Physiotherapy

Advice and Exercises after

Major Gynaecological Surgery

Revision 2, 10/14 Form No.: 1833

PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENTBON SECOURS HOSPITAL

College Road, Cork

BON SECOURS HOSPITALCollege Road, Cork

Tel: 021-4542807Website: www.bonsecours.org

Tips for reducing the weights of loads:Carry smaller weights but make more journeys (e.g. bringing shopping infrom the car or clothes to the line)

Housework(Also see the previous section on ‘Lifting’)

Commence light tasks as comfortableAvoid prolonged standing (e.g. iron in small quantities, sit to preparemeals)

Return to WorkThis depends on the nature of your workGenerally at least 6 weeks, or more if your work involveslifting/pushing/pulling, and your ability to concentrate

Sexual Intercourse6 weeks unless otherwise directed by your Consultant

RestDepending on the nature of your operation it is natural to feel tired at timesfor up to 6 weeks. Rest is an important part of recovery and you may needto lie down a couple of times a day for a few weeks.

If you have queries regarding advice in this booklet,

please do not hesitate to contact the

Bon Secours Physiotherapy Department at 021-4801630

Physiotherapy Advice and Exercises after Major Gynaecological Surgery

5

After your operationAfter surgery it is important to practice breathing and circulation exercises.

Breathing ExercisesTake a deep breath in through your nose.Hold for three secondsThen breathe out slowlyRepeat this five times every hour that you are awake

Circulation ExercisesBriskly move the ankles up and down like a pump 20-30 times every hour that you are awake

CoughingFor comfort while coughing:• After abdominal surgery use a

towel or pillow to support yourwound

• After vaginal surgery you canapply gentle pressure betweenyour legs

Knee RollingKnee Rolling can be beneficial in relieving wind or backache

Pull in tummy musclesBend up kneesGently roll both knees a few inches to one sideRepeat to other side slowly“Tic Toc” motion

Physiotherapy Advice and Exercises after Major Gynaecological Surgery

1

Returning to ActivitiesReturn to various activities will vary depending on your operation, the reasonyou had your operation and your Consultant. The following are guidelinesonly:-

DrivingGenerally 3-6 weeks post op.This will depend on a number of factors:• Can you concentrate?• Can you do an emergency stop?• Is it comfortable to wear a seat belt?

Exercise

WalkingAim to walk most days of the week, graduallyincreasing pace and duration

SwimmingAfter 6 week check up

Aerobic or high impact exerciseShould be left for 6-12 weeksAvoid strong abdominal exercises (e.g. sit-ups, crunches) until you havespoken to your Consultant or Physiotherapist

LiftingAvoid heavy lifting for 6 weeksAfter 6 weeks and for heavier weights you needto speak to your Consultant, as sometimes it maynot be advisable to return to heavy lifting at all.Correct Technique: When lifting remember tobend your knees, keep your back straight, pull inyour tummy and pelvic floor, keep the load closeto your body.

Physiotherapy Advice and Exercises after Major Gynaecological Surgery

4

This exercise should be repeated 5-10 times in a rowDo this 3-5 times a day for the rest of your life!This exercise can be done in any position as well as during everydayactivitiesTry to do this exercise when coughing, sneezing or lifting

It’s an easy exercise that can be done anywhere

Good PostureGood posture is important for your pelvic floor as well as your back.After surgery, it’s important to sit, stand and walk tall

Correct Toileting Position for Bowel MotionSit relaxed with feet supported. Don’t rushAvoid constipation, don’t strainBreathe normally and relax the back passage

Physiotherapy Advice and Exercises after Major Gynaecological Surgery

3

Further Exercises

Pelvic TiltingThis exercise is beneficial for lower tummy muscles

Lie on your back with your knees bentAs you breath out, gently pull in your lower tummy,and flatten your lower back into the bedHold for a few seconds breathing normallySlowly releaseRepeat approx 10 times, 2-3 times per dayTo progress increase the hold time up to 10 seconds

Pelvic Floor ExercisesThe pelvic floor muscles are situated at the base (floor) of the pelvis and support the pelvic organs

It is important to exercise these muscles as they help maintain bladder and bowel control as well as supporting the pelvic organs

Pelvic Floor Exercise• Sitting or lying down in a good posture, breathe in expanding the tummy.• As you breathe out pull up your pelvic floor by imagining you are trying to

stop the flow of urine- This should be a ‘squeeze and lift’ movement- Hold for a few seconds while breathing normally- Slowly release and relax for 5-10 seconds- When doing this exercise, do not squeeze your buttocks or hold

your breath

Physiotherapy Advice and Exercises after Major Gynaecological Surgery

2

Pelvic Floor Muscles Support

Bladder, Uterus & Rectum

Good posture Poor sittingposture

Correct sittingposture