A Mayo Clinic physician has underscored the benefits of relocating to a warmer climate following surgery, emphasizing particularly on the role of walking in post-operative recovery.
Dr. Mark Spangehl, an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, said, "After joint replacement, we strongly encourage patients to walk, walk, walk and gradually increase their activities". He added that despite occasional rainfalls, patients can be outdoors daily if they wish. "And that's part of the recovery," Spangehl concluded.
Many retirees often leave their cold-climate homes for warmer regions such as Phoenix, Arizona and Jacksonville, Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that both cities maintain an average temperature of sixty-eight degrees in December. A news release from Mayo Clinic suggests that this trend is not only about escaping harsh winters but also carries health benefits.
According to the same news release from Mayo Clinic, after undergoing joint replacement surgery, it’s crucial for patients to walk to regain mobility. Walking becomes more manageable in warmer climates due to pleasant weather conditions and smoother roads with fewer potholes resulting from freezing and thawing.
The news release further highlights that walking is also beneficial for individuals who have undergone heart surgery. Patients are advised to schedule surgeries at the start of their stay in a warmer climate city so they have sufficient time for recovery before returning home to colder climates. For patients with underlying health conditions like Parkinson’s disease or arthritis, a longer hospital recovery period may be necessary after any surgery.
Spangehl also emphasized the importance of having a trusted friend or family member nearby after any surgery, especially when far from home. "If you're traveling some distance for the procedure, you'll need someone who you're comfortable with and who can be there for a while to help you after surgery," he stated.
