Will Yoga Help or Hurt My Tummy Tuck Recovery?
Posted January 15, 2020 in Tummy Tuck Surgery
2 Minute Read:
We all know that yoga is one of the best things that you can do for your physical and emotional health.
Asana yoga practices may not be beneficial to your tummy tuck recovery.
While this strength exercise can tighten, tone, and firm your contours, it may not be the ideal activity for your tummy tuck recovery.
Tummy tuck cuts through and manipulates your core muscles. As anyone who has ever completed a yoga practice can attest, your core is where all of your yoga power comes from.
When it comes to your tummy tuck recovery, here are a few things you should keep in mind about your yoga practices.
What Yoga Practices Should You Avoid During Your Tummy Tuck Recovery?
When most people think about yoga, they think of the physical postures (asana) of the practice.
Most asana positions switch between extension and contraction of the abdominal muscles—the muscles and tissues that are damaged during a tummy tuck.
Imagine the amount of stress that your abdomen experiences when you transition from downward dog to upward dog—and these are your relaxing positions.
During the initial weeks of your tummy tuck recovery, you will want to avoid any stretches that incorporate deep bends, as these place too much strain on the healing incisions and muscles.
What Yoga Practices Can You Incorporate Into Your Tummy Tuck Recovery?
These days, many people make the mistake of assuming that yoga is only about contorting your body into bizarre and painful-looking positions. In truth, it is all about purifying your body and improving your physical and emotional health—and those two things are essential during your tummy tuck recovery.
Even though you should limit your asana practices, you can—and should—still practice your breathing.
Pranayama—or breath awareness—are controlled breathing techniques that can provide benefits at any time, including and especially when your body is working so hard to heal itself.
Deep breathing exercises help to purify the body, remove blockages, and increase blood circulation.
Proper blood circulation not only reduces inflammation (swelling), but it also speeds the healing process and reduces the chances of blood clots.
When Am I Cleared to Resume Yoga?
Most tummy tuck patients find that they feel recovered enough to return to strenuous exercise—including yoga—after six weeks.
Just like after any extended break from physical activity, you will want to ease into your practices slowly.
You may not want to jump straight into an Ashtanga or Power Vinyasa class.
When you first started yoga, you had to build up your strength slowly; this period is no different than that. With diligence, you will find that you can return to your normal practices in what feels like no time.
Are You Interested in Tummy Tuck Surgery in Fresno, CA?
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery, contact Dr. Mark Chin at the Valley Institute of Plastic Surgery by calling (559) 435-9646 or by filling out our online contact form.