How do I move safely after surgery?
The first days at home feel different. You may want to rest in bed, but you also need to sit up for meals or visits. Moving from lying down to sitting can feel uncertain. It is natural to worry about pulling a stitch or feeling dizzy.
Your care team's guidance comes first. They know the details of your procedure. These notes offer general comfort tips. They are here to help you feel steady as you navigate these early weeks.
Why does moving feel so tiring?
After surgery, your body uses extra energy to heal. Simple movements require more effort than before. Understanding why certain positions cause strain can help you plan your day with less fatigue.
Holding the arms up and keeping them close
When you have chest surgery, moving your arms away from your body can stress the breastbone. UW Medicine advises keeping upper arms close to the body when moving. This is called keeping your move 'in the tube' to reduce stress on the breastbone. Read more from UW Medicine.
For abdominal surgery, lifting your upper body straight up uses strong abdominal muscles. This movement may strain the incision. Avoid sitting straight up from a lying position for 4 to 8 weeks. See UW Medicine guidelines. Instead, use your arms to push up while rolling to the side.
Finding a steady backrest angle
Sitting too upright too soon can be uncomfortable. After abdominal surgery, the goal is to avoid engaging the core muscles unnecessarily. Rolling to your side first allows your legs to hang over the edge of the bed. Then you can use your arms to push your upper body up to a sitting position. MedlinePlus explains this method.
It is normal to feel dizzy or uncomfortable when first getting up after surgery. Stay still for a moment to ensure you are steady. If you feel dizzy, sit back down. Taking your time prevents falls and reduces anxiety.
How can I rest more comfortably?
Rest is not just about sleeping. It is about finding positions that let your body recover without strain. Small changes in your environment can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.
Adjusting your space for ease
In the first 1 to 2 weeks at home, you will likely tire easily. Take short rests often. You do not need to stay in bed all day, but pacing activities is important. Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust offers advice.
Patients are encouraged to sit out of bed as soon as possible after operation, sometimes the same day. This helps the gut start working and reduces the risk of complications. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust provides details. Sitting in a supportive chair can be easier than staying in bed.
Consider using aids to support your body. A lap blanket can keep you warm without heavy layers. A backrest wedge helps maintain a gentle angle. An arm-support cushion reduces strain on the shoulders. A tablet stand keeps screens at eye level so you do not lean forward.
| Rest Aid | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Lap Blanket | Provides warmth and light weight for comfort |
| Backrest Wedge | Supports a relaxed sitting angle |
| Arm-Support Cushion | Reduces shoulder and arm strain |
| Tablet Stand | Keeps view at eye level to prevent leaning |
For a more comfortable rest, you might consider the FIRMFLEX LevelUp Cushion. It can be placed on the lap with both arms resting on it. This supports the arms and reduces tension in the chest and abdomen. The LC-150 model works well for bed and couch use. The LC-CHAIR is designed for armchairs, recliners, and wheelchairs. For larger builds, the LC-WIDE offers broader support. All models feature a washable cover with a water-resistant top.
Remember to move gently. Do not lift, pull, or push anything weighing more than 10 pounds for 4 to 8 weeks after abdominal surgery, unless your healthcare team says otherwise. UW Medicine shares this precaution. After thoracic surgery, aim to walk 30 to 40 minutes every day as tolerated. Start with three walks of 5 to 10 minutes each day and increase gradually.
- Practice rolling to your side before pushing up to sit.
- Keep a glass of water nearby to stay hydrated during rest periods.
- Set a timer to remind yourself to change positions every hour.
This article summarizes publicly available information and is not medical advice. Decisions about treatment belong with you and your care team. Sources checked: 2026-10-24
For a more comfortable rest
The longer the days at home, the more a few small supports change how they feel.
- FIRMFLEX LevelUp Cushion (LC-150) — rests on your lap and carries the weight of both arms, so reading, scrolling or watching TV in bed or on the couch is less tiring on the shoulders. LC-150 for bed and couch, LC-CHAIR for armchairs, recliners and wheelchairs, LC-WIDE for larger builds. Washable cover with a wipe-clean, water-resistant top.
- A light lap blanket — for the afternoon hours when body temperature drops.
- A book or tablet stand — brings the screen up to eye level and shortens the time spent looking down.