Exercises After a Hemorrhoidectomy

Light exercises is recommended to improve circulation and reduce the recurrence of hemorrhoids.

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, hemorrhoids are inflamed or swollen veins around the anus that are commonly caused by constant constipation or diarrhea, straining during bowel movement and a diet deficient in fiber. Hemorrhoids may occur inside the rectum or under the skin around the rectum. Hemorrhoids are most common in adults between ages 45 and 65. Seventy-five percent of people have hemorrhoids at some period in their lives. Light exercise after a hemorrhoidectomy or surgery to remove the swollen veins around the anus increases blood circulation, helps you have a regular bowel movement, strengthens the veins and reduces pressure on your veins, the Connecticut Surgical Group says.

Advertisement

Walking

Video of the Day

Walking is a simple exercise that can be performed after a hemorrhoidectomy. Walking increases your blood circulation, and increased blood flow strengthens blood veins through your body -- including the rectum. Regular exercise promotes regular bowel movement by increasing the rate of muscle contraction in the colon, University of Iowa Health Care says. It also reduces constipation by increasing the rate of muscle contraction in the small intestines. As a result, food moves through the stomach at an increased rate, less water is absorbed from the stool and you don't have hard stool, which causes straining during bowel movement. Incorporate a 20-minute walking regime into your lifestyle to reduce the recurrence of hemorrhoids and prevent constipation that may damage the incision site of your hemorrhoidectomy.

Video of the Day

Kegel Exercises

You can use Kegel exercises for bowel retaining and regular bowel movement, Medline Plus says. They can be used to strengthen to muscles in the rectum, increase blood circulation and prevent the recurrence of hemorrhoids. By strengthening the anal muscles via Kegel exercises, you can prevent internal hemorrhoids from enlarging or externalizing. Additionally, the increased blood circulation strengthens the veins in the rectum and prevents new hemorrhoids. To perform a Kegel exercise, slowly contract the anal muscles and hold the contraction for five seconds. Complete five sets of these exercises and repeat as many times as desired.

Advertisement

Standing Erect Pose

This exercise is recommended by Hemorrhoidinfosite.com to treat and prevent hemorrhoids. Stand up straight and slowly begin to rise on your toes. As you continue to rise on your toes, slowly extend your hands above your head. Start bending toward the floor, ensuring that you don't overexert the incision site. Perform this exercise for two to three minutes several times a day to lift the muscles in the anal sphincter.

Advertisement

Yoga

You can use certain yoga poses to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and prevent a recurrence. Yoga also increases blood circulation and delivers nutrients to the veins in the anus, helping them heal faster. Yoga poses such as Child's Pose increase your blood circulation and relieve constipation, which aid in recovery and preventing more hemorrhoids.

references & resources