Can I do sports after surgery?
January 25, 2023 | 75,00 EUR | answered by Jürgen Dietrich
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Katja Schröter and I recently had a surgery. My doctor advised me to rest and avoid sports after the procedure. However, I am a passionate athlete and I already miss my regular training sessions a lot.
The operation I had to undergo was necessary to solve a health issue. Now I am thinking about when I can start exercising again. I don't want to take any risks and jeopardize my recovery, but at the same time, I don't want to pause for too long and neglect my fitness.
I am unsure how long it will take until I am fully capable of exercising again and can engage in my usual sports. Are there specific exercises I can do in the meantime to strengthen my muscles and maintain my fitness? Which sports are particularly suitable after a surgery and which ones should I avoid?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and recommendations so that I do not overstrain my body and endanger my health. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Katja Schröter
Dear Mrs. Schröter,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a surgeon. First and foremost, I would like to emphasize the importance of giving your body sufficient time to recover after an operation. Your doctor has advised you to take it easy and avoid sports in order to prevent potential complications. This recommendation is based on medical guidelines and experiences that aim to protect your health and ensure a successful recovery.
I understand that as a passionate athlete, you miss your training sessions and are eager to get back into it. However, it is important to be patient and follow the instructions of your treating physician. The timing for when you can resume sports depends on various factors, such as the type of operation, your individual recovery progress, and your overall health condition. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least 6-8 weeks after an operation before engaging in intense physical activity to allow your body sufficient time to heal.
In the meantime, you can still perform light exercises to strengthen your muscles and maintain your fitness. This can include gentle stretching exercises, light endurance training such as walking or swimming, and targeted strength exercises for specific muscle groups. It is important to listen to your body and not to provoke any pain. It is best to discuss suitable exercises for your specific situation with your treating physician or a physiotherapist.
When it comes to choosing sports, it is advisable to refrain from high-intensity or risky activities initially. Sports like running, tennis, or weightlifting can lead to excessive strain and should therefore be avoided at first. Instead, you can opt for gentler alternatives such as swimming, yoga, Pilates, or cycling to gradually reintroduce your body to movement.
In conclusion, it is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Returning to sports prematurely can delay your recovery and lead to further complications. Therefore, talk to your doctor about your desire to resume sports and seek individual advice. I wish you a speedy and successful recovery and am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Jürgen Dietrich
