Your physio team will consist of specialist surgical physiotherapists and support staff based on ITU, recovery and the wards.
The idea of more physiotherapy may still be daunting so soon after surgery. Keep trying, there is a reason why your healthcare professionals are advising you to do the things they are advising you to do. The people are experienced and see the greatness within you, even when you do not see it yourself
Previous patient
Day 1 post-op
- Practice your spirometry as soon as possible
- Be prepared to be up and out of bed the day after your operation
- Use your pain relief regularly to enable you to move comfortably
- We will look after your lines and attachments whilst moving – please do not worry about these.
Non-urgent advice: Breathing excersises
Incentive spirometry
- Designed to encourage deep breaths, and clearance of any secretions
- Prevent chest infections
- Re-expand lungs after your anaesthetic
- Complete throughout the day
- Bring your incentive spirometer into hospital with you and start exercises as soon as possible post-op
During your hospital stay
If needed, you will continue to be seen by a member of the physiotherapy team until you are safely mobile.
Practice mobility, provide walking aids if needed, practice stairs for going home, and treat chest infections if needed.
You may be referred to community or outpatient physiotherapy – some local services may have reduced capacity or be operating differently to normal.
Going home
Practice your breathing and coughing exercises throughout the day, and continue to be active regularly – little and often is better than a short period of high exertion. Gradually increase activity until you are back to your usual levels.
Ensure you are exercising within any restrictions set by your surgeon – this will depend on the type of operation you have had.
Remember; recovery is a process; it takes time, it takes patience and sometimes it takes everything you have, keep going until you get there.”