Physical Activity Guidelines After Gynecological Surgeries

Pre-Surgery Preparation: Laying the Foundation

1. Build Your Fitness Levels

Improving fitness before surgery enhances recovery. Try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine:

• Duration: 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 5 days a week, or shorter 10-minute sessions spread throughout the day.
• Types of Activities: Walking, light yoga, or low-impact aerobics.

2. Practice Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises improve lung function and circulation:

• Sit upright and place your hands on your ribcage.
• Inhale deeply, feeling your ribs expand.
• Hold your breath for 2–4 seconds, then exhale slowly.
• Repeat 3 times, multiple times a day.

3. Ankle Pump Exercises

These help maintain circulation and prevent blood clots:

• Sit or lie down comfortably.
• Rapidly flex and point your feet for 1 minute.
• Perform this exercise whenever seated or lying down.

Post-Surgery Guidelines in the Hospital

1. Breathing and Circulation

Continue deep breathing and circulation exercises immediately after surgery to:

• Prevent chest infections and pneumonia.
• Enhance blood flow in your veins, reducing clot risks.

Perform these exercises every 30 minutes until you can take several short walks daily.

2. Pain Management

• Pain can hinder recovery. Inform your healthcare provider if breathing or movement becomes too painful. Adjustments to pain management can facilitate better mobility.

3. Getting Out of Bed Safely

• Roll onto your side and bend your knees.
• Slide your legs off the bed and push yourself into a sitting position using your hands.
• Sit for a minute before standing to avoid dizziness.

4. Walking

• Aim to walk the day after surgery or as soon as possible.
• Gradually increase walking distance daily.
• Nurses or physiotherapists can assist initially if needed.

Post-Surgery Exercises

1. Pelvic Floor Exercises

• The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, womb, and bowel. Strengthening these muscles reduces discomfort, prevents future issues, and aids in recovery.
• Slow Contractions:
  • Squeeze and lift pelvic floor muscles as if stopping urine.
  • Hold for 10 seconds, rest for 5 seconds, and repeat 10 times.
• Fast Contractions:
  • Squeeze muscles tightly and release quickly.
  • Repeat 10 times.

2. Abdominal Exercises

• Strengthening abdominal muscles helps stabilize the back and relieve discomfort:
• Abdominal Hollowing:
  • Lie down with knees bent. Place hands on your lower abdomen.
  • Inhale through your nose. Exhale while pulling your abdomen towards your spine.
  • Hold for a few seconds and relax. Repeat up to 5 times, 3 times daily.
• Pelvic Tilts:
  • Lie down with knees bent. Flatten your back against the surface by tightening abdominal muscles.
  • Hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat up to 5 times, 3 times daily.
• Knee Rolls:
  • Lie with knees bent and lower both knees to one side while keeping shoulders flat.
  • Return to the center and repeat on the other side. Perform up to 5 repetitions, 3 times daily.

Resuming Everyday Activities Post-Surgery

1. Car Travel

• Use a folded towel between the seatbelt and your abdomen for added comfort.

2. Driving

• Wait 3–6 weeks post-major surgery before driving.
• Ensure you can perform emergency stops, wear a seatbelt comfortably, and focus fully.

3. Housework

• Avoid heavy chores such as vacuuming, lifting laundry baskets, or mowing the lawn for 6 weeks.
• Focus on light tasks that do not strain your abdomen.

4. Lifting

• Avoid lifting more than 1–2 kg for the first 6 weeks.
• When lifting, bend your knees, tighten your abdominal muscles, and keep the object close to your body.

5. Sexual Activity

• Wait 3–6 weeks or until bleeding stops and you feel comfortable.
• Some women prefer to wait until their post-surgery follow-up.

Returning to Sports and Exercise

1. Walking

• Walking is the best initial exercise after surgery. Begin with short distances and gradually increase the duration and intensity.

2. Low-Impact Exercises

• Swimming and cycling are excellent choices after 6 weeks.
• Consult your doctor before starting.

3. Avoid High-Impact Activities

• Refrain from activities like running, jumping, or heavy gym workouts for at least 12 weeks.

Recovery Tips for Special Cases

Certain groups require additional care post-surgery:

• Women over 60 years old.
• Those who have had multiple surgeries.
• Women with weak pelvic floor muscles or obesity.

If you fall into one of these categories, prioritize rest and follow all guidelines meticulously.

Key Takeaways

• Preparation is essential: build fitness levels and practice breathing and circulation exercises pre-surgery.
• Focus on gradual, safe movements post-surgery to prevent complications and enhance recovery.
• Strengthen pelvic floor and abdominal muscles to avoid long-term issues.
• Resume everyday activities and sports gradually, taking care to avoid strain.

For tailored guidance and comprehensive care, visit Dr. Shweta Bansal Wazir’s website and schedule a consultation. Her expertise ensures a smooth recovery journey tailored to your specific needs. Contact Us Tel :+91 84481 28007,  Email :ask@drshwetawazir.com,  Location : Eros city Square mall Silver nest clinic Shop no.198ff Opposite rosewood apartments Sector 49-50 Gurgaon, 122018