It has been 24 hours since surgery. Wowzers, I am VERY sore and stiff. BUT - I just want to encourage you. Don’t be afraid to move. I am feeling really blessed to have this unique perspective - of being a women’s health PT AND a patient post-op #lumpectomy #partialmastectomy, so here’s what I’m doing today (see video):

✅ Listening to my body so I can tell the difference between pain and effort - this is KEY. I have to balance enough therapeutic movement with NOT opening the incision or impeding healing by making swelling worse.
✅ Medical Therapeutic Yoga “Yoga Couch” with deep abdominal breathing
✅ Take a short walk outside for fresh air to help clear the “anesthesia fog” feeling and promote digestion
✅ Take a short nap! You don’t get the best sleep around surgery time and I feel really zapped.
✅ Shoulder range of motion exercises
✅ Drinking LOTS of water and “tummy tea” for digestion
✅ Reading and listening to well wishes from family and friends (hearing message of support give me #hope and #courage!)

Sending any and all women out there going through this a big virtual hug and lots of support!

*See my YouTube channel or sign up for my free videos for the BREATH PRACTICES - link in bio

*These are suggestions for educational purposes only and do not constitute physical therapy. You should get the approval of your surgeon before doing this or any movement or exercise program after surgery.

-
For more from Dr. Garner:

💌 Sign up for her free newsletter here: https://integrativelifestylemed.ck.pa...
🎤 Check out podcast episodes here: https://integrativelifestylemed.com/c...

Disclaimer: This and any other videos by Dr. Ginger Garner and the Living Well team do not constitute a patient-provider relationship nor are they a substitute for medical care or physical therapy. By participating in these videos user assumes all risk. Before starting this or any other exercise regimen you should seek the advice and/or clearance of your physician, nurse practitioner, and/or physical therapist. To learn with Dr. G and her team, visit https://www.livingwellinc.org.

📆 If you want to see Dr. G and/or her team locally or via Telehealth, visit https://garnerpelvichealth.com
📚 If you want to take virtual classes and/or professional coursework, visit https://integrativelifestylemed.com