How Physical Therapy Helps With Post-Hysterectomy Pain
Have you had a hysterectomy or booked in to have one? Are you wondering what to expect and how to heal well afterward?
A hysterectomy is the second most common medical procedure for women in the US after the C-Section. Studies reveal that more than 600,000 women undergo this procedure annually across the US. It involves the removal of the cervix and the uterus via surgery.Most women that opt for hysterectomies are women of the age group of 60 and above. However, lots of younger women also undergo this procedure for many reasons – including endometriosis, cancerous or pre-cancerous cells in or around the womb, or when there is a medical risk of developing cancer in the womb.After a hysterectomy, doctors recommend that you do not undertake anything strenuous (such as no lifting weights above 10 lbs) and abstain from physical intimacy for a minimum of 6 weeks. These guidelines give the tissues time to heal while ensuring you don't strain your pelvic floor muscles and rupture the stitches.A hysterectomy is a big deal – from a physical and a psychological perspective. Significant hormone changes send you off on an emotional rollercoaster and cause a whole host of uncomfortable symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and painful sex, incontinence, and pelvic pain. It’s major abdominal surgery.You need adequate (almost total) rest directly after the surgery, too, followed by a gradual increase in activity after the period of recuperation recommended by your surgeon.But don't worry. There are many helpful things you can do to prevent or minimize the physical symptoms and make sure you have the proper emotional support.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy For Your Post-Hysterectomy Pain
Pelvic floor physical therapy is beneficial pre- and post-hysterectomy to prevent and treat side effects that may occur because of the surgery, such as lower abdominal pressure, pain, incontinence, or prolapse.For this type of physical therapy, doctors recommend a specialist Pelvic Floor PT who can help you address all these complaints. And in the case of pre-hysterectomy physical therapy – it potentially allows you to prevent them from happening at all.After undergoing a hysterectomy, there generally is inflammation and irritation throughout the pelvic region. This inflammation directly impacts the all-important PFM (pelvic floor muscles). They cannot contract or relax properly. They can also become taught as a protective mechanism to protect the inflamed tissues.Even after the healing process has been completed and the tissues return to their pre-inflammatory state. It's not unusual for the pelvic floor muscles to remain dysfunctional, leading to chronic issues with urinary stress incontinence or consistent pain in the pelvic region.But even if it's decades since you had your hysterectomy, you can resolve these issues with physical therapy.If you haven't had your hysterectomy yet. You can prevent these complications from arising and recover quicker with early intervention physical therapy.Either in preparation before your surgery or as soon as possible after your immediate rest period. We can diagnose issues with your pelvic floor muscles and work with you to correct them before they start causing problems.The recovery process after a hysterectomy can take a long time. But physical therapy can help you recover your fitness and get back to doing all the things you love quickly.Knowing you have a specialist Pelvic Floor PT in your corner to support you through the healing process can make everything feel less daunting.So, if planning a hysterectomy, we recommend consulting a professional physical therapist to create a customized program for you before and after the procedure.
What Is A Hysterectomy?
The word "hysterectomy" describes the medical removal of the uterus or "womb." In some cases, the operation removes the uterus in isolation, but in other cases, the surgeon may suggest removing additional parts of the female reproductive system at the same time.The exact procedure depends on your specific situation and medical symptoms, as dictated by healthcare professionals.But you are likely to undergo one of these types of hysterectomy:Subtotal hysterectomy: In this procedure, only the uterus is removed. Your cervix remains in situ.Laparoscopic hysterectomy: During this procedure, the surgeon makes tiny cuts or incisions to insert a miniature camera into your abdomen to view the inside of your pelvic region. They then remove your uterus via the vagina. This type of hysterectomy is minimally invasive, thanks to keyhole surgery. Also, recovery is usually quicker than an abdominal hysterectomy.Radical or Wertheim's hysterectomy: This radical procedure involves removing a part of the vagina, the cervix, fallopian tubes, and uterus. This type of hysterectomy is usually only performed in the event of cancerous cells being present to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the body.Vaginal hysterectomy: If you have a vaginal hysterectomy, your surgeon will remove your cervix and uterus via the vagina.Total abdominal hysterectomy: Although this procedure is described as "Total." Unlike a radical hysterectomy, when all the female reproductive system organs are removed, a total hysterectomy is limited to the uterus and the cervix.
