Did you know that exercising before undergoing surgery can have a big impact on your recovery? It’s true! Engaging in preoperative exercise, which means exercising before your surgery, can help you bounce back faster and have a smoother recovery process. By exercising before your surgery, you can make a real difference in how well your body recovers. Even just a few weeks of preoperative exercise can have a significant impact. It’s like giving your body a head start to handle the stress of surgery and bounce back more quickly.
Many researchers believe that preoperative exercise programs should be taken seriously by healthcare policymakers. It’s an investment in your health and recovery. Plus, it might even save money in the long run by reducing the length of your hospital stay and the chances of complications.
A variety of exercises can be beneficial, including aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling, as well as strength training exercises using resistance bands or weights. It enhances your physical fitness, reduces the risk of complications, shortens hospital stays, and promotes overall well-being.
Let’s take a closer look at what preoperative exercise is and how it benefits your recovery after surgery.
What Is Pre-Operative Exercise
Preoperative exercise simply means exercising before you have surgery. It involves engaging in physical activities to prepare your body for the upcoming procedure. Exercising before surgery can actually help you recover faster and better and also our body becomes stronger and healthier, which can make a big difference during the recovery process.
Preoperative exercise, especially high-intensity interval training, is a powerful tool for improving your recovery. It reduces complications, shortens hospital stays, and boosts your overall fitness.
It’s important to note that the specific duration and intensity of preoperative exercise may vary depending on factors such as your current fitness level, the type of surgery you are undergoing, and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Always follow the guidance provided by your healthcare team and communicate any concerns or changes in your health status.
Benefits Of Pre-Operative Exercise
Well, exercising before surgery can actually help you recover faster and better. When you exercise, your body becomes stronger and healthier, which can make a big difference during the recovery process. Preoperative exercise offers a wide range of advantages which are given below:
- Reduces hospital stay: It can help shorten the time you need to spend in the hospital after the surgery.
- Lowers complications: Engaging in exercise before surgery reduces the risk of complications, particularly lung problems.
- Improves lung function: It improves the functioning of your lungs, allowing you to breathe better during and after the surgery.
- Enhances breathing muscle endurance: Exercise strengthens the muscles involved in breathing, improving their endurance and efficiency.
- Increases mobility: Engaging in preoperative exercise helps improve your mobility and ability to move comfortably after the surgery.
- Reduces postoperative pain and anxiety: Exercise before surgery can help reduce pain and anxiety levels during the recovery process.
- Enhances quality of life: Engaging in exercise before surgery can have a positive impact on your overall quality of life.
- Faster recovery after knee replacement: Exercising the affected knee before knee replacement surgery promotes a quicker recovery following the procedure. After undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patients who participated in the exercise program achieved a 90° knee flexion faster and had a shorter hospital stay. However, the benefits of the exercise program on knee motion and patient function were not observed beyond 1 year post-surgery.
- Improves physical fitness before major surgeries: Preoperative exercise therapy helps improve physical fitness levels in patients undergoing major surgeries.
- Reduces pulmonary complications: Preoperative chest physiotherapy effectively reduces complications related to the lungs.
Preoperative exercise has been found to be effective in reducing complications and shortening hospital stays after cardiac or abdominal surgery. However, further research is needed to better understand its long-term effects and to determine the benefits of using risk models.
Pre Operative Exercises
Here are the exercises that can be beneficial for your recovery:
Pre Operative Neck Exercises
- Stretching Side Bending:
- Lift one arm and bring it up and across your head.
- Sit up straight and place the palm of your hand on your head.
- Gently pull your head down towards your shoulder until you feel a stretch on the opposite side of your neck.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Avoid turning or tilting your head during this stretch.
- Only perform the exercise within a pain-free range of motion. If you experience any discomfort, stop the exercise.
- Rotation Control:
- Sit or stand with good posture next to a wall.
- Keep your chin in a neutral position, with your face parallel to the wall.
- While maintaining the chin position, turn your head to one side as far as you can go, keeping the motion smooth.
- Avoid poking your chin forward, tilting your head to the side, or tipping your head back.
- Feel the back of your head slide along the wall as you turn, rather than pivoting around the contact point.
- You may use a mirror to check your movement pattern.
- Keep your eyes level.
- Repeat the exercise in the opposite direction.
- Only perform the exercise within a pain-free range of motion. If you experience any discomfort, stop the exercise.
- Repeated Cervical Retraction:
- Stand or sit with good posture.
- Focus on an object at eye level.
- Slowly move your head back over your shoulder and tuck your chin in while keeping your eyes on the object.
- Guide the movement with your hand on your chin.
- Return to the initial position and repeat the movement.
- Perform this exercise 10 times, repeating it twice a day.
Pre Operative Shoulder Exercises
- Pendulums:
- Lean forward on a table with your affected arm hanging down.
