Signs You're Overdoing It Post-Op: A Guide to Staying Within Your Healing Zone

Recently, a patient of mine who had extensive heart surgery and was receiving acupuncture treatment in their home was feeling so good he over-extended himself and took a step back in their recovery. After assessing that this was a minor and common inflammatory flair-up causing a slight regression, I assured him that this was a 'two-steps-forward-one step-back' type of situation and that by paying closer attention to his body’s signals moving forward, he could remain on track for a recovery that was already progressing faster than expected.

Realizing the need for a simple handout for future post-operative recovery patients, I sat down and typed this up as soon as I got back to my office. I hope you, or someone you know, finds it helpful.

You’re healing — not training. I can't stress this enough.

In the early stages of recovery from cosmetic, orthopedic, general, or neurological surgery, “doing too much” can feel like “doing the right thing.” But healing isn’t something you can force — and pushing past your limits can turn a smooth recovery into a setback.

What “Doing Too Much” Might Look Like:

Subtle Signs You're Outpacing Recovery:

• Swelling or bruising that returns or worsens after initial improvement

• Fatigue that lingers longer than 24 hours after activity

• Discomfort in the surgical area that increases rather than plateaus

• Difficulty sleeping or feeling “wired but tired”

• Cognitive fog or irritability that wasn’t present before

• Night sweats

• Low-grade fever without a clear cause

• Loss of appetite or digestive disturbance after pushing yourself

  
  

Typical Overexertion Triggers:

• Walking too far too soon, or exercising before you're cleared

• Resuming work tasks, screens, or decision-making too early

• Over-socializing or taking on family/caretaker roles too quickly

• Neglecting rest, hydration, or nutrition

• Pushing through warning signals like increased swelling or pain

  
  

Overexertion doesn't always feel dramatic — often it's your body's whisper, not its shout.

⚠️ When Minor Becomes Major: Don’t Ignore Escalating Signs

If these symptoms intensify or new ones appear — especially sharp pain, swelling with redness or heat, fever over 100.4°F, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort — call your surgeon or primary care provider immediately. These could indicate complications like infection, clotting, or a setback in healing.

Tips to Stay in Your Recovery Zone:

• Rest is productive. Healing requires energy, even when you're lying down.

• Small wins are enough. Progress is not linear — respect plateaus.

• Fuel wisely. Support healing with whole foods, hydration, and anti-inflammatory habits.

• Ask for help. Delegating tasks isn’t weakness — it's strategic.

• Tune in, don’t power through. Your body will tell you what it needs — listen early.

  
  

Questions or concerns about how you're healing?

Call your surgeon or PCP first for urgent matters.

Reach out to Neurological Acupuncture of New Hampshire for personalized recovery support, house calls, or integrative care guidance at paul@neuroacupuncturenh.com or Call (585) 694-6385