Post-Surgical Exercise: Part of a Healthy Recuperation

Recuperating from surgery can be painful and many people’s reaction is to withdraw into bed and try to sleep through to a full recovery. A healthy recovery following surgery depends on several things, many of which are under your control. The first is getting back to fitness and exercise.

"Whether you’ve had a simple out-patient procedure or large-scale surgery, exercise can help your body regain its strength and vitality," says Richard Gayle, M.D., CMG orthopedic surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic knee and shoulder reconstruction. "You should talk with your doctor about when you can increase your activity level. It is important to start exercising after surgery to help your muscles, bones and other tissues get stronger."

Low-impact exercises, like swimming, are a good place to start.

"Your muscles and bones respond to exercise by increasing in strength and mass," Dr. Gayle explains. "Developing muscle strength will help you maintain better balance and become more flexible. This can help prevent falls that could cause bone fractures and other injuries. If you are experiencing severe pain, your choice of exercise may be limited."

The more that people use their muscles, the stronger they become. Unused muscles can begin to waste away, or atrophy. People with medical conditions that limit movement or make their lives more sedentary can lose muscle tone and develop atrophy. This type of atrophy can be reversible with physical exercise.

Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program, especially after surgery. Ask your doctor or physical therapist to recommend exercises to strengthen and support your body. Be aware of your limits and, while you are recuperating, avoid putting sudden or excessive strain on your body.

Appropriate exercise can help you regain your strength, reduce pain, and help you maintain a healthy weight after surgery and beyond.