A hysterectomy is surgery to remove all or a portion of the uterus, and may include removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well. Undergoing a hysterectomy will limit your activity for a while, but some exercises can help you to strengthen your body and immune system, decrease pain, increase blood circulation and help you to heal and recover from the operation. Consult your doctor about when you can begin exercising and what exercises you can perform.
Abdominal Exercises
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada recommends this exercise to decrease gas buildup and decrease pain after a hysterectomy. Begin by lying on your back with your legs extended and a pillow beneath your knees. Slowly bend your right leg at the knee and raise it toward your stomach. Hold this position for a count of 10, lower the right leg, take two or three deep breaths and repeat with your left leg. You can also massage the abdomen with your hands while you're performing this exercise.
Upper Back and Shoulder Stretch
This exercise is recommended for after hysterectomy surgery by the Ohio State University Medical Center. Lie flat on your back on a bed or floor mat, with your legs bent at the knees. Bring your arms up and over your head, with your palms up, until they are flat against the mattress or mat. Hold for five to 10 seconds, return to starting position and repeat.
Pelvic Tilt
The pelvic tilt exercise is also recommended by the Ohio State University Medical Center. Lie flat on a bed or floor mat with the legs bent at the knees. Place one hand on your stomach and the other under your lower back so that your pelvis is tilted slightly upward. Slowly tighten the muscles of your stomach and thighs so that you feel your lower back being pulled downward. Hold this for five seconds, relax the muscles and repeat.
Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor or Kegel exercises are recommended for women after a hysterectomy to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. While lying down on your back, standing up straight or sitting up in a chair, take a deep breath and tighten the muscles in your lower pelvis as if you were stopping urine flow. Hold for five seconds, relax and repeat. For best results, this exercise should be done four to five times a day.
