When you think about what makes you you, what is it that first comes to mind? Is it your physical features, like the specific shade of your eyes that you've never seen mimicked anywhere else? Is it a special skill? Is it some complex combination of the books you've read, the songs you've heard, the people you've met, and the things you've done? Whatever comes to mind when you think about yourself as an individual, it's likely not the simple yet incredibly important act of breathing.
Breathing is an important part of every life, yet it is often overlooked as an automatic and unnoticed detail--but after surgery, that can all change.
Breathing's Different After Surgery
After surgery, a lot of things change. Your eating habits, your exercise routine, your emotions--every aspect of your life seems to shift somehow. This shift makes breathing more noticeable than ever. Often, breathing can become difficult after surgery, especially with more invasive procedures or those focused on the upper body region. Too easily, breathing can become something you focus on more than ever. However, there are a few simple tips that will get you breathing easier so that your recovery is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
Tips for Breathing After Surgery
The benefits of a good, deep breath have been obvious for quite awhile, whether in soothing the mind or strengthening the body. Here are a few tips for easier breathing after surgery.
- Sit upright. Taking deep breaths can be difficult in an awkward position. Try sitting at the edge of a bed, with your back and shoulders straight.
- Alleviating incision discomfort. Depending on the nature of your surgery, you may have an incision that causes discomfort when you try to inhale or exhale. This is especially true if your incision is on your chest. Pressing a pillow tightly over the incision may help ease some discomfort.
- Take it slow and stay calm. You may feel the urge to breathe deeply, or you may find yourself taking quick, shallow breaths. It's best to be deliberate and intentional, with long, slow deep breaths.
Deep Breathing Exercises
It's likely that your doctor or nurse will have suggested some deep breathing exercises. Generally, these are a combination of deep breaths and shallow breaths, short periods of holding your breath, and control of your mouth during breathing. Do this a few times a day as you heal.
When we spend most of our lives breathing automatically, focusing so much on every inhalation and exhalation can be strange--but these exercises will help get you back on track.
Interested in more tips for breathing easier after surgery? Looking for information about Respiratory Splinting? Contact us today!
