Before and After Abdominal Surgery: Have You been seen by a Physiotherapist?

It's quite amazing that some hospitals in some parts of the world are
yet to grasp fully the value of pre and post operative physiotherapy.

You are booked for a surgery; a physiotherapist should see you before
you go into the theatre. She should assess and familiarise herself
with your level of fitness, teach you how to manoeuvre yourself and
carry out prescribed exercises after the operation.

Now you are out of the theatre and you need to get back to your normal
fitness level. Physiotherapy invention will help restore normal
function of your lungs, improve healing, prevent development of some
form of complications and basically get you "back on your feet".

Expect to be taught how to assume various postures with your surgical
site in mind, breathing exercises, arm and leg exercises. These also
go a long way in contributing to relief of pain at your operation
site.

The physiotherapist (Physical Therapist) should see you for the few
days you spend in the hospital after surgery. When you leave there
should be some sort of arrangement to ensure you keep up with your
home programme and improve your fitness level.