A hysterectomy, an operation to remove a woman's uterus, can be done for any of several reasons, including cancer of the uterus or ovaries, uterine fibroids, unusual vaginal bleeding and endometriosis. The surgery is a major operation and carries with it a long recovery period. During your recovery, it's important to do some exercises that will help strengthen muscles in your abdominal area and relieve symptoms such as backache.
Pelvic Tilts
This exercise helps backache and reduce abdominal wind. Lie with your head on a pillow and your knees bent. Breathe in and as you exhale try to pull your abdominal muscles in. At the same time, tilt your buttocks up slightly as you try to push the middle of your back against your mattress. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Try to do this exercise five to 10 times throughout the day, but stop if you experience any pain.
Trunk Rotation
This is another exercise you can do lying in bed. Lie flat with your head supported by a pillow and your knees bent. Slowly move your knees together to the left, then to the right, then back to the center. Movements should be gentle. Do a set of five rotations twice during the day. As you feel more comfortable, add one rotation a day until you get to 10 rotations with each set.
Chin Tuck
This exercise is primarily to help your back, especially your upper spine. You can practice this exercise while standing, sitting in a chair, on the side of your bed or on an exercise ball. Hold your head in a neutral position, looking straight ahead, then bring your chin in, as though trying to make a double chin. You'll feel your head move back and some tension in your upper back. Hold for five to 10 seconds and repeat 10 times, but be sure to breathe normally throughout your exercise.
Considerations
Your doctor should give you detailed information about what activities are safe and what should be avoided after your hysterectomy. If not, ask your doctor or a nurse about such precautions. As with any surgery in the abdominal area, you should avoid lifting anything heavy for at least a few weeks after a hysterectomy. It's normal to experience some back pain, as well as abdominal pain, but report any pain or discomfort that lasts more than eight to 10 weeks.
