Q It hasn't been long since surgery — when can I start walking or moving? Do I have to just lie down?
A After surgery, gentle walking, done without overexertion, actually helps recovery and intestinal movement. However, heavy lifting or intense exercise that greatly increases abdominal pressure should be avoided until the wound has healed.
Detailed Answer
Lying down for long periods after surgery causes muscle loss and slows intestinal movement. That's why gentle, gradual walking, getting up frequently within your comfort level, is recommended from early in recovery. Conversely, lifting heavy objects, exercises that strain the abdominal muscles, and intense activity should be avoided until the surgical site has healed. Follow your hospital's guidance on when specific activities are allowed, and stop and seek medical care if you experience pain or notice anything unusual with the wound.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
In Korean medicine too, the recovery period calls for avoiding both excessive rest and excessive strain, valuing moderate movement that keeps energy flowing. At Dongjedang, we boost the strength needed for activity by replenishing qi and blood, while also guiding an activity range suited to your individual recovery stage, so you can gradually expand activity without overexertion.
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