It’s well-known that being active is good for health, but exercising become essential after suffering a surgery. Healthcare specialists agree that being physically active make the difference when it comes to the outcome of a medical procedure because it helps the patient recover faster.

Exercise has become an important part of people’s lives over the last couple of years, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that it also plays a crucial role in recovering after a complex medical procedure as a surgery. If you had an accident and needed surgery to regain your health, your healthcare provider might recommend you to improve your fitness and include exercising into your routine to speed up your recovery.

Recovery can last several weeks after you have surgery, depending on the complexity of the procedure performed. Regardless if you’re concerned about maintaining your shape or not, you should definitely consider being more physically active. Here is what you should know about it.

Get Started only When You Know It’s Safe

Before engaging in an exercising routine, after your surgery, discuss with the doctor to ensure they clear you out for working out. The healthcare provider will probably provider you with a recovery workout regimen to help you regain your wellbeing.

Depending on the surgery you had, you might deal with physical limitations, so make sure to ask the doctor if you should postpone particular exercises. You might not get back to weight lifting the first weeks after the surgery, but have to slowly regain your fitness with low-impact exercises.

After your doctor states it’s safe for you to go back into exercising, you should ease yourself into working out because if you had a long break you need to allow your body to regain its fitness before doing your usual regimen. Before running, have a couple sessions of long walks because it encourages your body to speed up the healing process and allows your muscles to stretch.

Speaking of stretching, it’s another form of exercising when you do it mindfully, especially because it helps you check on your body’s state and loosens your body. The last thing you want is getting injured again, so make sure to listen to your body.

Types of Exercises Beneficial After Surgery

The type and intensity of exercise suitable after surgery vary depending on the procedure performed, the patient’s overall health, and any specific medical advice given by healthcare providers. Generally, post-surgical exercises can be categorized into several groups:

• Breathing Exercises: Following surgeries, especially those involving the chest or abdomen, breathing exercises are essential to prevent respiratory complications. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and the use of incentive spirometers help keep the lungs expanded, reduce the risk of pneumonia, and improve oxygenation throughout the body.
• Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: These exercises help maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness. Passive ROM exercises, where a therapist moves the joint, are often introduced first, followed by active ROM exercises where the patient moves independently. For instance, after orthopaedic surgeries, gentle shoulder, knee, or ankle movements help maintain mobility without putting excessive stress on healing tissues.
• Strengthening Exercises: As recovery progresses, strengthening exercises become vital in rebuilding muscle mass lost during periods of immobility. Resistance bands, light weights, or bodyweight exercises can help target specific muscle groups, improving overall strength and function.
• Cardiovascular Exercises: Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling can enhance cardiovascular health without overexerting the body. These exercises boost circulation, aid in weight management, and improve mood, all of which are beneficial for recovery.
• Balance and Coordination Exercises: Especially important after surgeries that affect mobility or neurological function, these exercises help patients regain stability and prevent falls.

Guidelines for Safe Post-Surgical Exercise

Start Slow and Gradually Increase Intensity

It’s important to begin with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the duration and difficulty as tolerated. Overexertion can lead to setbacks in recovery, such as increased pain, swelling, or injury to the surgical site. Listening to the body and recognizing signs of overdoing it—such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or sharp pain—is crucial.

Focus on Proper Technique

Ensuring proper form and technique during exercises helps prevent injury and maximizes the benefits of physical activity. Working with a physical therapist can be particularly helpful in learning safe and effective movements.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Proper hydration and nutrition support overall recovery and enhance the benefits of exercise. Staying hydrated helps maintain energy levels and supports the body’s natural healing processes.

Incorporate Rest and Recovery Periods

Balancing exercise with adequate rest is vital. The body needs time to heal, and rest periods allow tissues to recover and rebuild. Overtraining can lead to fatigue and hinder the recovery process.

The Importance of Movement in the Post-Surgical Period

Engaging in appropriate exercise after surgery offers numerous physical, psychological, and emotional benefits. These advantages are well-documented in medical literature and supported by healthcare professionals worldwide.

Improved Circulation and Reduced Risk of Blood Clots

One of the primary benefits of post-surgical exercise is improved blood circulation. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), movement stimulates blood flow, which is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to healing tissues. This enhanced circulation also helps prevent the formation of blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can occur when blood pools in the veins due to inactivity. Simple activities like leg lifts, ankle pumps, and short walks can significantly reduce this risk.

Enhanced Muscle Strength and Joint Flexibility

Surgery often leads to temporary muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, especially if immobilization is necessary during the initial recovery phase. Incorporating strength training and range of motion exercises can counteract these effects. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy highlights that patients who engage in regular post-operative exercises regain strength and mobility faster than those who remain sedentary.

Faster Recovery and Shortened Hospital Stay

Exercise can expedite the overall recovery process, allowing patients to resume their normal activities sooner. Research from the American Physical Therapy Association shows that patients who participate in structured rehabilitation programs often experience shorter hospital stays and lower rates of post-surgical complications. This not only benefits the patient’s physical health but also reduces healthcare costs and resource utilization.

Pain Management and Reduced Dependence on Medications

Physical activity can also play a role in managing post-surgical pain. Gentle movement stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can help reduce discomfort. Moreover, exercises that improve circulation and decrease inflammation can alleviate stiffness and soreness around the surgical site. This can lead to a decreased reliance on pain medications, reducing the risk of side effects and dependency.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Recovering from surgery can be mentally and emotionally challenging. The physical limitations, pain, and lifestyle disruptions can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or depression. If this is your case, you might also want to claim compensation if the accident that led to your surgery was caused by someone’s negligence. You can find more information about the process at https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/personal-injury-claims

Exercise has been shown to have profound positive effects on mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing overall emotional resilience.

Exercise is a powerful tool in the recovery process after surgery, offering a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. From improving circulation and reducing the risk of complications to enhancing strength, flexibility, and mental well-being, physical activity plays a crucial role in helping patients regain their health and independence.