Recovering from orthopedic surgery can be challenging, especially if you have to adjust the way you use your body as you heal. When you aren’t able to use your arms, legs, or other body parts, staying active is tough — and potentially dangerous. However, IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health says yoga is one activity that can help individuals stay fit and improve recovery after a procedure. Encouraging individuals to embrace healthy healing, this orthopedic surgeon of Honolulu, HI, discusses a few of the specific benefits of post-surgical yoga practice.

Why Do Orthopedic Surgeons Recommend Yoga After Surgery?

It Minimizes Risk

High-impact activities, such as running and weight-lifting, can put muscles and joints under stress that may be dangerous during recovery. By contrast, yoga is highly-adaptable and can be adjusted to fit the needs of every individual.  In practice, people are able to regulate the intensity of their poses and the amount of strain they put their bodies under. If your orthopedic surgeon instructs you to keep pressure off of the surgical area, there are also several devices that can help provide support to prevent injury — such as yoga blocks and pads.

It Strengthens Muscles

Yoga is a unique activity in that it engages all areas of the body. As a result, practicing various poses regularly is a great way to keep muscles strong when other activities are off-limits. Low-impact stretching and stability practice can also help gradually restore tissues that may have been affected during a procedure, as well as prevent muscle atrophy.

It Maintains Flexibility

In addition to strengthening muscles, yoga poses can help stretch out tissues and joints. This is particularly important for surgery patients, as casts, crutches, and braces used during recovery can cause stiffness. Through gentle stretching, individuals can make sure their muscles remain elastic and enjoy easier movement when healing is complete.

It Offers Cardiovascular Benefits

While yoga may be low-impact, it does involve a great deal of cardiovascular exercise. Through intentional breathing and pose repetition, individuals can get their blood flowing and their heart rate up. As opposed to no activity at all, this level of fitness offers a safe way to enjoy performance optimization and weight management throughout recovery.  

When it comes to surgical recovery, staying active is just one part of the healing process. That’s why the specialists at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health are committed to helping patients at every stage of the surgery process. As a patient, you can rest assured your orthopedic surgeon will review the best ways to improve recovery and restore functionality after your procedure. Beyond fitness, this team offers nutrition and wellness coaching services that can also help you protect your body well after your surgery has occurred. Visit this clinic online to learn more about their operative care services, or call (808) 521-8170 to schedule a consultation at their office in Honolulu, HI.