Exercise after surgery can be part of recommended physical therapy, or a return to pre-operative routines. In either case, done properly, exercise will help create flexibility, improve balance - by strengthening muscles that help stabilize joints - and keep the cardiovascular and other systems functioning well.
When and how you can begin exercise routines after major surgery will vary with the type of treatment you had. Most physicians will recommend at least a week, sometimes 6-12 weeks, of recuperation before even attempting regular routines. Consult your physician.
Toning and weight loss exercises are recommended for patients to help them get back into shape. Since surgery effectively reduces your activity level, it results in a slower metabolism. When this happens, you will gain weight.
You must stay hydrated in all forms of exercise that you perform. This is crucial for your endocrine system to function properly during such activities and to prevent injuries by keeping joints well 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 Surgery
For around a week after the operation, you will experience some pain and discomfort as you recover. During this time, take the opportunity to aid your healing with the following simple arm exercises, coupled with calm and steady breathing.
Lift the arm found on the side of the body where the breast operation took place, and move it as though to simulate the movement of brushing one's hair or eating. Elevate the same arm you exercised to a level above the heart for a period of an hour. This exercise will help reduce the amount of swelling. While your arm is elevated, you can do some hand exercises, clenching and opening your hand in order to ease the discomfort.
You will find that after some weeks, you will be strong enough to perform additional exercises, like the one described here.
Get a hold on a stick or broom handle in both hands with palms up and arms stretched out. Lift it overhead, hold for 3 seconds or so, then lower to the pelvis. Do several reps to best effect.
Hysterectomy
After a hysterectomy, you will have to do some exercises for your back, pelvic, and abdominal muscle areas. Again, try to get your doctor to speak to you about these exercises before starting.
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.
While in the same starting position, lift the hip area and hold the position for a few seconds before lowering it to the floor. Repeat this ten times. Afterwards, begin again with the abdominal contraction exercises. The next exercise will then require you to move to a kneeling position, so it may be best to wear some knee pads, or work on a carpeted surface.
This exercise may require you padding on your knees or on the floor itself. Roll over onto your knees and gradually raise an arm and the alternate leg. Repeat with the other side, alternating for around 10 reps.
Again, don't try to exercise if you feel intense pain as distinguished from mild discomfort. Take it slow, building up strength over time. - 16083
When and how you can begin exercise routines after major surgery will vary with the type of treatment you had. Most physicians will recommend at least a week, sometimes 6-12 weeks, of recuperation before even attempting regular routines. Consult your physician.
Toning and weight loss exercises are recommended for patients to help them get back into shape. Since surgery effectively reduces your activity level, it results in a slower metabolism. When this happens, you will gain weight.
You must stay hydrated in all forms of exercise that you perform. This is crucial for your endocrine system to function properly during such activities and to prevent injuries by keeping joints well 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 Surgery
For around a week after the operation, you will experience some pain and discomfort as you recover. During this time, take the opportunity to aid your healing with the following simple arm exercises, coupled with calm and steady breathing.
Lift the arm found on the side of the body where the breast operation took place, and move it as though to simulate the movement of brushing one's hair or eating. Elevate the same arm you exercised to a level above the heart for a period of an hour. This exercise will help reduce the amount of swelling. While your arm is elevated, you can do some hand exercises, clenching and opening your hand in order to ease the discomfort.
You will find that after some weeks, you will be strong enough to perform additional exercises, like the one described here.
Get a hold on a stick or broom handle in both hands with palms up and arms stretched out. Lift it overhead, hold for 3 seconds or so, then lower to the pelvis. Do several reps to best effect.
Hysterectomy
After a hysterectomy, you will have to do some exercises for your back, pelvic, and abdominal muscle areas. Again, try to get your doctor to speak to you about these exercises before starting.
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.
While in the same starting position, lift the hip area and hold the position for a few seconds before lowering it to the floor. Repeat this ten times. Afterwards, begin again with the abdominal contraction exercises. The next exercise will then require you to move to a kneeling position, so it may be best to wear some knee pads, or work on a carpeted surface.
This exercise may require you padding on your knees or on the floor itself. Roll over onto your knees and gradually raise an arm and the alternate leg. Repeat with the other side, alternating for around 10 reps.
Again, don't try to exercise if you feel intense pain as distinguished from mild discomfort. Take it slow, building up strength over time. - 16083
About the Author:
I used to be very unfit. Luckily, I discovered the benefits of exercise early. Since then, I have been on a special fitness regimen which has helped me tremendously. You can learn more about it at http://www.homefitnessinsider.com.
