| Exercise after surgery can be part of recommended | | | | the elbow. |
| physical therapy, or a return to pre-operative routines. | | | | |
| In either case, done properly, exercise will help create | | | | After a couple of weeks you may feel fit enough to |
| flexibility, improve balance - by strengthening muscles | | | | perform the following exercise. |
| that help stabilize joints - and keep the cardiovascular | | | | |
| and other systems functioning well. | | | | Hold a broom handle (with the broom cut off), in both |
| | | | | hands with your palms up, arms outstretched. Lift |
| When and how you can begin exercise routines after | | | | above the head and hold for a few seconds, then |
| major surgery will vary with the type of treatment you | | | | lower the broom handle to the pelvis. Repeat several |
| had. Most physicians will recommend at least a week, | | | | times. |
| sometimes 6-12 weeks, of recuperation before even | | | | |
| attempting regular routines. Consult your physician. | | | | Hysterectomy |
| | | | | |
| Most people will want to perform some kind of toning | | | | In these exercises, you'll work the abs, pelvic, and back |
| exercises and probably induce some weight loss. Most | | | | muscles. As with any routine, be sure to get the advice |
| surgery reduces the metabolic and activity level - | | | | of your doctor before beginning. |
| leading to weight gain and flabbiness. | | | | |
| | | | | Lie on the floor, knees bent, hands behind your head. |
| Be sure to keep well hydrated, no matter what form | | | | Press the small of the back gently into the floor, then |
| of exercise you perform. This is helpful in order to | | | | more firmly. Don't try to work 'through the pain'. |
| keep the endocrine system functioning properly and | | | | |
| aids the process that keeps joints lubricated. | | | | Raise your head and shoulders slightly off the floor, |
| | | | | paying attention to the contraction of the abs. Take |
| Take it slow and return to your pre-operative level | | | | care not to move the chin toward the chest. Then |
| gradually. Here are some specific exercises for two | | | | slowly lower the head and shoulders back to the floor. |
| different types of surgery. Again, consult your | | | | Repeat several times. |
| physician first. | | | | |
| | | | | Lift the hips, hold for a few seconds, and then lower |
| Breast Surgery | | | | them. Do 10 reps. Then alternate with the abdominal |
| | | | | exercises. Roll over onto the knees, making sure you |
| About a week after surgery, you'll still be experiencing | | | | have some kneepads or carpeting to soften the point |
| discomfort. But recovery will be aided by some simple | | | | of contact. |
| arm exercises. Perform steady breathing during the | | | | |
| following: | | | | Slowly raise one arm and the alternate leg. Alternate. |
| | | | | Right arm out, left leg out, then, left arm out, right leg |
| Lift the arm on the operative side and simulate hair | | | | out. Hold each for a second or two, switch and repeat |
| brushing and eating. Do a few reps at most the first | | | | 10 times. |
| few times. Raise that same arm above the heart for | | | | |
| an hour, two to three times per day in order to reduce | | | | Again, don't try to exercise if you feel intense pain as |
| swelling. With the arm raised, gradually open and close | | | | distinguished from mild discomfort. Take it slow, building |
| the hand, building up to clenching a tennis ball as the | | | | up strength over time. |
| discomfort decreases. Alternately bend and straighten | | | | |