Walking Exercises to do Pre and Post Operation

The following information is to help you prepare for an operation recommended by your surgeon. The fitter you are before the operation the quicker you will return to full health afterwards.

Benefits of walking

Walking will help you prepare for and recover from your operation. If you have chest problems such as asthma or COPD, it is even more important that you do some exercise to reduce the risk of a chest infection. The following exercises are suitable for people to do before and after the operation.

• Aim to do your exercises four times a day.
• Build up the distance gradually.
• Walking outside is very good exercise, It helps with breathing, circulation and strength.
• Walking helps you to increase the rate and depth of breathing. Taking deep breaths is important as it can help your body to heal and also prevent chest infections.
• Walk at a speed that is comfortable for you. It should be possible to hold a conversation while you are walking.
• Stop and rest when you are tired.
• Always wear shoes that fit closely, and have a soft soled shoe.
• When walking, remember to pick your feet up enough to clear the ground easily.
• Use any walking aids that you require.

If you feel breathless, stop and have a standing rest, or sit down and have a rest. These positions allow your diaphragm to relax and this will make it easier for you to regain a comfortable breathing pattern.

Walking in the house

• Aim to stand up from your chair and have a short walk every hour.
• When you stand up: take a few seconds to straighten up. Stand tall, extend your knees, look ahead, keep your shoulders back and down.
• Following your indoor walk, take three deep breaths. Breathing in through your nose and then breathe out through your mouth.

Walking outside

• If you are not used to walking outside, start very gently.
• Aim to walk about 20 meters to start with. Stand up tall, keep your head up, use any walking aids that you may require.
• Each day try to walk a little bit further. If possible, increase your distance by 10 meters a day.

Smoking

If you smoke, it is important that you try to stop as soon as possible before your surgery. Smoking may lead to breathing difficulties following surgery and will slow down the healing process.

Warning

Do not walk outside if it is icy, snow is on the ground, very wet, or a high wind is blowing.

When you return home, check that the rubbers on the bottom of your walking aid are dry. If you step onto a smooth floor with a wet walking aid there is a risk that the aid will slip, possibly causing you to fall.

Information

Please note that this hand out is to be used as a guide. If you find these exercises painful please seek advice from your physiotherapist or doctor.