Physical Exercise for Patients

“Just Out of Surgery”

 

 

         In our last newsletter, we talked about the value of light physical exercise to improve your quality of life, build muscle strength, flexibility, energy, and endurance, and fight any possible side effects of chemo.  For someone in the weeks immediately after surgery, any activity can be difficult.

 

         Here are some recommended movements that can be beneficial to you as you recover from your surgery... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         These types of movements are referred to as active range of motion, that is, you move joints the way you would during your daily activities.  This puts fluid in the joint and keeps those muscles from getting stiff or weak during your inactive period.  All of these exercises can be performed while lying on your back and are performed slowly and purposefully.  If you must be dormant for long periods of time, change positions every few hours to help prevent soreness around boney parts such as the heels, hips, and shoulders. 

 

         Any or all of these exercises may be done 5-8 times each, if tolerated,  working up to twice a day.  It is not necessary to do them all at once and it is important to stop if you feel pain or overwhelming fatigue.  Remember, the goal here is to start SLOWLY and gradually increase your level of activity as your stamina improves.  And, as always, check with your doctor first.

                                                              

~ Rose