Post-Op Exercise?

[canadianmoobs123]

I know this has already been adressed multiple times but I wanna start working out early! Is there any major risk if I start going for runs about 10 days post op?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Obviously, only you and your surgeon are aware of the actual extent of your operation.  However, as a general rule for my patients, I ask them to refrain from strenuous exercise for a minimum of 4 weeks after surgery ... and then do whatever they want to do.  Other surgeons may differ.

The problem with exercise is not the exercise itself -- but the increase in your blood pressure during exercise.  That can cause increased swelling in the operated area and theoretically could open a blood vessel under the skin that had been sealed during the operation (this could lead to a delayed collection of blood under the skin -- a hematoma).  And then it becomes a mess to deal with. 

I have had a few patients who couldn't wait for the month -- and they ended up back in surgery to drain the hematoma.

Best to speak about this to your surgeon and get his clearance before resuming exercise.

Dr Jacobs

[Litlriki]

As Dr. Jacobs mentioned, the problem in the early post-operative period is a rise in blood pressure, which could cause bleeding.  Usually, the risk for this is significantly diminished after a week.  As such, I am fairly aggressive with my patients, presuming that everything has gone perfectly after surgery.  There are details of how I approach this on my website under "Getting Back to Training."  I allow cardio after a week, and weight training after two weeks, no chest for 4 weeks.  I have never had a patient develop a post-operative complication with this approach.  Nonetheless, you should discuss it with your surgeon before doing anything.

Rick Silverman