Surgical
Recovery

Surgery can be a crucial step in managing pelvic health conditions, but healing doesn't stop after the procedure.

Many women are left with pain, scar tissue, and changes in pelvic function that can impact daily life. Research shows that post-surgical pelvic health therapy can improve recovery, reduce pain, and optimize long-term outcomes (Fauconnier et al., 2022).

If you've undergone pelvic surgery, the right rehabilitation strategies can help restore movement, prevent complications, and support your healing journey.

Common Types of Pelvic Surgeries:

Pelvic surgeries are often performed to relieve pain, remove growths, or restore pelvic organ support. Some of the most common reasons include:

Endometriosis excision or ablation – To remove painful endometrial-like tissue.
Fibroid removal – To address heavy bleeding, pressure, or pain.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse repair – To restore support for the bladder, uterus, or rectum.
Hysterectomy – The removal of the uterus, sometimes including the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

Prolapse Surgery Recovery

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when weakened pelvic floor muscles allow the bladder, uterus, or rectum to shift downward. Surgery often involves bladder sling, sacrocolpopexy, or vaginal mesh placement, but recovery requires careful pelvic floor rehabilitation.

What to Expect After Surgery:

Temporary pelvic heaviness or discomfort as tissues heal.
Risk of scar tissue restrictions in the pelvic floor muscles.
Muscles may become too tight as they adjust to the repaired support.

How Pelvic Health Therapy Helps:

✔ Pelvic floor retraining to balance strength and relaxation.
✔ Scar tissue mobilization to prevent tightness.
✔ Safe movement and lifting guidance to protect surgical repairs.

➡ A systematic review found that pelvic floor muscle training is one of the most effective tools in preventing recurrent prolapse symptoms post-surgery (Dumoulin et al., 2018).

Hysterectomy Recovery: What to Expect & How Pelvic Floor Therapy can Help

A hysterectomy removes the uterus and may also include the cervix, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, depending on the procedure. Recovery varies based on the surgical approach (laparoscopic, vaginal, or abdominal) and individual healing.

What to Expect After Surgery

Core & Pelvic Floor Changes – The uterus helps support the pelvis, so its removal can affect core stability and bladder function.
Scar Tissue & Adhesions – Surgery can create scar tissue that may lead to tightness or discomfort if not properly managed.
Pelvic Floor Imbalances – Muscles may become weakened or overactive, affecting bladder control, pressure, or pain.

How Pelvic Health Therapy Helps

✔ Pelvic floor retraining to improve coordination and prevent dysfunction.
✔ Scar mobilization to keep tissue flexible and reduce tightness.
✔ Core stabilization to support posture and prevent compensations.

Research shows that post-hysterectomy pelvic floor training can improve organ support and reduce prolapse symptoms (Dumoulin et al., 2018).

With the right recovery plan, you can rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence after surgery.

Endometriosis Surgery Recovery

Laparoscopic surgery is often the first-line treatment for severe endometriosis, but pain and tightness can persist after surgery due to scar tissue, muscle guarding, and inflammation (Fauconnier et al., 2022).

What You Might Experience After Surgery:

➝ Bloating, cramping, and temporary pelvic discomfort
➝ Scar tissue formation that can contribute to restricted mobility
➝ Changes in bladder or bowel function due to nerve sensitivity

"Studies show that early intervention with pelvic health therapy can significantly improve long-term recovery and pain levels after endometriosis surgery." (Jong et al., 2020)

Pelvic floor therapy can prevent complications and improve healing by addressing post-surgical restrictions:

✔ Scar mobilization to improve tissue flexibility and reduce adhesions.
✔ Myofascial release to address tight muscles from chronic pain patterns.
✔ Pelvic floor relaxation training to reduce tension that may have developed as a protective response to pain.
✔Neuromuscular retraining helps restore function if muscles have become tense or weak.
✔ Targeted mobility exercises reduce postural compensations that may develop after surgery.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths made of muscle and tissue that develop in or around the uterus. They can be small and unnoticed or large enough to change the shape of the uterus. Some cause no symptoms, while others lead to heavy periods, bloating, pelvic pain, or fertility issues.

Fast Facts About Fibroids

Common Condition – Up to 70–80% of women develop fibroids by age 50 (Stewart et al., 2017).
Hormone-Dependent – Growth is influenced by estrogen and progesterone, so fibroids often appear during reproductive years and shrink after menopause.
Varied Symptoms – Some fibroids cause no issues, while others lead to heavy bleeding, pain, or fertility challenges.

Recovering from Fibroid Surgery: What to Expect

Fibroid removal can be done through myomectomy (removes fibroids but keeps the uterus) or hysterectomy (removes the uterus). Recovery varies based on the procedure, but common challenges include:

Core weakness & abdominal discomfort
Pelvic floor tension from posture changes
Scar tissue adhesions, especially with abdominal incisions

Healing & Strength: How Pelvic Therapy Helps

✔ Gentle abdominal massage to prevent adhesions
✔ Core & pelvic floor reactivation to restore strength
✔ Breathing exercises for deep core function
✔ Scar mobilization to reduce tightness
✔ Breathwork & muscle activation to retrain pelvic floor function

By addressing muscle weakness and scar tissue, pelvic therapy helps improve healing, mobility, and long-term pelvic health.