture: A study carried at Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies showed biological proof that acupuncture relieves stress.
• Massage: Massage is one of the first remedies people think about when it comes to stress relief. Fear relief is no different. Massage can be a very efficient, not to mention pleasant, way to help you get rid of worrisome thoughts.
• Tapping: Also called EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique. It is the action of tapping joins with the use of acupressure and psychology to help reduce stress, cortisol and send calming signals to the amygdala of the brain.
• Acupressure: A traditional Chinese remedy appreciated for its help in relieving anxiety and reducing the probability of panic attacks.
• Herbal remedies: There are plenty herbal remedies on the market today that offer relief from stress or anxiety. It can help you get past being afraid of orthopedic surgery and allow you to truly observe the advantages surgery has to offer. Ensure to always speak to your doctor about taking any herbal remedies before surgery, as some of them may interfere with the treatment.
• Mindful meditation: This very easy meditation method involves focusingyour mind on your experiences (like your own emotions, thoughts, and sensations) in the present moment. It is a great wayto increase focus, decrease stress, and stimulate your creativity.
• Neuro-linguistic programming: More and more people are relying on NLP to assist their confidence, weight loss, smoking cessation efforts and even reactions to stress and fear.

5. Get support from your loved ones

Many people do not want to burden friends and family members by sharing their worries over a coming surgery.  However, the lack of communication is suboptimal. Do not underestimate the value of psychological support. Reaching out to your loved ones for good wishes will make you feel upbeat and more confident for surgery.  

6. Enjoy your favorite pastimes

If you like to read books or listen to music, now is the best time to enjoy those activities as much as you can. Do what you like!  

Music gives the best chance to calm your nerves. Everyone has a favorite genre: choose what you like, but remember, music is supposed to calm you, so note your body’s response – it is the best compass for showing you what works and what doesn’t.

Other pastimes for relaxation may include fishing (if your condition allows you outdoor activities), golf, playing cards with friends, walking in the park, petting dogs (wonderful calming therapy), horse riding – the list can go on… You know best what has made you calmer and happier in the past.

Raleigh Orthopedic Surgery Center

The Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center’s board certified fellowship trained surgeons bring together many years of experience to manage and treat joint complications resulting from degenerative joint diseases, such as arthritis, musculoskeletal disease or joint trauma.

If you want to know more about how you can prepare for your orthopedic surgery, contact Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Centerand we will answer all of your questions.

To schedule an appointment with one of our Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center doctors, please call 919-719-3070.