Top Tips For A Successful Hip Surgery Recovery
Recovering from hip surgery requires patience, commitment, and a proactive approach to rehabilitation.
No items found.
“Social support” is a term we often hear, especially during challenging times like recovering from an injury or managing stress. What is social support? What does it mean and why does it matter? How does social support reduce stress and promote healing?
This guide breaks down the concept of social support and explains why it’s important for mental and physical well-being. At BounceBack, we also share practical steps to sustain a network that supports you in meaningful ways.
Social support refers to the emotional, informational, and tangible assistance people receive from their relationships. It’s a resource that impacts well-being. It helps to manage stress, enhance resilience, and promote recovery during tough times.
When recovering from an injury or coping with challenges, social support can feel abstract—after all, it’s not something you can hold or measure easily. However, decades of research have proven its profound effects on mental and physical health.
Social support isn’t one-size-fits-all. It comes in different forms and varies based on personal needs, relationships, and circumstances.
Examples: A friend listening to your concerns or a family member offering words of reassurance.
Examples: A colleague sharing their experience with a similar injury or an online support group offering recovery tips.
Examples: A neighbor running errands for you or a roommate helping with household chores.
Perceived support is the belief that help is available when needed. Meanwhile, received support is the actual assistance delivered. Both play a key role in reducing stress and promoting recovery.
Building a support network is key to facing life’s challenges, especially during injury recovery. No single person can meet all your needs. Relying too heavily on one individual may create unnecessary strain on the relationship. Instead, cultivating a diverse network gives you access to various forms of assistance when needed.
Family and friends often offer emotional encouragement and practical help. Colleagues may give professional advice or workplace flexibility. Support groups can connect you with people who share similar experiences. They may offer empathy and insights that others may not fully understand.
For instance, a friend who has faced a similar injury might share valuable recovery tips and reassurance. On the other hand, a family member might step in to handle household responsibilities.
Appreciating the contributions of each person in your network creates a sense of gratitude. It reduces the temptation to compare one person’s support to another’s. With a well-rounded support system, you make a healthier and more sustainable foundation for healing and growth.
Social support lowers stress by creating a sense of security, connection, and confidence. When individuals feel supported, they can better handle life’s mental and physical challenges.
Having someone to lean on during tough times can promote positive thinking by helping you reframe negative thoughts and focus on progress. Shared experiences and advice from others also enhance coping skills. It presents new perspectives and strategies for managing difficulties.
Emotional support helps regulate emotions. It can ease feelings of loneliness, frustration, and self-doubt.
These effects go beyond emotional well-being—social support has been linked to better physical health, quicker recovery times, and improved treatment plan adherence. Be it through kind words, practical assistance, or simply knowing that someone is there for you, social support is an invaluable resource.
Receiving and maintaining social support requires active effort. It’s about creating opportunities for connection and being open to receiving support.
Example: Instead of saying, “I’m overwhelmed,” try, “Could you help me with grocery shopping this week?”
Social support not only eases stress but also accelerates recovery. For individuals dealing with orthopedic injuries, having a reliable support system can mean the difference between a prolonged, isolating recovery and a connected, empowering journey toward healing.
At BounceBack, our resources focus on meaningful connections and addressing the emotional aspects of recovery. Our digital app helps you build a personalized support network. At the same time, our physical tools offer practical exercises to strengthen your mindset.
Social support is a transformative resource for managing stress and promoting recovery. You can take actionable steps toward building a network that assists you during life’s challenges.
Join us today to discover how the right support can make all the difference. Start building your recovery journey with us.
---
1 Stevan E. Hobfoll, “Social and Psychological Resource and Adaptation” Review of General Psychology, 2002. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.6.4.307
2 Xiu Ling Florence Kok et al. “Social Support and Pre-Operative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgical Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” Journal of Health Psychology, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053221116969
3 Allison R. Mitchinson et al., “Social Connectedness and Patient Recovery After Major Operations,” Journal of American College of Surgeons, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2007.08.017
4 Janice K. Kiecolt-Glaser et al., “Psychological Influences on Surgical Recovery: Perspectives from Psychoneuroimmunology,” American Psychologist, 1998. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.53.11.1209
5 Heinz Walter Krohne and Kerstin E. Slangen, “Influence of Social Support on Adaptation to Surgery,” Health Psychology, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.24.1.101; James A. Kulik, Heike I. M. Mahler, and Philip J. Moore, “Social Comparison and Affiliation Under Threat: Effects on Recovery From Major Surgery,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1996. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.71.5.967
6 M. Robin DiMatteo, “Social Support and Patient Adherence to Medical Treatment: A Meta-Analysis,” Health Psychology, 2004. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.23.2.207
7 Bert N. Uchino, "Understanding the Links Between Social Support and Physical Health: A Life-Span Perspective with Emphasis on the Separability of Perceived and Received Support," Perspectives on Psychological Science, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2009.01122.x
A better recovery is only a few steps away.
Shipping costs for products are outlined during the checkout process and will be based on the shipping method selected, as well as your location.
Returns and refunds are valid for up to 30 days after your order was placed. Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment and will be processed 5-7 business days after we receive your return.
If you have any questions or concerns about your order or shipping, please contact our customer support team at info@bouncebackapp.com