- Slowly rotate your hips to create a circular motion with your arm.
- Repeat this motion in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
- Perform 2 sets of 20 repetitions, 1 to 2 times per day.
- Table Slide Flexion:
- Sit in a chair and place your affected arm on a table.
- Slowly slide your arm forward until you feel a stretch.
- Hold the stretched position for a moment, then return to the starting position and repeat.
- It’s okay to gently lean forward with your body during this exercise.
- Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions, holding each stretch for 10 seconds.
- Aim to do this exercise 1 to 2 times per day.
- Table Abduction:
- Sit in a chair and place your affected arm on a table.
- Slowly slide your arm out to the side until you feel a stretch.
- If needed, keep your elbow bent during the exercise.
- Hold the stretched position for a moment, then return to the starting position and repeat.
- Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions, holding each stretch for 10 seconds.
- Aim to do this exercise 1 to 2 times per day.
Pre Operative Chest Exercises
- Deep Breathing: Sit up straight and take slow, deep breaths. Fill your lungs with air as much as you can, and hold the breath for a count of 3-5 seconds. Then exhale slowly. Repeat this exercise for 5 minutes each day.
- Wall Push-ups: Place your palms flat against the wall at shoulder height. Slowly bend your elbows and lean towards the wall, allowing your chest to approach the wall. Then push yourself back to the starting position by straightening your arms. Start with 5 repetitions and gradually increase the number as you feel comfortable. This exercise will strengthen your chest muscles.
Pre Operative Knee Exercises
- Ankle Range-of-Motion:
- Lie on your back with legs straight.
- Bend your ankles and press your knees down against the bed for five seconds. Then, relax.
- Repeat this exercise 15 times in each session, and aim to do three sessions per day.
- Straight Leg Raise:
- Lie on your back with one leg straight and the other bent.
- Lift the straight leg about 20 centimeters off the bed by pulling your toes up and straightening your knee. Hold for about five seconds, then slowly relax.
- Repeat this exercise 15 times in each session, and aim to do three sessions per day.
- Knee Flexion:
- Stand while holding onto a support and slightly move one leg backward.
- Bend your knee and lift your foot off the floor.
- Repeat this exercise 15 times in each session, and aim to do three sessions per day.
- Hip Abduction:
- Stand straight while holding onto a support.
- Lift one leg sideways and bring it back, keeping your trunk straight.
- Repeat this exercise 15 times in each session, and aim to do three sessions per day.
- Hip Extension:
- Stand straight while holding onto a chair.
- Extend one leg backward, keeping your knee straight. Remember not to lean forward.
- Repeat this exercise 15 times in each session, and aim to do three sessions per day.
- Heel Raises:
- Stand up.
- Push up on your toes.
- Repeat this exercise 15 times in each session, and aim to do three sessions per day.
Remember, it’s important to perform these exercises within a pain-free range of motion. If you experience any pain or discomfort, discontinue the exercise and consult with a healthcare professional.
What Is The Best Way To Prepare Your Body For Surgery?
To prepare your body for surgery, one of the most important steps you can take is to focus on boosting your nutrition. Here are some easy-to-understand steps you can take:
- Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods: Prioritize foods that are rich in essential nutrients. This includes foods like meat, vegetables, seeds, nuts, fruits, and berries. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your body’s healing process.
- Avoid Processed Foods: Stay away from heavily processed foods that are often high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. Instead, choose whole, unprocessed foods that are closer to their natural state. These foods provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal and recover.
- Opt for Unrefined Carbohydrates: When it comes to carbohydrates, choose unrefined options such as whole grains, legumes, and root vegetables. These carbohydrates are rich in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
- Hydrate Properly: Stay well-hydrated before surgery by drinking plenty of water. Proper hydration helps maintain optimal bodily functions and supports the healing process. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages, as they can dehydrate you.
- Start Early: Begin focusing on your nutrition at least two weeks before your surgery. This gives your body sufficient time to benefit from the nutrients and prepare for the upcoming procedure
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of your surgery.
Is It Safe To Exercise Before Surgery?
Engaging in physical activity before undergoing surgery can be highly beneficial for most individuals. The reason behind this is that following an operation, your heart and lungs play a vital role in aiding your body’s healing process. They have to work harder to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the healing tissues. Regular exercise is a great way to strengthen your heart and lungs, ensuring that they are in optimal condition to support your recovery.
Takeaway
Engaging in preoperative exercise before surgery can have significant benefits for your recovery. It strengthens your body, reduces complications, shortens hospital stays, and improves your overall well-being. Exercises like ankle range-of-motion, straight leg raises, knee flexion, hip abduction, hip extension, and heel raises can be effective in preparing your body for surgery.
It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program. Remember, preoperative exercise is a valuable tool that can help you have a smoother and faster recovery.
