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.
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.
Take it slow and return to your pre-operative level gradually. Here are some specific exercises for two different types of surgery. Again, consult your physician first.
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.
After a few weeks, you may have healed enough to do the exercise below.
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
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.
Lie on the floor, knees bent, hands behind your head. Press the small of the back gently into the floor, then more firmly. Don't try to work 'through the pain'.
Another would be slow ab crunches. From a supine position, raise head and shoulders a little off the floor or mat and focus on the tightening of your abdominal muscles. Keep your chin from tucking onto your chest and slowly lower back to rest. Do this for several reps.
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. - 15438
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.
Take it slow and return to your pre-operative level gradually. Here are some specific exercises for two different types of surgery. Again, consult your physician first.
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.
After a few weeks, you may have healed enough to do the exercise below.
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
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.
Lie on the floor, knees bent, hands behind your head. Press the small of the back gently into the floor, then more firmly. Don't try to work 'through the pain'.
Another would be slow ab crunches. From a supine position, raise head and shoulders a little off the floor or mat and focus on the tightening of your abdominal muscles. Keep your chin from tucking onto your chest and slowly lower back to rest. Do this for several reps.
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. - 15438
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.
