Yoga After Appendix Surgery

Introduction

Appendicitis is characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the appendix, a small finger-shaped organ located on the right side of the abdomen and connected to the large intestine. It may accumulate pus. Despite its uncertain function, living without an appendix can be possible. The condition is often triggered by a blockage, disrupting blood flow and leading to pain, swelling, and infection. If not promptly treated, the appendix can rupture. While appendicitis can impact individuals of any age, it is most prevalent in those between the ages of 10 and 30. Surgical removal of the appendix is a common procedure when necessary.

What to Expect After Appendicitis Surgery?

Appendicitis is a painful and abrupt condition. Optimal exercises for managing appendicitis aim to facilitate the individual’s recovery to a strong physical state and enhance the flexibility of limbs that the illness may have impacted. Following surgery, a gradual increase in the exercise routine, focusing on abdominal exercises, can contribute to strength without posing complications. It is crucial to consult with the physician regarding the appropriate duration of rest and the timing to initiate post-surgery exercise, as a one-size-fits-all approach may not be suitable.

What Are the Yoga Practices Which Can Be Done After Surgery?

Consistent activity following surgery holds significance. This contributes to fortifying the immune system, minimizing complications, and expediting recovery. Surgeons commonly recommend a brief walk on the same day of the operation. Commencing meditation, pranayama, and gentle restorative poses in the hospital bed is feasible right from the start. Following are some of the yoga poses to be done for rehabilitation after surgery:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing With Mantra Meditation: Utilizing diaphragmatic breathing in conjunction with mantra meditation proves to be a highly efficient and effective aid in the recovery process. Just 90 seconds of deep breathing reduces blood pressure and heart rate, activating elements of the nervous, circulatory, and endocrine systems that foster restoration and relaxation.

• Find a position comfortably sitting or lying down.

• To practice diaphragmatic breathing, concentrate on the lower lobes of the lungs and the corresponding movement in the lower ribs.

• During a deep inhalation, the lower ribs expand outward through external rotation.

• As one exhales fully, the lower ribs undergo internal rotation, moving inward and downward.

• After achieving a prolonged deep breath, repeat a mantra to align with each exhalation and inhalation.

• A mantra, often a single word or phrase, serves the purpose of shaping thoughts in positive ways.

• Engage in at least ten long, deep breaths, synchronizing the repetition of the chosen mantra with each breath cycle.

2. Supported Fish Pose: This posture alleviates tension in the neck, chest, and shoulders. With approval from the doctor, it can be beneficial for gently releasing adhesions and scar tissues, particularly for individuals recovering from lung, heart, and breast surgeries.

• Lie on the back with support from a large pillow, ensuring that the entire back, neck, shoulders, and head receive adequate support.

• If there is no low-back pain, one can modify it by bending the knees.

• Allow the arms to rest on the sides, creating a sense of openness.

• Emphasizing gentleness is crucial. Pay close attention to the body's signals.

• Restorative yoga should evoke a sense of comfort and not induce anxiety.

• If one feels easy, consider staying in this position for ten or more extended, deep breaths.

3. Legs up the Wall: Following surgery, the body tends to respond with elevated edema (swelling due to excess fluid entrapment), particularly in the legs. This pose proves beneficial by altering gravitational relationships and elevating the legs above the heart, facilitating venous blood flow and effectively diminishing swelling.

• The legs-up-the-wall pose, or Viparita Karani in Sanskrit, stands out as one of the most widely embraced restorative yoga poses.

• To ease into this position, start by sitting on the floor with the right shoulder and hip a few inches away from a wall.

• Lower the left shoulder toward the floor and extend the legs upward along the wall, allowing the head to rest on the ground.

• If extending the legs straight up feels challenging, one can modify the pose by placing them on a chair seat with the knees bent.

• If there is discomfort in the back or neck, consider using a thin pillow or folded blanket behind the head and hips.

• Stay in this posture for a minimum of ten long breaths.

4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This exercise can be performed while sitting, standing, or lying down. The objective of this practice is to intentionally induce a feeling of relaxation throughout the body. This is achieved by initially tensing each area to establish awareness and a connection with the body.

• It is most comfortable to do it while lying flat on the back, with legs and arms slightly apart.

• Initiate diaphragmatic breathing and sustain it throughout the exercise.

• During inhalation, tightly close both eyes while clenching the teeth to engage and tighten the jaw.

• Upon exhaling, release the tension, allowing the face, jaw, and tongue to soften.

• Inhale deeply, expanding every part of the ribcage, and hold the breath to create tension in the chest, upper back, and neck. Exhale fully to release the tension.

• Inhale again, squeeze the hands into fists, tensing all the muscles in the arms. Exhale to release.

• Inhale and engage the muscles in the bottom and pelvic floor, simultaneously tightening the abdomen. Exhale to release.

• Inhale once more, curl the toes, attempting to activate all the muscles in the legs. Exhale to release.

• Take a minimum of ten long, deep breaths, maintaining awareness of complete relaxation.

Conclusion

Recognize that complete elimination of pain is not always achievable, and coping with some level of discomfort is a natural aspect of the healing journey. Every basic movement, like circular motions of the arm, ankle, and neck, can enhance blood circulation and initiate the healing process. Adjust the activity level gradually based on the body’s response. Specific rehabilitation exercises may be prescribed based on the surgery, although not all operations have a manual of rehabilitation routines.