Posted on May 24th, 2024

Recovering from a hysterectomy can be a challenging journey, but with the right approach and dedication to post-surgery care, you can achieve a smooth and speedy recovery. 

One of the most crucial aspects of post-surgery recovery is incorporating appropriate exercises into your routine. 

Post-hysterectomy exercises play a vital role in regaining strength, improving mobility, and enhancing overall well-being. 

These exercises are designed to help you rebuild your core strength, support your pelvic floor, and improve circulation, which are essential for a healthy recovery. 

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of post hysterectomy exercises, introduce seven effective exercises for a speedy recovery, and answer common questions about post-surgery exercise routines.

What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a woman’s uterus. Depending on the reason for the surgery, the procedure can also include the removal of other reproductive organs such as the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Hysterectomies are performed for various medical reasons, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, uterine prolapse, and certain types of cancer.

The recovery process after a hysterectomy can vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual’s overall health. Proper post-surgery care, including specific exercises, is crucial for a successful recovery. In the next section, we'll explain why exercise after a hysterectomy is essential to regain strength and improve overall well-being.

The Importance of Exercise after Hysterectomy

Exercising after a hysterectomy is essential for several reasons. It aids in the healing process, helps regain physical strength, and supports emotional well-being. Here are some key reasons why exercise is important after a hysterectomy:

• Enhances Physical Recovery: Engaging in gentle, targeted exercises can significantly enhance your physical recovery. Exercise helps to restore muscle strength and improve circulation, which can reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots and swelling.
• Prevents Muscle Atrophy: After a hysterectomy, it is common to experience a period of inactivity, which can lead to muscle atrophy. Regular exercise helps to prevent the weakening of muscles and maintains overall muscle tone.
• Improves Mobility and Flexibility: Exercises focusing on mobility and flexibility can help restore your range of motion and ease any stiffness that may have developed during your recovery period. This is crucial for resuming daily activities comfortably.
• Supports Mental Health: Physical activity is known to release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression. Exercise provides a positive outlet for stress and can enhance your overall mental well-being.
• Promotes Healthy Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and recovery. Regular exercise helps to burn calories and manage weight, which can prevent additional health issues.
• Boosts Pelvic Floor Strength: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles is particularly important after a hysterectomy. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and uterus, and their strength is essential for preventing incontinence and other pelvic issues.

Post-hysterectomy exercises are designed to support your body as it heals, ensuring that you can return to your daily activities with confidence and ease. Let's explore seven effective post hysterectomy exercises for a speedy recovery, providing you with the guidance and tools you need to make the most of your rehabilitation journey.

7 Post Hysterectomy Exercises for a Speedy Recovery

Incorporating specific exercises into your post-hysterectomy routine is essential for a smooth and effective recovery. Here are seven highly effective post hysterectomy exercises to aid in a speedy recovery.

1. Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises help to improve lung capacity, enhance circulation, and reduce stress. This exercise is especially beneficial during the initial stages of recovery when vigorous activity may not be possible.

Benefits

• Improves lung capacity and oxygenation
• Enhances circulation, promoting healing
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Aids in relaxation and pain management

2. Pelvic Tilts

Pelvic tilts are a gentle way to strengthen the abdominal muscles and improve pelvic floor strength. This exercise helps to ease lower back pain and enhance overall stability.

Benefits

• Strengthens abdominal muscles
• Improves pelvic floor strength
• Eases lower back pain
• Enhances overall core stability

3. Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises specifically target the pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial for bladder control and pelvic stability. These exercises are vital for preventing complications such as incontinence.

Benefits

• Strengthens pelvic floor muscles
• Improves bladder control
• Enhances pelvic stability
• Reduces the risk of incontinence

4. Gentle Walking

Walking is a simple and effective way to improve circulation, build endurance, and prevent complications such as blood clots. It is a low-impact exercise that can be gradually increased as your recovery progresses.

Benefits

• Enhances circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots
• Builds cardiovascular endurance
• Promotes gentle, overall body movement
• Supports mental well-being and reduces stress

5. Seated Marching

Seated marching helps to improve lower body strength and mobility without putting strain on the surgical area. It is a great way to stay active while recovering from surgery.

Benefits

• Improves lower body strength
• Enhances mobility and flexibility
• Reduces stiffness and promotes circulation
• Low-impact exercise that avoids strain on the surgical area

6. Ankle Pumps

Ankle pumps are effective for improving circulation in the lower legs and preventing blood clots. This exercise is particularly useful during the early stages of recovery when movement may be limited.

Benefits

• Enhances circulation in the lower legs
• Reduces the risk of blood clots
• Prevents swelling in the feet and ankles
• Simple and easy to perform

7. Shoulder Blade Squeezes

Shoulder blade squeezes help to improve posture and upper body strength, which can be affected by prolonged bed rest. This exercise also promotes better breathing and reduces tension in the upper body.

Benefits

• Improves posture and upper body alignment
• Strengthens upper back and shoulder muscles
• Enhances breathing by opening the chest
• Reduces tension and stiffness in the upper body

FAQs

How Soon Can You Run after Hysterectomy?

Running after a hysterectomy should be approached with caution. Typically, patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities such as running for at least 6-8 weeks post-surgery. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before resuming any high-intensity exercise. They will assess your recovery progress and provide personalised recommendations based on your individual condition.

When to Start Pelvic Floor Exercises after Hysterectomy?

Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can usually be started a few days to a week after a hysterectomy, depending on your comfort level and your healthcare provider’s advice. These exercises are vital for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and preventing complications such as incontinence. Always follow the guidance of your physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure you are performing these exercises correctly and safely.

Related: 6 Pelvic Floor Problems & How to Overcome Them

Wrapping Up

Exercising after a hysterectomy is crucial for a speedy and effective recovery. By incorporating these gentle yet effective post hysterectomy exercises into your routine, you can enhance your physical and mental well-being. 

At Lotus Physical Therapy for Women, PLLC, in Orangeburg, New York, we offer specialised programmes to support your recovery journey, including balance and coordination, biofeedback training, foam roller exercises, core stabilisation, breathing techniques, craniosacral techniques, electrical stimulation, joint mobilisation, and more.

Get in Touch Now!

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to us at (845) 517-5100 or email us at [email protected]. We are here to help you achieve a smooth and successful recovery.