Prostate surgery involves removing some or all of the prostate gland, often to treat prostate cancer. Engaging in physical activity is an important part of recovery, helping restore strength, improve function, and reduce potential complications. However, it requires a careful, gradual approach to ensure proper healing and avoid setbacks.
Immediate Post-Surgery Exercise
In the initial days and weeks after prostate surgery, focus on gentle activities to promote healing and circulation. Begin with short, frequent walks around your home, gradually increasing duration and distance as energy levels improve. Start with 5-10 minutes per session, several times a day. This low-impact activity minimizes stress on the surgical site, enhances blood circulation, and prevents blood clots.
Breathing exercises, specifically diaphragmatic or “belly breathing,” are also beneficial during this early phase. This technique involves deep breaths into the abdomen, improving oxygen flow, promoting healing, and reducing anxiety. Coordinate breathing with gentle movements, inhaling to prepare and exhaling during muscle engagement. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) are important for urinary control, but only begin them once advised by a healthcare provider, typically after catheter removal (usually one to three weeks post-surgery).
Progressing Your Activity
As recovery progresses (typically a few weeks to a few months post-surgery), gradually increase activity levels. The focus shifts to building endurance and strength without overexertion. Continue increasing walking duration and intensity, aiming for 30 minutes of continuous walking within several weeks.
Introduce light, low-impact activities as comfort allows. Stationary cycling and swimming, once cleared by a physician, are suitable options for endurance training without straining pelvic floor muscles. For light resistance training, bodyweight exercises or very light weights are appropriate, ensuring movements avoid abdominal strain. Exercises like wall slides and seated leg extensions can be initial steps for leg strengthening, performed with proper posture and minimal abdominal pressure.
Activities to Avoid and Precautions
Strictly avoid certain activities, especially in early and intermediate recovery, to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Avoid heavy lifting (over 10 pounds/5-6 kg) for at least six weeks, and heavy straining for up to six months. High-impact activities like running or jumping are also discouraged for at least 12 weeks.
Avoid activities that place significant pressure on the pelvic area or abdominal muscles. This includes exercises like sit-ups, crunches, deep squats, and cycling on rough terrain. Straining during bowel movements can also pressure the surgical site and pelvic floor; prevent constipation with adequate fluid intake and a high-fiber diet. Any movement that causes discomfort or pain should be stopped immediately.
Listening to Your Body and Professional Guidance
Recovery from prostate surgery is highly individual, with varying timelines. While general guidelines exist, pay close attention to your body’s signals. Signs you might be overdoing it include increased pain, bleeding, unusual fatigue, or worsening urinary leakage.
Consult your surgeon or a physical therapist before starting new exercises or increasing intensity. A physical therapist, especially one specializing in pelvic health, can provide personalized guidance and teach proper techniques for exercises like Kegels, crucial for regaining bladder control and supporting sexual function. They can assess muscle strength and provide feedback to ensure exercises are performed effectively and safely.