Walking After a Hysterectomy Weeks 1-7 | Physio Weekly Guide for FAST Recovery

Know how much walking after a hysterectomy is safe and promotes your recovery with this Physiotherapist post-operative walking guide for weeks 1-7. Michelle from https://www.pelvicexercises.com.au guides you week-by-week with tips for reducing pain and progressing safely.

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Benefits of walking after a hysterectomy include:
• Maintaining fitness
• Reduced DVT risk (blood clots in the deep leg veins)
• Decreased length of hospital stay
• Improved bowel function
• Improved wellbeing
• Better posture
• Managing lower back pain.

Week by Week Physio Hysterectomy Recovery Guide
This week-by-week information is not a substitute for medical advice. Follow your surgeon's instructions for walking during your hysterectomy recovery.

Weeks 1-2
•Most women are encouraged to mobilise out of bed within 24 hours of hysterectomy
•It's usually appropriate to continue in-hospital walking at home after discharge
•Start with short regular walks throughout the day approximately 5 minutes duration
•Walk on flat surfaces rather than on inclines or stairs
•Wear full support briefs when you walk for comfort
•Aim for 10 minutes continuous walking by the end of week 2.

Weeks 2-4
•Most women can increase walking duration for each walk by approximately 5 minutes/week
•By the end of week 4 you may be able to walk continuously for 20 minutes
•Monitor your symptoms and progress the time you spend with comfort
•Discomfort with walking can indicate you've done too much. You may need to reduce your walking speed and duration.

Weeks 4-6
•By 6 weeks after a hysterectomy many women can walk continuously for up to 30 minutes.
•If you're unable to manage one long walk 30-minute walk, you may feel more comfortable with a few shorter walks during the day.

Week 7 Onwards
•Most women usually have a postoperative review with their surgeon by week 7.
•You may gradually start to increase your walking speed and the distance you walk when your surgeon has given you permission to return to general exercise
•Complete internal healing usually takes approximately 3 months. Progress your walking program gradually, especially during this time.

Physiotherapy Tips for Improving Comfort and Safety:
•During early recovery time walking with pain medication
•If any exercise causes you to feel discomfort then cease it immediately
•Walk on flat surfaces and avoid hills
•Wear well-fitting cushioned footwear
•Avoid repetitive treadmill walking in favour of walking outdoors
•Wear quality support briefs or support pants
•Doing short regular walks can be just as beneficial as doing long walks, especially within the first 6 weeks after surgery
•Monitor your symptoms and rest if you are feeling tired or experiencing discomfort
•If you experience discomfort with walking you may have done too much in which case stop, rest, and do less walking next time
•Walk at your own pace and avoid comparing your walking progress with others
•Gradually increase your walking duration as your body heals and according to your level of physical comfort
•Alternate walking with rest during your recovery
•Contact your surgeon with any concerns related to exercising after hysterectomy.

References
1 Kalogera E, Dowdy S. (2016) Enhanced recovery pathway in gynecologic surgery: improving outcomes through evidence-based medicine. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 43:551–73.
2. Buckwalter J (1995) Activity vs rest in the treatment of bone, soft tissue, and joint injuries. Iowa Orthop J.,15:29–42.
3. Terzioglu F et. al. (2013) Multimodal interventions (chewing gum, early oral hydration, and early mobilisation) on the intestinal motility following abdominal gynaecologic surgery. J Clin Nurs. Jul;22(13-14):1917-25.
4. Nelson G. et.al. (2016) Guidelines for postoperative care in gynecologic/oncology surgery: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations–part II. Gynecol Oncol. 2016; 140: 323-332

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