After surgery, the body will have to undergo some significant physical therapy to get back into the shape it was before surgery. Most people would complain that they’re not the same after healing from the operation, but that is mostly due to their lack of action right after the procedure. Unless you have been amputated or significantly disabled, there is no reason that you can’t regain and even improve flexibility, balance, stability, and strength after going under the knife.
The amount of time after a major surgery, and how exercise is done, depends a lot on the sort of treatment that you have undergone.
Most people will want to perform some kind of toning exercises and probably induce some weight loss. Most surgery reduces the metabolic and activity level – leading to weight gain and flabbiness.
Be sure to keep well hydrated, no matter what form of exercise you perform. This is helpful in order to keep the endocrine system functioning properly and aids the process that keeps joints lubricated.
You will have to take baby steps to get back to your previous fitness level. Going too quick too soon will only make things worse for you. Here are some exercises to begin with after certain surgical procedures. Always consult your physician before getting into such programs.
Breast Surgeries
About a week after surgery, you’ll still be experiencing discomfort. But recovery will be aided by some simple arm exercises. Perform steady breathing during the following:
First, lift the arm on the side which was operated on and simulate activities like eating, brushing your hair, and so on. Do a few reps of this in the beginning, then increase reps as you recover more. Also, raise that arm above the heart for an hour twice or thrice daily to reduce swelling. As you do so, slowly open and close your head repeatedly. As you progress, you can make it better by clenching on a tennis ball and alternately bending and straightening your arm.
After a couple of weeks you may feel fit enough to perform the following exercise.
Position a long stick, much like a broom handle, on the face of the palms as you stretch your arms forward. Grasp the broom, and lift it directly above the head. Hold this position for a few seconds, and then lower the handle to the level of the pelvis.
Hysterectomy
In these exercises, you’ll work the abs, pelvic, and back muscles. As with any routine, be sure to get the advice of your doctor before beginning.
While lying with your back on the floor, bend your knees and place your hands underneath your head. Slightly press the small of the back onto the floor, and then let go, repeating it in the process.
Raise your head and shoulders slightly off the floor, paying attention to the contraction of the abs. Take care not to move the chin toward the chest. Then slowly lower the head and shoulders back to the floor. Repeat several times.
Bridges will help you strengthen your hips and back. Lift your hips as high as you can and hold it for a few seconds. Lower and repeat for 10 reps or so. You can then alternate with abdominal exercises to maximize the effect.
Once in the kneeling position, raise one arm and the leg on the opposite side. Alternate movement of each body part: stretching the right arm and the left leg, then the left arm and the left leg. Repeat this about ten times.
As you do these exercise, work around pain, not through pain. If you are feeling intense pain and not just discomfort, stop. Take your time and walk through your own progress.