Pathway 02 · After surgery

re: recovery

I’ve already had surgery

The operating room is behind you. What is left is the part you do yourself: rest, small decisions, and progress that rarely moves in a straight line.

A patient in a hinged knee brace performing a quad exercise on a treatment table while a therapist checks their thigh

The first days

One day at a time

Follow your wound care instructions and keep dressings clean and dry.
Take medications as prescribed, and keep a simple log of what you took and when.
Move gently as your team recommends. Short, frequent walking is often easier than one long effort.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, call your team.

Pain + swelling

Cold, elevation and patience

Elevation helps fluid drain. Raise the area when you can.
Cold therapy can ease pain and swelling. Ask your team whether it is suitable and how to protect your skin.
Stay ahead of pain rather than chasing it.
Call your team if pain suddenly worsens, swelling increases significantly, or you notice redness, warmth, fever or drainage from your incision.

Cold + compression · optional

Game Ready

Game Ready combines circulating cold therapy with intermittent compression in one system designed for recovery at home.

SEE GAME READY RENTAL OPTIONS

Interested in Game Ready? You'll provide your information directly to the rental company. Their team will explain availability, prescription requirements and next steps.

Nutrition

Give your body something to work with

Protein at each meal helps your body maintain muscle and repair tissue.
Small, frequent meals are often easier than three large ones when your appetite is low.
Sip fluids regularly. Warm drinks and broths count.
Tell your team about any vitamins or supplements you are taking.

Surgical nutrition · optional

Thrive Protocol

Thrive Protocol is designed for before and after surgery, so it can continue through the weeks when cooking and shopping feel like a lot.

GET THRIVE PROTOCOL

Explore the surgical nutrition program on Thrive Protocol’s website.

Rest

Sleep is part of the treatment

Keep water, a light and anything you use at night within reach of where you rest.
Hold a steady routine: similar bedtimes, dim lights, screens off in the last hour.
Ask your team how you should, and should not, lie while you heal.

Sleep + comfort · optional

Shoulder Sleeper

For shoulder surgery or injury

If you are sleeping around a shoulder repair, a pillow designed for shoulder recovery can make the nights easier.

EXPLORE SHOULDER SLEEP OPTIONS

Getting back

Movement, confidence, and the way back

Do your therapy exercises as prescribed, even on low days. Consistency adds up.
Expect some discomfort with therapy, but tell your therapist about sharp or worsening pain.
The mental side is real. Frustration and hesitation are normal parts of coming back.
Celebrate small wins: reaching a little higher, walking a little farther.

Mindset + confidence · optional

Unbroken Athlete

Returning after surgery is not only physical. Unbroken Athlete offers programs focused on the mental side of coming back, including confidence, hesitation and readiness for activity.

EXPLORE UNBROKEN ATHLETE

Compression + performance · optional

Reparel

Supportive compression apparel for the weeks when you are moving more again.

EXPLORE REPAREL

re: may receive compensation from purchases made through its partner resources. Recommendations are optional and separate from your medical care.

This is general education, not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from your healthcare team, and contact them with any concerns.