Recovering from a hysterectomy involves more than just healing the incisions. The road to recovery includes building strength and mobility, which is where pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) comes in. Read on to find out how pelvic PT can support a smooth transition from surgery to recovery.
Physical impacts of hysterectomy
A hysterectomy, though incredibly common, is a major procedure that can be performed in many different ways. Some people have an abdominal incision, while others may have laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomies. A hysterectomy removes the uterus but can have significant impacts on the tissues, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and other organs around it.
Some women experience pelvic pain, pelvic floor weakness, bladder or bowel dysfunction, or issues with sexual activity after a hysterectomy. These issues can be caused by scar tissue, the shifting of tissues due to space left behind by the uterus being removed, and changes in pelvic floor muscle tone after surgery.
How can pelvic physical therapy help after hysterectomy
Pelvic PT is a specialized form of physical rehabilitation that focuses on the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues. When it comes to post-hysterectomy recovery, pelvic PT can help in many ways, including:
- Reducing the pain caused by scars and adhesions: Scar tissues naturally form after any procedure or injury, and can sometimes scar structures to each other which is called an adhesion. This can lead to pain and stiffness. Pelvic PT uses gentle manual therapies and exercises to help to release these areas to improve function and reduce pain.
- Restore pelvic floor strength: After a hysterectomy, some people end up with weakened pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to issues with urine leakage, pressure in the pelvis, and more. A pelvic physical therapist will guide you on how to safely restore your strength after surgery.
- Posture and mobility: Some women experience pain in the lower back, hips and pelvis after a hysterectomy. This can be caused by having different posture or movement patterns caused by incisions, pain, or other post-operative complications. A pelvic PT will assess your posture and movement patterns, and create a plan to get you realigned and pain-free.
- Sexual discomfort: After a hysterectomy, there can be changes in your vaginal tissues, muscle spasms, nerve sensitivity, and other post-hysterectomy changes that can make sexual intimacy uncomfortable. Pelvic PT can offer several approaches to help you restore your sexual function.
When to start pelvic PT after a hysterectomy
It is recommended to reach out to your local pelvic PT as soon as you have your surgery scheduled so that you can create a recovery plan and schedule ahead. Most women are able to start doing pelvic PT as soon as 6-8 weeks after surgery, with the approval of their surgeon.
Even if you had your hysterectomy years ago, it is not too late to start pelvic PT for your issues. Your pelvic PT can address any remaining issues, pain, or pelvic floor dysfunction for you any time.
Reach out to us today if you would like to schedule an appointment, we are standing by to support you on your healing journey after having a hysterectomy.