• Are you recovering from a hysterectomy or other pelvic surgery?
• Are you wondering if the pain you’re experiencing after your pelvic surgery is normal, and how long you can expect it to last?
• Are you unsure about when to safely return to work, sport or hobbies after your pelvic surgery?

 

Several factors have the potential to impact your recovery after surgery and your long-term outcomes. These include heavy lifting, returning too soon to strenuous activities, constipation and a weak pelvic floor. Some women may encounter challenges such as urinary incontinence or discomfort during intercourse, following this type of surgery.

Your physiotherapist will assess you for any weakness in your pelvic floor and provide you with appropriate pelvic floor exercises which can significantly contribute to your recovery. These exercises, along with a tailored general exercise program, will assist you in your long-term recuperation.

Pelvic floor exercises entail contracting and completely relaxing the muscles. It is crucial to execute these exercises accurately, as improper technique may weaken your pelvic floor further. Additionally, engaging the muscles appropriately throughout an overall body work- out can help support your pelvic organs, preventing prolapse and improving continence.

Common Symptoms after Pelvic Surgery

Some common symptoms after any pelvic or gynaecological surgery may include:

• Swelling or bruising where you had surgery
• Vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
• Difficulty with passing a bowel movement or urinating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes to your menstrual cycle/period
• Changes in mood and emotion
• Pain or discomfort with sexual intercourse
• Incontinence (either urine or bowel)

Following your specialists’ instructions will ensure you get the best outcomes after your surgery. Your physiotherapist can help to monitor your symptoms and will escalate any important concerns to your surgeon in a timely manner.

How can we Help?

At Anchala physioCare Physiotherapy, we work with many women before and after their surgery for hysterectomy, vaginal prolapse, endometriosis or gynaecological cancers.

It is not uncommon for your specialist to suggest you see a Women’s Health Physiotherapist before your surgery. We can help you manage any continence problems you may be experiencing before your surgery and provide you with guidance on how to improve your pelvic floor strength, prior to your surgery. Additionally, we provide valuable information about what to expect during your hospital stay and what to expect when you leave hospital, including any limitations or precautions you should be aware of. Being prepared before your surgery with the right information can help ensure optimal results and a smoother recovery process.

After surgery your surgeon will likely refer you to been seen by a women’s health physiotherapist, usually 6 weeks after your surgery. At this appointment, your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms and any concerns you have, provide you with an individualised treatment plan and will continue to support you through your post-operative recovery.