HYSTERECTOMY – WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?
As I’ve started to get the hang of all of our extra PPE required for consultations, I thought I’d update you with some tricks and tips for a variety of conditions I treat as part of women’s health physiotherapy!
Hysterectomies are an incredibly common gynaecological operation for ladies across the world. While some initial physiotherapy exercises are provided post-operation, it is SO important to continue with your pelvic floor, breathing and lower tummy activation as you progress.
Everybody and every ‘body’ is different Hysterectomies are carried out for a variety of reasons; to eliminate heavy periods, to ongoing pelvic pain, fibroids (non-cancerous tumours) to cancer.
As there are four types of hysterectomy and three different approaches for surgeons to choose from, a one-size-fits-all rehab doesn’t always tend to work. Some ladies also want to return to their sport such as tennis, Pilates or running which requires a couple of extra specific strengthening exercises.
MUST-DO TIPS FOR AFTER HYSTERECTOMY:
1) MASSAGE your scar after its started to heal. This is incredibly important to allow your abdominal muscles to work together again during rehab. An E45 or coconut oil would do fine – at least 5 minutes twice a day!
2) TALKING to other ladies who’ve had the same operation can really help with getting through any menopause-like symptoms or sense of loss. You may have hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after the operation.
3) TAKE CARE in opening heavy doors / fridges (or avoid altogether if possible!). This will really strain your abdominal area and is something to work up to with your physio 6-8 weeks after the operation.
4) LOSS OF LIBIDO straight after the operation, however this can return around 4-6 weeks after with no issues.
5) WALKING is highly recommended after surgery, along with swimming (once your wounds are healed).
6) RETURN TO WORK is possible 4-8 weeks after surgery, however any heavy lifting must be avoided until you’ve regained your abdominal strength.
7) RETURN TO DRIVING can be 3-8 weeks post-operation. Notify your car insurance as they may require a clearance certificate from your GP before you return to the road.
BEST EXERCISES TO FOCUS ON:
1) Belly breathing
2) Pelvic floor
3) Lower tummy activation
BEST EXERCISE AFTER REHABILITATION: Pilates or any core-based class.
Contact your physiotherapist for details and support with exercises.
To book for a personalised physio treatment plan with Liz (either virtually or at the clinic), call 01454 54 00 66 for a confidential chat or Book online via https://www.thephysioclinicbristol.co.uk/
Liz Brown is an HCPC, CSP, POGP registered physiotherapist with a speciality in women’s health (pre & post-partum). She also offers 1-2-1 Pilates, post-surgical and post-injury rehabilitation, medical acupuncture and taping.
REFERENCES & LINKS
1) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysterectomy/
2) Mukhopadhaya N, Manyonda IT. The hysterectomy story in the United Kingdom. J Midlife
Health. 2013;4(1):40-41. doi:10.4103/0976-7800.109635
3) https://www.thephysioclinicbristol.co.uk/womens-health-physiotherapy/ 4) https://www.thephysioclinicbristol.co.uk/staff-profiles/
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