What is this?
A Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of your Uterus (Womb). This surgery may need to be performed for a number of reasons, usually if all other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Most women who need to have this procedure are aged 40-50. It can used to treat a number of gynaecological problems such as very heavy and painful periods, fibroids and some cancers.
A Hysterectomy is a major operation. You can be in hospital for up to 5 days after surgery, and it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to fully recover. This operation can be performed using keyhole or open surgery depending on the size of the Uterus and the condition being treated.
Sometimes, particularly in the case of cancer treatment, other parts of your reproductive system will need to be removed as well. If the ovaries are removed then you will go through a “Surgical Menopause” after your operation. This will affect you, regardless of age and your medical team will help you to manage the symptoms.
What happens next?
After your operation, you will be seen by a Physiotherapist who can help you with your mobility and initial recovery plan. They will probably give you some exercises to do at home that will strengthen your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. The fitter you are before surgery, the easier your recovery will be.
As with all abdominal surgery, a large number of people will develop internal scar tissue after a Hysterectomy. The risk is less with keyhole surgery, but still significant. This scar tissue can cause restrictions and affect your range of movement in the hips and lower back. The pull on your fascial web can also have implications throughout your body.
How can manual therapy help?
Scars can take up to two years to fully form and mature. Your body will constantly be adapting and changing as it deals with the trauma of the operation and development of this new tissue. Therefore, any restrictions or discomfort arising from internal or external scarring may be felt months or years after your operation. This is where Scarwork™ therapy can help you. These slow and gentle massage techniques help to soften and stretch the scar tissue that may be attached to other internal structures or just pulling from the surface. It can also help if the scar is sensitive, stuck down or lumpy.
If you think that your abdominal surgery scarring is affecting your mobility or causing you discomfort, please get in touch for a confidential chat.