Physical Therapy

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Recovering from major surgery, such as Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with or without HIPEC is a journey - and movement is one of the most powerful tools you have for rebuilding strength, preventing complications, and returning to normal life. Physical therapy (PT) is more than just exercise; it is a structured, medically informed plan designed to help your body heal safely and steadily. And physical therapy doesn’t end when you leave the clinic - physical therapy can and should continue at home!

This guide explains why PT is so important, what you’ll be doing in the hospital and at home, and how physical therapy supports long-term recovery.

Why Physical Therapy Is Essential After CRS/HIPEC

CRS/HIPEC is a major abdominal operation. The body needs time to recover, but it also needs intentional movement to avoid complications and rebuild strength.

Physical therapy is important because it helps with several critical elements of healing: Preventing serious complications, Restoring strength and stamina, Reducing pain and stiffness, Supporting digestion and bowel function, Improving mood and confidence, Returning to daily life.

Movement reduces the risk of:

Blood clots
Pneumonia
Pulmonary issues from shallow breathing
Postoperative ileus (slowed bowel function)
Muscle loss

Even a few days in bed can weaken muscles. PT helps you regain:

Core and leg strength
Balance
Endurance for walking
Functional movement (getting in/out of bed, chairs, stairs)

Movement improves circulation and decreases:

Surgical soreness
Back pain
Gas and bloating pressure
Joint stiffness
And walking is one of the most effective ways to stimulate the return of normal bowel activity after CRS/HIPEC.

PT supports a return to:

Work
Family responsibilities
Hobbies
Social activities
Independence in self-care

A person beginning to walk up some steps

Physical activity naturally boosts mental health and helps patients feel more in control of their healing.

Physical Therapy in the Hospital

Physical therapy usually begins on postoperative day 1, as part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines. Your hospital PT team will guide you through safe activities, such as:

Breathing Exercises: To prevent pneumonia and improve lung expansion.
Bed Mobility: Learning how to move, roll, and sit up with minimal strain on the surgical site.
Transfer Training: Learning how to safely get in and out of bed, chairs, toilet, car, and others.
Assisted Walking: You’ll start with short distances, then gradually increase as tolerated. Many patients walk several times a day before discharge.
Gentle Leg and Core Activation: Very simple movements to wake up the muscles and prevent weakness.
Stair Training: Before discharge, PT will make sure you can navigate stairs safely if you have them at home.

These sessions are tailored to your energy level and medical status—slow and steady is the goal.

Physical Therapy After You Go Home

After discharge, your physical therapy plan expands to help you rebuild long-term strength. Most patients engage in:

Home exercises through simple routines such as:

Gentle stretching
Leg and core strengthening
Posture and balance exercises
Walking schedules

Walking Program: Movement is one of the most important parts of recovery. It is helpful with improving energy levels, digestion, emotional wellpbeing, and - importantly - sleep. A typical progression may look like:

Week 1–2: Short walks several times a day
Week 3–4: Increased distance and pace
Month 2–3: Longer daily walks, increasing stamina

Outpatient Physical Therapy (If Recommended): Some patients benefit from formal outpatient PT, especially if they experience:

Significant deconditioning
Weakness or mobility issues
Pain that limits movement
Balance concerns

An outpatient therapist will help you regain full strength and function.

Resources

Gentle Yoga for Recovery & Stretching

https://youtu.be/n-y-cUkWLrY

A gentle, slow yoga sequence designed specifically for abdominal surgery recovery, focusing on gentle stretches and mindful movement. These practices are meant to be gentle and appropriate for recovery when approved by your care team.

https://youtu.be/MmFZ_aqNX90

A very slow, beginner-level practice for early post-surgery healing that encourages gentle joint mobility and light movement.
Yoga for Recovery Stretch (12 min) – A short, gentle session focused on restorative stretching that can help ease stiffness and promote circulation.
Note: Many channels like Yoga With Joy offer playlists broken into phased post-surgery sequences, which can be helpful as you progress through recovery.

Breathing & Calm Practices
These videos focus on breathing techniques and light movement to help reduce stress, improve relaxation, and support breathing comfort — especially helpful when pain or discomfort interferes with deep breaths:

Daily Pranayama Breathing Exercises (under 15 min) on YouTube – A guided series of breath exercises to support calm and lung function.
15‑Minute Pranayama Practice with Deep Breaths – A gentle session of multiple breathing exercises that can help with relaxation and stress relief.
4‑7‑8 Calm Breathing Exercise (10 min) – A specific breathing technique that can help promote relaxation and ease tension.
Yoga Breathing Exercises Playlist (Various Lengths) – A collection of breath-focused videos for stress relief, calm, and mindful breathing practices.
10 Minute Balancing Breathwork – A short breathwork session focused on balance and inner calm.

Safety Reminder

Before trying any yoga or breathing video:

Talk with your surgeon or care team to ensure it’s safe for your specific recovery stage.
Stop if any movement causes sharp pain, dizziness, or discomfort.
Listen to your body; breath work and gentle motion are for comfort and calm, not exertion.