Comprehensive Self-Care After Abdominal Surgery: A Guide to Optimizing Your Recovery

Abdominal surgery, whether it’s for gallbladder removal, a cesarean section, or another procedure, can be a daunting experience. While medical teams typically focus on the surgical aspect, the post-operative recovery period is equally important. Proper self-care can significantly impact how quickly and effectively you heal.

Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Brooke Kalisiak, a pelvic physical therapist, shares a comprehensive guide to post-abdominal surgery recovery.

Earlier in 2024, Dr. Kalisiak underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Despite the successful outcome, she noticed a lack of detailed post-operative instructions. Fortunately, as a pelvic PT who routinely helps patients recover from abdominal surgery, she knew exactly what to do. Here’s her step-by-step guide to help you or your loved ones navigate the recovery process.

Recovery Strategies

1. Deep Breathing Deep breathing is crucial for improving lung function and promoting relaxation after surgery. It helps reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia and also supports overall healing by improving oxygen flow to tissues. Starting day 1 post-op, try taking 5-10 deep slow breaths every hour.
2. Magnesium for Good Bowel Movements Surgery, anesthesia, and pain medications can lead to constipation, which strains the healing tissues. Magnesium supplements can help promote regular bowel movements, reducing discomfort and the risk of complications. I personally like using Natural Calm.
3. Protein to Help Heal Protein is essential for tissue repair and regeneration. Increasing your protein intake after surgery can help speed up the healing process and support muscle recovery.
4. Stand Tall to Minimize Scar Contracture Maintaining good posture, even when it’s uncomfortable, is important to prevent scar tissue from contracting and tightening around the incision site. Standing tall encourages better alignment and reduces the risk of long-term complications.
5. Helichrysum Oil for Bruising Helichrysum oil is known for its healing properties, especially in reducing bruising and supporting skin repair. Applying it gently around the incision can promote better healing of the skin and underlying tissues.
6. Walking (especially Outdoors) Gentle walking is one of the best ways to promote circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent blood clots. Walking outdoors can also help enhance your mood and boost overall recovery.
7. Drink Lots of Water Hydration is key to recovery. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, reduces swelling, and keeps your tissues hydrated, which is crucial for healing.
8. Ice Over Incisions Applying ice to your incisions can reduce swelling and numb pain. It’s a simple yet effective way to manage post-operative discomfort and promote healing.
9. Use Pillow Support for Cough and Sit to Stand Holding a pillow against your abdomen when you cough or move from sitting to standing helps protect your incision and reduces pain. This simple technique can make daily activities more manageable and less painful.
10. Wear Compression Stockings on Legs Compression stockings help prevent blood clots, a common risk after surgery. They also improve circulation, which is essential for healing and reducing swelling.
11. Log Roll to Get Out of Bed The log roll technique involves rolling onto your side before pushing yourself up with your arms. This method minimizes strain on your abdomen and reduces pain when getting in and out of bed.
12. Scar Desensitization and Mobilization Scars can be pretty sensitive after surgery, but luckily there are things you can do to help desensitize the scars. Until the scars are healed (usually 4-6 weeks post-op) avoid going directly over the scar, and instead tap or rub gently around the scars with different textured material (starting with softer material and moving to more textured material). Once the scars are healed you can start to mobilize the scar directly. Place the pads of you fingers on the scar and move it in circles both directions, working to apply more stretch/movement and pressure over time to tolerance.

Reactivating the Core Muscles

Believe it or not, there are things you can do starting day 1 to start to reconnect to the core muscles. Here are 2 core connection exercises that get the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor all working together.

1. Deep Breathing Deep breathing is the most basic way we can reconnect with the core. Starting day 1 post-op, try taking 5-10 deep slow breaths every hour. Do this in laying down or relaxed sitting with your hands on your belly and/or lower rib cage. When you inhale slowly your abdomen should expand and then when you exhale it should deflate.
2. Practice Core Connection of Deep Abdominals with Breath Re-engaging your core muscles after surgery is vital for recovery. Practicing core connection exercises with deep, controlled breathing helps stabilize your core and protect your incision. Inhale and let the abdomen relax and expand. As you exhale, gently pull your belly button toward your spine. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Do 10 repetitions at a time multiple times a day in laying down and sitting.

By the second week of recovery, it’s time to gently reintroduce some movement with your core exercises to activate your muscles and support healing. Below are 3 simple exercises that you can introduce.

1. Heel Slide Lie on your back with your knees bent. Inhale, then exhale and tighten your deep abdominals. Slowly slide one heel along the floor while keeping your deep abdominal muscles engaged. Aim to perform 1-2 sets of 10 repetitions, 1-2 times a day.
2. Bent Knee Fallout Lay with one leg straight and one knee bent. Inhale, then exhale and tighten your deep abdominals. Let the bent knee slowly fall out to the side without losing the abdominal contraction and without the pelvis rotating. Aim to perform 1-2 sets of 10 repetitions, 1-2 times a day.
3. Straight Leg Raise Lay with one leg straight and one knee bent. Inhale, then exhale and tighten your deep abdominals. Lift the straight leg off the ground, keeping your core engaged. Don’t hold your breath and don’t let your belly push out. Aim to perform 1-2 sets of 10 repetitions, 1-2 times a day.

These gentle movements are designed to ease you back into physical activity without overloading your healing body.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Recovery

Recovering from abdominal surgery can be challenging, but with the right self-care strategies, you can optimize your healing process. By following these tips and exercises, you’ll not only enhance your recovery but also prevent potential complications.

Partnering with a pelvic physical therapist before or after abdominal surgery can significantly enhance your recovery. With a personalized plan tailored to your needs, a pelvic PT can help you manage pain, prevent complications, and regain strength more effectively. This specialized support can make your healing journey smoother and more successful.