BEST protocol for healing after an IT Band Tenodesis & Meniscus Repair?

[ACLWizard]

I am 7 days Post-Op of an IT Band Tenodesis (to tighten my current ACL and knee) & Meniscus Repair. I want to be following the protocol for the fastest recovery and healing process. At 7 days post operation should I no longer be elevating my knee? Should I be sleeping with my knee elevated? I’ve read some places it slows down healing when you elevate your operated upon leg after the 48-72 hour mark after the surgery. Also I read some places icing your knee after the 72 hour mark after surgery can slow healing as well. Can anyone confirm or deny either?? Thanks!

[specialmom]

Oh gosh.  Ouch.  They should give you very clear post op instructions and after something like this, often there is follow up with the doctor as well as a physical therapist or sports medicine person.  It's a lot of sitting with ice this first week.  You really can't rush that.  I've hard that working with a physical therapist sooner rather than later is really beneficial.  Helps you stretch the IT band for mobility sooner.  Stretching properly, key.  Strengthening, key. I believe recovery is that at 2 weeks, you feel more normal but it's not until 6 weeks that you get back to full activity. Ice will not slow down your recovery.  Just don't over due it.  It's 30 minutes of ice every 3 to 4 hours.  And remember the most important thing . . . REST.

[ACLWizard]

Thank you SO much for this response! Seriously you just made my day :)

[specialmom]

I'm glad.  The hardest part of recovery is being patient!  I totally get it because life doesn't stop and we want to get back out there.  But try to give this some time.  You'll be out there before you know it!

[Paxiled]

Just to add, I'm confused.  Following this kind of surgery you should have been sent to physical therapy for rehab.  There should have been detailed post-op instructions.  Different people heal at different paces, but this should take some time before you're back to normal.  If you weren't given any post-op instructions, you need to see your surgeon and get them.