Yoga after abdominal surgery
Support healing, regain mobility, strengthen trust in the body
Abdominal operations - whether after a caesarean section, an appendectomy, endometriosis treatment or a major surgical procedure - are not only physically demanding. They have a profound effect on the body, breathing and often also on the emotional experience.
After surgery, many patients report feelings of tension, relieving posture, limited mobility, a changed abdominal sensation - and often also insecurity in dealing with their own midsection.
Yoga can be a powerful companion during the convalescence phase - if it is applied mindfully, individually and based on body therapy.
What happens after abdominal surgery?
The abdomen is a sensitive center - anatomically, functionally and emotionally. After a surgical procedure, there are often:
Scarring and tissue adhesions
Changed breathing mechanics (shallow, tense breath)
Muscle tension and poor posture
Fears of moving or straining the abdomen again
limited depth sensitivity
The body needs time, trust and exercise - but in the right doses.
How can yoga help after abdominal surgery?
🌀 1. promotion of tissue mobility
Gentle movements, mindful stretching and flowing transitions help to release adhesions and scar tension without overstraining.
🌬️ 2. Rediscovery of the breath
Abdominal breathing is often blocked. Breathing exercises (pranayama) promote the mobility of the diaphragm, improve circulation and strengthen the inner feeling of space in the abdomen.
🧠 3. strengthening body awareness
Yoga strengthens proprioceptive confidence - in other words, the feeling of being safe and oriented in your own body again.
🧘♀️ 4. Stabilization of the body center
Targeted exercises to gently strengthen the deep abdominal and pelvic floor muscles help to improve posture and balance without putting pressure on the scar.
🫀 5. emotional integration
The abdominal area is closely linked to our emotional experience. Emotional tensions can also be integrated through mindful touch, self-massage, meditation or visualization.
What needs to be considered?
Start only after medical clearance (usually 4-8 weeks postoperatively, depending on the type of surgery)
No postures with strong pressure on the abdomen (e.g. intensive backbends, deep twists) in the initial phase
Particularly suitable: Restorative Yoga, gentle Hatha, Somatic Yoga, fascia work
Scar work in combination with movement can be very helpful (in consultation with the therapist)
Conclusion: Yoga as a way back to the center
Yoga after abdominal surgery is not a fitness program - it is a gentle reconnection to your own center.
With time, patience and mindful movement, the abdomen can once again become a place of strength, confidence and inner peace.
The belly is not just an anatomical space - it is the place where we can let go, receive and feel at home again.
Tip for therapists:
In our further training courses on yoga in rehabilitation, we teach specific exercise approaches, hands-on techniques and trauma-sensitive yoga for clients who have undergone abdominal surgery.
👉 More information at: www.hockenholz.com