Dos and Don’ts of Exercise during Post Operative Recovery

Gentle exercise plays an essential role in convalescent care after surgery. It helps to build up your strength, improves circulation and enhances your mobility.

However, it is important that you do the right exercises with the right intensity. The best way to do this is to make a plan with your medical staff or physiotherapist. That way you can be sure that you are doing the appropriate type of exercise and that you are building up the intensity of the exercises gradually to avoid any injuries.

Read on to learn about the different types of post operative recovery phases and the essential dos and don’ts of post operative exercise. There is a helpful checklist to keep you on target towards a healthy and happy recovery.

Understanding Postoperative Recovery and Exercise

1. Types of Postoperative Recovery Phases

Post operative recovery can be roughly divided into three phases. The type of movement you should do varies depending on the stage. It is important to ensure that you do not try and rush through the phases.

• Acute Phase – In the first days after the surgery you need to make sure that you have adequate rest and do just the minimal movement.
• Intermediate Phase – Your medical team will let you know when you can gradually start some mild activity
• Long-term Phase – This involves gradually building up your strength through more intense exercises as your healing progresses.

2. Role of Exercise in Each Recovery Phase

Exercise is part of every healing phase. It will help you in many ways, such as by increasing circulation, enhancing muscle strength, and helping improve your flexibility. In the early stages, gentle movement will allow blood flow to help your body heal. But in the late stages, exercise will gradually make you stronger.

3. Consultation with Healthcare Providers

It is important to make sure that your exercise plan and type is approved by your healthcare provider or your physiotherapist. They will be able to give you a tailored plan specifically for your needs depending on what operation you have just had. You definitely do not want to undo the amazing surgery you have had so follow their advice carefully and do not be tempted to do too much too soon.

4. The “Dos” checklist for exercise in post operative recovery

• Do start Slow and Gradual – Do low-impact exercise activities at the start. Begin slowly then gradually intensify the number, speed and weight. This will allow your body to adjust to the work without straining itself or causing injury.
• Do focus on Mobility and Flexibility – Stretching and mobility exercises will improve the range of motion and prepare your muscles and joints for further strengthening exercises.
• Do follow Prescribed Rehabilitation Plans – Physiotherapists will design an exercise plan just for you. Personalised plans are helpful because every surgery demands different things and every person is different so they make something specifically appropriate for your emotional and physical state.
• Do listen to Your Body – You know when you are tired or in pain. That is your body saying something is not right so do not force it. Rest is just as important for you as exercise when it comes to the prevention of injury.
• Do use Proper Form and Technique – Proper technique is key for you to avoid new injuries. It also ensures that you are getting the full benefit from that particular exercise. Always be conscious of safe movement patterns.
• Do stay Hydrated and Maintain Proper Nutrition – Adequate hydration will help improve your muscle function and recovery. Protein is key for building muscle but it is important that you get the right balance between proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables as well as minerals in order to give your body the best chance to recover.
• Do incorporate Breathing Exercises– Improving lung function through deep breathing exercises is known to help with relaxation. The less tension you have in your body and mind, the more beneficial it is for your recovery.
• Do track your progress – Keeping a journal or list of your progress will allow you to see how you have improved over time. When you have the not so good days, a quick look at your progress log will remind you how far you have come. This will lighten your mood and help motivate you to continue on your path to recovery.

5. The “Don’ts” checklist for exercise in post operative recovery

• Don’t Push Through Pain– If you feel pain, then something is not right. Do not ignore it. Pushing too hard will only bring on injury or slow your recovery time so listen to your body.
• Don’t do High-Impact Exercises Early On – Examples of high-impact movements include jumping or running. It is important that you start slowly and work up gradually to the higher impact exercises. Have patience doing the gentle exercise in the early days and you will benefit in the long run.
• Don’t Skip Warm-ups and Cool-downs – It is very easy to think you can miss out the warm ups and cool downs but they are so important. Warm-ups will help prepare your body for exercise so you do not strain anything. By cooling down properly you will reduce soreness in the muscles and allow your heart rate and blood pressure return to resting levels.
• Don’t over-exert yourself– Always maintain balance between exercise and rest. Make sure you do not overwork your body as it heals. If you overexert your body, you will obstruct the healing process.
• Don’t Compare Your Progress to Others– Everyone heals differently. You must focus on how much you are progressing without comparing yourself to others.
• Don’t do exercises without medical approval – The type of exercises you can do will vary with the type of operation you have had. It is important that you ask a professional to explain which are the most appropriate exercises and which ones to avoid at the beginning. Do not be afraid to ask.
• Don’t Forget Mental and Emotional Recovery – Having surgery is a strain on your mind as well as the body. Your mind needs time to recover and heal too. Consider relaxation techniques or guided meditation to help you minimise stress and maximise recovery.

6. Monitoring and Adjusting Your Exercise Routine

Now you know the dos and don’ts of exercise in post operative recovery, make sure you keep a journal or list of what you do each day.

By monitoring your exercise routine you will be able to look back and see how well you are progressing. Signs that you are progressing will include improved mobility, strength, and stamina. From the results, your healthcare professional will be able to make a judgement on whether you should increase the intensity or number of repetitions. They may also suggest additional types of exercises.

Equally by monitoring your exercise routine, you will be able to spot indicators that a certain movement is causing issues, pain or swelling. It is wise to stop repeating that exercise and discuss the matter with your healthcare professional. They will be able to suggest safe adjustments or modifications to get you back on track.

Conclusion

Exercise after surgery definitely helps with post operative recovery but you do need to take care how you do it. The dos and don’ts that have been described above will help make sure you recover safely and rebuild your strength and mobility whilst minimising the risks. You should always consult a health professional before undertaking any exercise routine. They will be able to confirm that you are taking each step at the right time in your recovery journey so that your body can heal effectively.

Rustington Convalescent Home provides short term convalescent care after surgery which gives your body and mind the perfect opportunity to recover from surgery. They guide you through those initial awkward first days immediately after surgery and help you take ownership of your mental and physical recovery – all in amazing surroundings with really kind and attentive staff on hand to help you all the way.