Hysterectomy: The Benefits of Pre-and Post-Surgical PT
If you value your health, it's a great idea to have physical therapy before your hysterectomy. This proactive approach allows you to start working on strengthening your pelvic muscles before the surgery and on staying active and mobile, too, to make sure you're as fit and healthy.So, before surgery, we recommend a combination of the following:
Specialized Pelvic Floor PT and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor
Resistance exercises to strengthen the upper and lower body
Cardiovascular activities like cycling and walking
Hydrotherapy
Exercises for the transverse abdominals
After your hysterectomy surgery and the immediate rest period, you may experience the following symptoms:
Inflammation and swelling in the pelvic region
Diminished cardiovascular fitness and strength
Pelvic pain
Desensitization of the surgical area due to nerve involvement (temporary)
Bruising
Scar tissue
Everyone is different, however, so you may have completely different symptoms to the ones listed above. Still, these are the most common complaints women report after hysterectomy surgery.
Physical Therapy After Hysterectomy
After your surgery, you may remain in the hospital for 4-7 days, subject to the type of procedure you opt for and the recommended recovery period. Once discharged, however, it is beneficial to contact a specialized Pelvic Floor PT to begin therapy at the earliest possible point, as advised by your doctor.
Week 1 after your hysterectomy
Every woman is different – and your specific set of symptoms after surgery is likely to be different. But the following might be part of your physical therapy treatment in the first week after your immediate recovery period:
Pain control treatment
Gentle breathing exercises
A range of movement exercises to strengthen the legs
Elevation exercises
Recommendations about the most appropriate sitting and standing positions to minimize pain and symptoms
Advice on scar management
Basic mobility exercises to prevent muscle stiffness
Weeks 2-6 after your hysterectomy By this point, there should be a noticeable decrease in your symptoms. You should also notice that you can slowly return to your daily routine – with some thoughtful modifications.During this time, your physical therapy treatment schedule might look something like this:
Increasing the strengthening exercises
An increase in traverse abdominal exercise movements
Steadily increasing pelvic floor exercises in different positions (to tolerance)
Expanding the range of movement to strengthen the upper body
Adding functional activities over time
Approximately six weeks after your hysterectomy – with effective physical therapy - you should be able to resume all your regular activities, but it does depend on the individual!. By the seventh week, it should be easier to carry moderate weights without any pain.
However, it’s important to remember that you should avoid lifting heavy weights or engaging in strenuous activity for at least six months after surgery. That’s why we provide you with safe, effective exercises to do at home—to aid healing, restore mobility, and speed up your recovery.
At Revive PT & Pilates, we specialize in Women’s Health and Post-Hysterectomy Physical Therapy. Our team is here to support you both before and after surgery, helping your body heal naturally and completely.
We’ll work with you to:
Regain strength in your pelvic floor and core
Reduce pelvic and abdominal pain
Restore bladder and bowel control
Address prolapse and urinary incontinence
Rebuild confidence and intimacy after surgery
Because let’s be honest—your recovery is about more than just healing physically. It’s about getting your life back, including your relationships, your confidence, and your sex life. And no, we don’t just tell you to do “100 Kegels.”
💜 To help you take the first step, we offer a free consultation with one of our Women’s Health Specialists. During this session, we’ll answer your questions, ease your concerns, and create a supportive plan to prepare you for surgery and guide you through recovery.
And most importantly—please know this: there’s nothing to feel embarrassed about. Post-hysterectomy challenges are common, but with the right care, they don’t have to define you.
👉 Reach out to us today and let us help you feel strong, confident, and healthy again.
