ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Abdominal surgeries, which may include removal of ovarian cysts, hernia repairs, hysterectomy, and numerous other techniques, may destruct abdominal muscles. After surgery, patients tend to decrease their activities, thus allowing muscles to weaken further. Weak muscles make moving more difficult and lead to poor posture and discomfort.

A physical therapist at Midwest Physical Therapy Services will provide a thorough evaluation and help manage the debilitating effects of abdominal surgery. Treatments may include some of the following:

  • Exercises to perform while in bed during recovery to maintain good blood flow and prevent stiffness.
  • Movement techniques to lessen the pulling on the incision.
  • Deep breathing and coughing techniques.
  • Exercises and self-help techniques to help reduce post-surgical pain from gas.
  • Relaxation training.
  • Instructions in home exercises to help promote strengthening of the back, abdominal and pelvic muscles.
  • Instructions in wound and skin care, including scar massage after healing.
  • Instructions in proper lifting and movement techniques to make daily activities easier.

If you think you would benefit from physical therapy after abdominal surgery, consult your physician for a referral to Midwest Physical Therapy Services to see a therapist who specializes in treatment of this area.

 


 

Tips for Healthy Cycling From Physical Therapists

Posted by on Oct 16, 2023 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on Tips for Healthy Cycling From Physical Therapists

Tips for Healthy Cycling From Physical Therapists

Cycling is a sport that almost anyone can participate in. From cruising the great outdoors to a spin class, this low-impact, physical activity provides an aerobic workout for your heart and lungs that benefits your overall health. But as with any repetitive activity, you may develop discomfort or pain. If you have pain related to cycling, you might have a bike fit problem. Because each person’s body is unique and bikes have different sizes and positioning, a personalized bike fit assessment is valuable. In the meantime, here are a few basic...

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Five Ways To Improve Physical Activity During National Minority Health Month

Posted by on Jun 21, 2023 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on Five Ways To Improve Physical Activity During National Minority Health Month

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are committed to reducing health disparities. They encourage everyone to be physically active. Regular physical activity is one of the best things that you can do for your health. Unfortunately, inactivity levels are high in some racial and ethnic minority groups. Hispanic and Black adults, who are at greater risk for many chronic conditions, self-report being much less active than white adults. CDC data shows that nearly one in three (30% to 32%) Hispanic and Black adults are...

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Female Athlete Triad: What You Should Know

Posted by on May 4, 2023 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on Female Athlete Triad: What You Should Know

Female Athlete Triad: What You Should Know

Female athlete triad is a condition that involves an imbalance among three factors: Energy available for physical activity. Quality and strength of bones. Menstrual cycle (periods). The risk of developing the triad has increased with the high demand that athletics place on the female body. In addition, societal pressures for performance and image can contribute. For example, a runner may feel that restricting calories will help her run faster and earn her greater success. The triad has negative effects on multiple body systems in the...

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30-Minute Home Strengthening Program

Posted by on Feb 19, 2023 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on 30-Minute Home Strengthening Program

Maintaining your body’s muscle strength is important for your overall health and well-being. Strengthening exercises should be part of an overall plan that includes regular physical activity (such as walking, swimming, yoga, sports, or other activities), and regular stretching for flexibility. You can easily exercise your muscles regularly using your own body weight, resistance, or light weights. This strengthening program, provided by physical therapists, offers three different levels, depending on your fitness,...

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Four Things to Know About Adult Bowel Health

Posted by on Oct 8, 2022 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on Four Things to Know About Adult Bowel Health

Four Things to Know About Adult Bowel Health

Bowel health can be uncomfortable to discuss, but it provides a good indication of your overall health. Developing and maintaining healthy and regular bowel health routines are imperative for staying healthy. For some, improper bathroom habits, such as ignoring the urge to defecate, hovering over the toilet, or not allowing enough time to empty the colon, can develop in childhood and follow us into adulthood. Others develop bowel issues as adults through sickness, sensitivities, microbiomechanges, pain, or various diseases such as irritable...

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Physical Therapy vs Opioids: When to Choose Physical Therapy for Pain Management

Posted by on Aug 31, 2022 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on Physical Therapy vs Opioids: When to Choose Physical Therapy for Pain Management

Physical Therapy vs Opioids: When to Choose Physical Therapy for Pain Management

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sales of prescription opioids have quadrupled in the United States, even though “there has not been an overall change in the amount of pain that Americans report.”In response to a growing opioid epidemic, the CDC released opioid prescription guidelines in March 2016. The guidelines recognize that prescription opioids are appropriate in certain cases, including cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care, and also in certain acute care situations, if properly...

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10 Exercises To Do In the Pool

Posted by on Aug 2, 2022 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on 10 Exercises To Do In the Pool

10 Exercises To Do In the Pool

Pool Exercises Pool (aquatic) exercise provides many benefits, including an ideal environment to exercise throughout the year. The buoyancy of the water supports a portion of your body weight making it easier to move in the water and improve your flexibility. The water also provides resistance to movements, which helps to strengthen muscles. Pool exercises can also improve agility, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. Many types of conditions greatly benefit from pool exercise, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, joint replacements,...

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Physical Therapy Guide to Balance

Posted by on Jun 8, 2022 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on Physical Therapy Guide to Balance

Physical Therapy Guide to Balance

Balance problems make it hard for people to maintain stable posture and stay upright when standing, walking, and even sitting. Balance problems are more common in older adults and are the most common reason they seek help from a doctor. If balance problems go untreated, they can lead to falls. Physical therapists can help people of all ages improve their balance. They perform balance testing and develop treatment plans that include physical activity to help improve the strength, stability, and movement of people with balance problems....

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Three Steps For Returning To Physical Activity After COVID-19

Posted by on May 12, 2022 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on Three Steps For Returning To Physical Activity After COVID-19

Three Steps For Returning To Physical Activity After COVID-19

The following tips are designed to help people return to fitness after a typical case of COVID-19. Around 10% of people infected with COVID-19 will have problems that linger for months after the infection is gone. These individuals are called long-haulers, and the condition is known as “long COVID” or PASC, which stands for Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. If you have symptoms of long COVID, contact your primary care doctor before starting an exercise program. Long COVID may include other health complications that...

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COVID and Physical Therapy

Posted by on Mar 7, 2022 in Health Tip Archives | Comments Off on COVID and Physical Therapy

Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, is caused by a contagious virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2. There is ongoing research about the lasting side effects of COVID-19, often referred to as “long COVID” or PASC, which stands for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Long COVID is defined as anyone who hasn’t recovered after four weeks of illness. These individuals are sometimes called long haulers. Long COVID presents a serious threat to health and function — for some, long...

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