Thursday, October 13, 2022

Why Physiotherapy after Hysterectomy???

Why Physiotherapy after Hysterectomy???

Hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus and sometimes other reproductive organs such as the cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Physiotherapy before and after your operation is recommended to help you return to your normal daily routine as soon as possible.

 

Hysterectomy is the second most frequently performed surgery in the females. About 20-30% women are likely to undergo hysterectomy at some point on their lives. The reasons for hysterectomy can be various and the surgical approach required for it are also different, among which the abdomen route brings greatest complications and majority of total hysterectomies are performed via open abdomen route worldwide. Patients undergoing hysterectomy are susceptible to complications that may present immediately or in later life.

 

In view of this, physiotherapy plays an important role in this processes for both before and after surgery and minimizing the complications with measures such as: 

       Early walking

       Minimizing post-operative pain

       Preventing the development of adhesions over your scar

       Thrombosis- blood clots blocks veins and arteries

       Walking pattern & Posture 

       Pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions 

       Abdominal weakness

       Intensive respiratory therapy- use of respiratory physiotherapy techniques preventing breathing complications.

                                                                                                                                

 

 As post-surgery it takes time for an incision to heal. After two weeks a wound only has 10% of its original strength. By six weeks most internal healing has occurred and the tissue has regained 75% of its original strength. So to assist the healing and a proper recovery a physiotherapist advice is needed.  


   Post-surgery physiotherapy is required to make you mobile, to prevent scar adhesions, to strengthen abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. 


So how does a physiotherapist help in above factors?            

                                                                                        

Things that you can do before surgery:

       Maintain fitness by walking daily – aim for up to 30 mins a day.

       Practice deep breathing exercises.

       Practice huffing and coughing techniques which will help to clear cough from chest which usually develops following the surgery.        

       Manage any current lung conditions or chronic cough together with your general practitioner.

                                                                                

Physiotherapy after surgery: 

You may be in hospital for 5-7 days depending on the type of hysterectomy and your recovery rate. When you have been discharged from hospital it is important to begin physiotherapy program created by physiotherapist for you.                                                                                                                                                                            

Physiotherapy when you are in Hospital: (week 1)

       Mobility- early walking, bed mobility- side turning in bed, getting up from the bed, sitting in bed

       Breathing techniques

       Ankle Pumps, elevation of lower limbs to prevent vascular complications

       Abdominal splinting techniques for wound healing

       Electrotherapy – for pain relief                                                                                    

       Lower limb strengthening exercises and maintaining range of motion exercises

       Advice on scar management after discharge

 

Physiotherapy after going back home: (week 2-6)

Now your symptoms start reducing and you will gradually be able to return to your normal daily routine.

·         Progressing strengthening exercise

·         Progressing Abdominal exercises

·         Pelvic floor exercises- doing them in more functional positions

·         Including more functional activities relating to your hobbies and work

·         Pacing of activities

 

 

Physiotherapy for once you start doing all your daily activities: (week 7 onwards up to 12 months)


Now one will be gradually returning to your activities of daily routine and experiencing little or no pain.

After 6 weeks one can start lifting activities without pain, but not to lift heavy weights for up to 6 months.

Your physiotherapist will now concentrate on functional activities relating to achieve your Goals, your physiotherapist will design a program just for you according to your personal goals. So one must consult a physiotherapist post hysterectomy for your overall fitness and improve quality of life. So one can go back to your previous life healthy, travel, go shopping and stay fit and be happy.

 

                                                “Enjoy the adventure called life"

  -Dr. Disha Shah (PT)

   Community and Women's Health Physiotherapist
   Team Rehab Station

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