Are there exercises I should avoid before surgery?
Are there exercises to avoid before surgery?
The answer to this is highly dependent on several factors, but for some people – indeed there could be certain exercises that are best to avoid before surgery.
Deciding what exercises are and are not appropriate comes down to their safety based on: 1) your physical condition (including why you’re having the surgery as well as other injuries or ailments you may have), 2) your familiarity with exercise (i.e., do you know how to squat without hurting yourself?), and 3) whether or not you will be supervised and monitored by someone who can identify risks and respond accordingly.
The priority is avoiding any injury that may make it harder to continue prehabilitation, or worse - delay your surgery.
It is important to note that it is not simply the intensity of the exercise that makes it dangerous. Even simple exercises can result in a serious fall requiring treatment and recovery, whereas some very intense exercises, like high-intensity interval training (or HIIT), have been utilized safely for prehabilitation among people with chronic diseases, like cancer.
Here are some general exercise categories that may require a discussion with your healthcare team or qualified exercise professional for personalized guidance based on your specific surgery, medical condition, and individual needs:
1. High-impact activities: Exercises that involve jumping, running, or high-impact movements can put stress on your joints and may increase the risk of a fall or injury.
2. Heavy weightlifting: Lifting heavy weights can strain your muscles and potentially increase the risk of injury.
3. Overexertion: It's important to avoid overexertion or pushing yourself to the point of extreme fatigue or exhaustion. Listen to your body and avoid exercises that cause excessive strain or discomfort. This may be especially important if you are receiving other treatments before surgery, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer.
4. Contact sports or activities with a high risk of injury: Activities that involve a high risk of injury, such as contact sports or extreme sports, should generally be avoided before surgery to minimize the risk of additional injuries.
Remember, these recommendations may vary depending on your specific surgery and individual circumstances. Always consult with your healthcare team for personalized guidance on which exercises to do or avoid before surgery. They can provide recommendations based on your specific situation and help you create a safe and effective exercise plan.
Consider this paper to learn more about how exercise prescriptions are built for people preparing for surgery.
