Surgery has the potential to leave you off your feet for quite a while, which can severely hamper your fitness and physical ability. While this can be especially frustrating if you enjoy keeping a high level of fitness, there are several surgery recovery tips you can follow to aid your recovery and rebuild your fitness base. These tips are useful regardless of your prior fitness levels and promote healthy living alongside recovery.
Obviously, your ability to exercise post-surgery will depend on the operation you had done, as well as the affected areas. That’s why we have provided post surgery tips that are universally beneficial, as everyone should endeavour to take their recovery journey into their own hands. These exercises don’t need to be anything strenuous, as something as simple as taking the dog for a walk provides a range of benefits. They should be undertaken alongside the medications and activities prescribed by your doctor.
If you’re in need of rehabilitation physiotherapy to aid your recovery, reach out through our contact form, send an email to admin@refineheathgroup.com.au, call our Fortitude Valley clinic on 07 3188 1466 or our Bowen Hills clinic on 07 3216 1330.
Our Top Surgery Recovery Tips
Go for Regular Walks
The simplest yet effective exercise you can undertake while recovering from surgery is to engage in regular walks. Something as easy as doing a lap around the block is great for getting your body moving and your heart rate back up, which helps your body stay fit enough to recover fully. Take your four-legged friends with you, start a walking group with friends or family, or go it alone with some music as you enjoy the great outdoors.
Take it Slow
When you’re recovering from surgery, it is important that you take things slow and don’t overdo it. Doing too much too fast risks causing more harm than good, potentially causing setbacks in your recovery journey. All our surgery recovery tips should be taken in moderation, and if you ever feel any pain or discomfort in the affected areas, you should immediately stop. Your strength and fitness levels will build over time, allowing you to do more with each passing day.
Go for a Swim
Swimming is a full body workout that has a low impact on your body, making it one of our favourite post surgery tips for aiding recovery. Swimming is especially great for recovering from knee or leg related injuries, as the water takes pressure off the joints. Even if you don’t have a pool on your property, research your local area for swimming centres or gyms with pools that can provide you with regular access.
Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested
Getting plenty of rest is one of the most important post surgery tips to follow. As is the same with exercise, the rest period is where our bodies truly recover and build strength. Be sure to rest often between exercises and get plenty of sleep each night. It is also important that you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. This allows your tissues to heal while keeping your body functioning. Always keep a water bottle by your side and be sure to drink 3-4 litres a day.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is one of the best ways to boost your flexibility and mobility, which are important areas to focus on as you research surgery recovery tips. Whether you want to practice at home alone with a YouTube tutorial or sign up for a class, yoga allows you to go at your own pace as you stretch and strengthen your body. It is also a great way to relax your mind and take a mental break for a while, which is important when the stress of surgery is still fresh.
Sign Up for Physiotherapy
The road to recovery can feel daunting and lonely, especially if it is your first surgery. If you don’t want to embark on the recovery journey alone, physiotherapy is available to provide you with the support and care you need. Physiotherapy even helps you prepare for your surgery beforehand to ensure you enter post-surgery in the best physical and mental shape. It also assists with minimising the impact of your surgery in your daily life, allowing you to regain a sense of normalcy as soon as possible.
Searching for Surgery Recovery Tips?
At Refine Health Group, we are the physio clinic you can rely on to help you recover post-surgery and build your physical fitness. We provide a range of services to provide you with the ultimate recovery treatment, from dry needling to remedial massage.
Send an email to admin@refineheathgroup.com.au to learn more, or access our contact form, call our Bowen Hills clinic on 07 3216 1330, or our Fortitude Valley clinic on 07 3188 1466 to book an appointment with our friendly and supportive team.
