Recovery after surgery: 6 Tailored Exercises to help you get better sooner and safer

Recovery after surgery and getting back to daily life can feel like a significant hurdle. To avoid complications, it’s essential to approach your recovery with patience and a structured plan. Research shows that nearly 25% of patients experience setbacks due to overexertion or insufficient guidance during recovery . At Rustington Convalescent Home, we prioritise personalised care to ensure your journey back to health is smooth, safe, and effective.

This guide outlines essential milestones, practical tips, and tailored exercises to help you resume work, hobbies, and social activities without compromising your recovery after surgery.

1. Guidelines for Returning to Work or Daily Activities

Resuming your daily routine requires careful consideration of your physical and mental readiness. It’s important to remember that recovery after surgery timelines vary for each individual, depending on the type of surgery, age, and overall health.

Always consult your healthcare provider before resuming work or household responsibilities. Factors like pain levels, stamina, and mobility should be evaluated.

Consider starting with shorter work hours or lighter responsibilities. For example, if you’ve undergone knee surgery, tasks requiring prolonged standing should be postponed until your mobility improves.

2. Driving and Travel Restrictions

Mobility is a significant concern for patients’ recovery after surgery. Overexertion or improper movement can strain your body and hinder recovery.

Driving After Surgery

For most surgeries, doctors recommend waiting 4–6 weeks before driving. This ensures adequate strength and reflexes and freedom from medications that could impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

• Pro Tip: Practice sitting in the driver’s seat and pressing the pedals before venturing out on the road. This will help you gauge your comfort and mobility.

Managing Travel Needs:

Long trips can be exhausting and may increase the risk of complications like blood clots.

• Short-Term Solutions: For necessary travel, prioritise comfort by wearing loose clothing, staying hydrated, and taking breaks to stretch if travelling by car or plane.

3. Resuming Hobbies and Exercise

Engaging in hobbies and light exercise can uplift your mood and accelerate recovery after surgery. However, moderation is key to prevent overexertion.

Finding Joy Without Risking Recovery

• Start Small: Choose low-intensity hobbies such as reading, knitting, or painting. These activities keep you mentally engaged without taxing your body.
• Gradual Progression: Once cleared by your doctor, you can explore light physical activities. For example, yoga helps improve flexibility, while swimming is gentle on joints and builds strength.

Exercise Tips

• Focus on range-of-motion exercises during the early recovery phase.
• Incorporate light stretching or walking for 10–15 minutes a day, gradually increasing the duration.
• Avoid high-impact activities until your doctor gives you the green light.

Rustington Convalescent Home Support: When you stay at Rustington Convalescent Home, you can take advantage of our free seated exercise classes for a gentle but fun workout.

4. Reintroducing Social and Community Activities

Socialising can be energising, but it’s essential to balance it with adequate rest to avoid setbacks.

Balancing Social Life with Rest

• Set Boundaries: Limit your time at social gatherings, especially in the initial stages of recovery. Politely excuse yourself if you feel tired.
• Start Small: Begin with low-impact outings like a coffee meetup or a brief visit to a local park.

5. Monitoring Health and Recognising Limitations

Recovery after surgery isn’t linear; there will be days of progress and occasional setbacks. Staying attuned to your body’s signals is critical to avoiding complications.

Track Your Progress

• Maintain a recovery journal to document milestones, challenges, and any physical changes. This helps you and your care team adjust your recovery plan effectively.
• Record your energy levels, mobility improvements, and any lingering discomfort to identify patterns.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Be vigilant about potential complications that may occur as you recover after surgery. Symptoms like redness, swelling, or fever could indicate infections or other issues requiring immediate attention.

• Rustington Convalescent Home Support: Our staff closely monitors post-surgical patients, ensuring prompt intervention when necessary.

Five tailored Exercises for a Smooth Recovery after surgery

Incorporating the right exercises into your routine can accelerate healing and improve overall well-being. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new activity during your recovery after surgery.

Ankle Pumps

• Purpose: Prevents blood clots and improves circulation.
• How to Perform: While lying down, flex your foot forward and backward 10–15 times per leg.

Glute Squeezes

• Purpose: Strengthens muscles and prevents stiffness.
• How to Perform: Tighten your gluteal muscles (bottom), hold for 5 seconds, and release. Repeat 10 times.

Shoulder Rolls

• Purpose: Enhances flexibility and relieves tension.
• How to Perform: Sit upright, roll your shoulders backward in circular motions for 10 repetitions, then do the same but roll your shoulders forward.

Seated Marching

• Purpose: Improves lower body strength and mobility.
• How to Perform: While seated, lift one knee as high as possible, hold for 2 seconds, and lower. Alternate legs for 10 repetitions each.

Deep Breathing Exercises

• Purpose: Boosts oxygen flow and reduces stress.
• How to Perform: Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for 3 seconds, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat 5–10 times.

Conclusion

Recovering from surgery is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and expert guidance. By following these tailored steps and exercises, you can regain mobility, strength, and confidence at a steady pace. At Rustington Convalescent Home, we provide comprehensive post-operative care to ensure your transition back to daily life is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

From managing daily activities to reintroducing social engagements, our personalised approach focuses on empowering you to recover safely and effectively. Trust the process, listen to your body, and embrace each small victory along the way.