Abdominal surgery is a medical necessity for certain conditions – it can greatly increase quality of life and even be lifesaving. However, an operation is always a major, difficult medical event and abdomen surgery in particular can have long-lasting aftereffects that are inconvenient, to say the least. Since the core muscles must be cut through to access most anatomical structures in the abdomen, many people in recovery from an abdominal operation feel weak, achy, fatigued, and limited in their day-to-day activities. For individuals in this situation, a robust physical therapy plan is a safe and effective way to speed up and improve recovery, allowing resumption of regular activities faster with lower risk of reinjury.
At JAG Physical Therapy, one of the top PT names throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, we have helped countless patients heal more effectively and get back to work, school, or recreation after an abdominal operation. We provide everyone with an individualized care plan designed to rebuild core strength for mobility, posture, and overall more stable and confident movement. Schedule your appointment now to get started or read more below on how physical therapy is helpful after abdominal surgery.
Why Is Core Strength Important After Abdominal Surgery?
Social media fitness videos and other popular media use “core muscles” mainly to refer to the abdominal muscles. However, the anatomical core consists of a complex array of muscles and other tissue throughout the torso. These deep stabilizing structures, including the muscles of the pelvic floor, the diaphragm, muscles of the back like the multifidus and the erector spinae, and others, are essential for some of the most vital bodily functions. For example, the core muscles are responsible for breathing, walking, lifting objects, and changing positions (sitting, standing, or laying down). It’s no wonder that a properly recovered core is necessary for feeling “normal” after abdominal surgery, overcoming postoperative symptoms, and getting back to one’s usual routine.
What Challenges Can I Expect During Abdominal Surgery Recovery?
Everyone knows to expect pain in the surgical site and possible scarring as part of postoperative recovery. However, even the most successful abdominal surgeries can lead to many types of daily issues. These include pain (sometimes severe) in other body areas such as the lower back, limited range of motion, muscle weakness that may occur anywhere in the torso and pelvis, and inability to hold proper posture.
From a mental perspective, many patients subjectively feel fatigue, frustration, missing normal activities, and fear of being reinjured. And scar tissue and the “inertia” of forced inactivity can limit rehabilitation progress if not properly addressed. As daunting as all of these challenges are, people overcome them every day, and this is in large part due to undertaking the right physical therapy plan.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Restore Core Strength?
When seeing a patient after they have had abdominal surgery, a physical therapist will certainly recommend progressively greater levels of exercise. Indeed, an exercise regimen tailored to each stage of healing is important in abdominal surgery rehabilitation. However, there are many other physical therapy modalities that are helpful in this case. For instance, manual therapy can be highly useful in reducing mobility restrictions and lessening pain. After healing has progressed, specialized methods such as the Graston technique may be appropriate for purposes like breaking down excessive scar tissue. Breathing and posture training can help patients access better functional strength through optimal use of their bodies in their current state of recovery. Physical therapists can also educate patients on safe movement to avoid future injury or pain in affected muscles, as well as tips for better use of any assistive devices they may have.
What Should I Expect in a PT Program After Abdominal Surgery?
It can take a long time to fully heal from abdominal surgery, and the post-operative physical therapy methods that are used involve gradual escalation based on the patient’s physical condition. Nevertheless, abdomen surgery patients who use PT in the aftermath of their operation have a faster and more complete recovery and can more easily return to their everyday routine and the things they enjoy doing.
The early stage of rehabilitation – the first week or two, sometimes more time for more radical surgeries or patients who have complications – involves the most caution. This is because it is when pain and injury risk are highest and mobility is limited. Exercise in this stage consists of gentle activation of the deep core muscles as well as assisted range of motion practice when appropriate. Pain management is usually necessary, and the physical therapist will help the patient regain as much mobility as possible in preparation for the next stage.
In the middle stage, a full exercise program can begin in earnest. There are many goals that patients may want to work on during this stage – stability and balance, endurance, improved posture, movement without pain, or other things. Most of these can be accomplished with targeted strengthening routines for the core, pelvis, and upper torso as appropriate. As the weeks of this stage pass, patients can gradually progress in what exercises they perform, under therapist guidance.
In the last stage, which may take a few weeks or multiple months to reach, the patient’s lifestyle and long-term goals come into focus. Functional training to return to daily activities, work, or playing sports can look different from patient to patient. If you have progressed significantly in your abdominal surgery recovery, your physical therapist will ask you detailed questions about the activities you want to return to, and your exercise regimen will be based on this. If you are a swimmer, for example, the core exercises you do in the final recovery stage will help you take deeper breaths and generate power for the dolphin kick through your pelvis.
What At-Home Tips Can Support My Core Recovery After Surgery?
Even when you are not in the PT clinic, it is essential that you follow the exercise plan your therapist has given you and be mindful about your core engagement each day. Practicing deep, measured breathing will help you complete your daily exercises and restore your stamina over time. You should maintain good posture when sitting and walking – ask your therapist if you need to make any postural changes if you are unsure. Finally, avoid any and all heavy lifting or twisting with your torso until you’ve been cleared. This common piece of advice is serious and one of the biggest factors in avoiding reinjury. Your rehabilitation progress might seem slow at first, but being patient and consistent is the best path to the results you want.
JAG Physical Therapy Supports Your Recovery Journey
Across the NY-NJ-PA region, JAG PT is the provider patients trust for effective and compassionate general and specialized physical therapy. We have experience in helping people recover from all kinds of abdomen surgeries, including appendectomies, hernia repairs, operations for colorectal or ovarian cancer, and beyond. Our therapists provide each patient with a unique care plan tailored to their needs and physical condition. And our use of advanced and specialized rehab modalities allows patients to more quickly reach optimal abdominal and musculoskeletal health. Book an appointment today to take the best first step in your abdominal post-operative recovery.
