NEW: Express access to COVID-19 vaccine record is now available.

The MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network showcases trusted, easy-to-use health and wellness resources from Alberta Health Services and Alberta-based partner organizations. The network is led by MyHealth.Alberta.ca, Alberta’s source for consumer health information. Our partners are committed to helping Albertans better manage their health and wellbeing. Health experts across Alberta make sure that the information on these sites is accurate and up-to-date. Our partners include

MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network
Health Information and Tools > Patient Care Handouts >  Learning About Getting Moving After Surgery

Main Content

Learning About Getting Moving After Surgery

What is early mobility after surgery?

After you have surgery or a serious illness, your doctors or nurses may want to get you moving as soon as possible.

This could mean sitting up, moving from the bed to a chair, or walking around the hospital.

Early mobility also means that you will be alert enough to do these activities. A physiotherapist, a nurse, or another member of your care team will help you.

What are the benefits of early mobility?

Using your muscles as soon as you can after surgery can help you recover. It may help prevent problems that you can have from staying in the hospital too long. It can help keep muscles strong, improve your breathing, and help keep your bowel movements regular. It also can help keep your memory sharp.

What can you expect if you get early mobility?

You may start your early mobility in an intensive care unit or in another part of the hospital.

Doctors will manage your pain. But make sure that you're alert enough to start doing some of the movements.

Even if you're on a ventilator, which helps you breathe, or you have an IV, which provides fluids to your body, you can still do some of the early mobility activities. A nurse, a physiotherapist, or some other member of your care team will work with you on the movements. This person will make sure that you're safe. For the early part of your recovery, you will have help when you are moving around.

Small movements may be harder than you think they should be. This is normal after surgery. These small movements can make a big difference in your recovery.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter A003 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Getting Moving After Surgery".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.