Rehabilitation and safe exercise progression after colostomy surgery is an important topic for those who are eager to return to their normal activities. If you've recently had colostomy surgery, you might be wondering how to safely get back into exercise. Here are some helpful insights and advice to guide you through this process:
- At two weeks post-surgery, it's generally advised to stick to light walking and very gentle stretching. Even if your external wounds appear healed, your internal tissues are still in the process of recovery.
- Walking is highly recommended as the main form of exercise during the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. It's gentle and helps maintain circulation without putting too much strain on your body.
- After about 4 to 6 weeks, you can start to slowly introduce low-intensity, low-load exercises. It's important to avoid any activities that put heavy strain on your abdomen to reduce the risk of developing a hernia.
- Consulting with a licensed physiotherapist or physical therapist is a great way to ensure that your exercise plan is safe and appropriate for your stage of healing. They can design a program tailored to your needs.
- A useful online resource is the ConvaTec me+ Recovery Series, which offers free, step-by-step post-ostomy exercise videos and guidelines created with input from physiotherapists.
- You can also look up "post-ostomy surgery exercises" online or on video platforms for more gentle routines. However, make sure to adapt any exercises you find to fit the recommendations of your surgeon or physiotherapist.
- It's crucial to avoid overexertion too soon, as this can lead to complications like a stoma or incisional hernia. Pay close attention to your body's signals, maintain good posture, and progress gradually with your exercises.
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