Keep Recovery Interesting: Try These Tri-Cities Activities After Surgery
The first few days after undergoing plastic surgery are mainly about rest. Depending on your procedure, your surgeon may recommend waiting anywhere from 2-6 weeks before resuming any vigorous or high-impact activities. In the meantime, once you’re feeling well enough to move around, beginning light activities again can aid in mental and physical well-being during recovery. As long as you don’t push yourself and your doctor gives the go-ahead, you can still get out and enjoy your days.
If you’re in or near the Tri-Cities area (Johnson City, Bristol, and Kingsport), we’ve got some suggestions to get you out of the house and enjoying light activities during post-surgery recovery.
Visit a Historic Landmark or Outdoor Site
Why not take advantage of this temporarily slower pace of life by visiting something historic or unique that you’ve never taken the time for? Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Bristol Caverns – Stroll along an underground river in Bristol while seeing and learning about stalactites, stalagmites, and other amazing underground formations! Take note that there are a few short walks up steep stairs, but the excursion is mild overall.
- Exchange Place: A Living History Farm – This Kingsport non-profit preserves what 19th-century farming life was like in northeastern Tennessee. Schedule a private tour or catch a seasonal festival to travel back in time and learn about regional land and agriculture.
Enjoy a Scenic Drive
If you’re not up for walking but still want to take in the scenery, the Tri-Cities area is full of natural beauty you can enjoy without much walking. Two highlights include:
- US Highway 321 along Watauga Lake – Start in Johnson City and drive east on US 321 into Cherokee National Forest. Spy views of Watauga Lake as you wind along its 16-mile shoreline.
- Powell Valley Overlook – From a bit north of the Tri-Cities, you can take Highway 58 to Highway 23 to catch a spectacular sunset from this overlook in beautiful Wise County, Virginia.
Check out this article for more scenic drives around the Tri-Cities.
Take a Stroll
There’s no shortage of interesting places to take a leisurely stroll in the Tri-Cities. Aside from plenty of public parks, you’ve got options like:
- Johnson City Farmer’s Market – Enjoy the sights and sounds in downtown Johnson City on a Saturday morning. Bonus: shop local and pick up some fresh food for nourishment during your post-op recovery!
- Take a tour of Jonesborough – Stroll through Tennessee’s oldest town, which has a charming downtown with shops and restaurants. You can choose a guided tour or pick up a brochure from the Visitors Center for a self-guided option. Either way, get ready to be charmed!
Enjoy a Balanced Recovery
A balanced recovery protects your physical health and surgical results while allowing you to enjoy low-impact activities. Even though recovering from surgery may not sound fun, while you’re taking it easy, you can still get out and enjoy some of the Tri-Cities’ rich culture, history, and natural beauty.
Please note: This article is not intended as medical advice. Always follow your surgeon’s directions about your level of physical activity following surgery.