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Physiotherapy After Bypass Surgery

Discover how physiotherapy aids recovery after bypass surgery. Learn about essential exercises, timelines, safety tips, and how Apollo24|7 supports your rehabilitation journey.

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Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt

Last updated on 21st Jul, 2025

Introduction

Undergoing bypass surgery is a major step toward improving heart health, but recovery doesn’t end with the operation. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping patients regain strength, mobility, and overall well-being. This guide explains why physiotherapy is essential, what to expect, and how to make the most of your recovery journey.

Why Is Physiotherapy Important After Bypass Surgery?

Bypass surgery helps restore blood flow to the heart, but the body needs time to heal. Physiotherapy helps in:

  • Strengthening the heart and lungs

  • Improving circulation

  • Reducing post-surgery complications (such as blood clots or lung infections)

  • Restoring mobility and flexibility

  • Boosting energy levels and confidence

Without proper rehabilitation, patients may experience prolonged weakness, stiffness, or even emotional distress. A structured physiotherapy programme ensures a smoother and faster recovery.

What Does Physiotherapy After Bypass Surgery Include?

Here’s what physiotherapy after bypass surgery typically includes to help you recover mobility, build strength, and improve your overall heart health:

1. Breathing Exercises

After surgery, shallow breathing is common due to pain or fear of straining the incision. Deep breathing exercises help:

  • Prevent lung infections

  • Improve oxygen flow

  • Strengthen respiratory muscles

Simple exercise:

  • Sit upright, take a slow, deep breath through your nose.

  • Hold for 2-3 seconds, then exhale slowly through pursed lips.

  • Repeat 5-10 times, 3-4 times a day.

To Know More Consult Top Cardiologists

Dr. Srikanth Bhumana, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Srikanth Bhumana

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

12 Years • MBBS, MS (JIPMER), MCh (PGI) (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), (Beating Heart Bypass Surgery), (Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery, MICS)

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

92%

(50+ Patients)

450

45 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr Kshitij Dubey, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr Kshitij Dubey

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

10 Years • MBBS; MS; MCh; CTVS

Indore

Apollo Hospitals Vijay Nagar, Indore

1200

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sridhar V, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Sridhar V

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

30 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh, DIP NBE, FIACTS

Madurai

Apollo Speciality Hospitals KK Nagar, Madurai

recommendation

93%

(50+ Patients)

1000

100 Cashback

600

No Booking Fees

Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

37 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

94%

(25+ Patients)

Dr. Manuj Saikia, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Manuj Saikia

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

22 Years • MBBS, MS, Mch

Guwahati

Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati

900

No Booking Fees

2. Gentle Mobility Exercises

Early movement prevents stiffness and improves blood circulation.

  • Arm and Shoulder Movements: Raise arms slowly to shoulder level, hold, and lower.

  • Ankle Pumps: Move feet up and down to prevent blood clots.

  • Walking: Start with short walks (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase duration.

3. Gradual Strengthening Exercises

As recovery progresses, light resistance exercises (like using small weights or resistance bands) help rebuild muscle strength.

4. Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme

Many hospitals offer supervised cardiac rehab programmes, which include:

  • Monitored exercise sessions

  • Nutrition advice

  • Stress management techniques

How Soon Should You Start Physiotherapy?

  • In the Hospital (1-3 days post-surgery):

  1. Deep breathing exercises

  2. Gentle leg and arm movements

  3. Short walks with assistance

  • At Home (First 4-6 weeks):

  1. Daily walking (gradually increasing distance)

  2. Light household activities (avoid heavy lifting)

  3. Stretching exercises

  • Long-Term Recovery (After 6 weeks):

  1. More structured exercises (as advised by a physiotherapist)

  2. Joining a cardiac rehab programme if available

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

  • Listen to Your Body: Don’t push too hard; rest when needed.

  • Stay Consistent: Follow your physiotherapy routine daily.

  • Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

  • Avoid Smoking & Alcohol: These can slow down healing.

  • Monitor Your Incision: Keep it clean and report any redness or swelling.

  • Stay Positive: Recovery takes time; celebrate small progress.

When to Seek Help?

Contact your doctor or physiotherapist if you experience:

  • Severe chest pain or shortness of breath

  • Swelling or pain in legs (possible blood clot)

  • Fever or signs of infection

  • Extreme fatigue or dizziness

Conclusion

Recovering from bypass surgery is a journey, and physiotherapy is your trusted companion. With patience, discipline, and the right guidance, you can regain strength and return to an active, healthy life.

Consult Top Cardiologists

Dr. Srikanth Bhumana, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Srikanth Bhumana

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

12 Years • MBBS, MS (JIPMER), MCh (PGI) (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), (Beating Heart Bypass Surgery), (Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery, MICS)

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

92%

(50+ Patients)

450

45 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr Kshitij Dubey, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr Kshitij Dubey

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

10 Years • MBBS; MS; MCh; CTVS

Indore

Apollo Hospitals Vijay Nagar, Indore

1200

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sridhar V, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Sridhar V

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

30 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh, DIP NBE, FIACTS

Madurai

Apollo Speciality Hospitals KK Nagar, Madurai

recommendation

93%

(50+ Patients)

1000

100 Cashback

600

No Booking Fees

Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

37 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

94%

(25+ Patients)

Dr. Manuj Saikia, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Manuj Saikia

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

22 Years • MBBS, MS, Mch

Guwahati

Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati

900

No Booking Fees

To Know More Consult Top Cardiologists

Dr. Srikanth Bhumana, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Srikanth Bhumana

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

12 Years • MBBS, MS (JIPMER), MCh (PGI) (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), (Beating Heart Bypass Surgery), (Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery, MICS)

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

92%

(50+ Patients)

450

45 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr Kshitij Dubey, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr Kshitij Dubey

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

10 Years • MBBS; MS; MCh; CTVS

Indore

Apollo Hospitals Vijay Nagar, Indore

1200

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sridhar V, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Sridhar V

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

30 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh, DIP NBE, FIACTS

Madurai

Apollo Speciality Hospitals KK Nagar, Madurai

recommendation

93%

(50+ Patients)

1000

100 Cashback

600

No Booking Fees

Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

37 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

94%

(25+ Patients)

Dr. Manuj Saikia, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Manuj Saikia

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

22 Years • MBBS, MS, Mch

Guwahati

Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati

900

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Cardiologists

Dr. Srikanth Bhumana, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Srikanth Bhumana

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

12 Years • MBBS, MS (JIPMER), MCh (PGI) (Cardiothoracic Surgeon), (Beating Heart Bypass Surgery), (Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery, MICS)

Tiruchirappalli

Apollo Speciality Hospitals Old Palpannai, Tiruchirappalli

recommendation

92%

(50+ Patients)

450

45 Cashback

450

No Booking Fees

Dr Kshitij Dubey, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr Kshitij Dubey

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

10 Years • MBBS; MS; MCh; CTVS

Indore

Apollo Hospitals Vijay Nagar, Indore

1200

No Booking Fees

Dr. Sridhar V, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Sridhar V

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

30 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh, DIP NBE, FIACTS

Madurai

Apollo Speciality Hospitals KK Nagar, Madurai

recommendation

93%

(50+ Patients)

1000

100 Cashback

600

No Booking Fees

Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Bhaba Nanda Das

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

37 Years • MBBS, MS, MCh

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

recommendation

94%

(25+ Patients)

Dr. Manuj Saikia, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Manuj Saikia

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon

22 Years • MBBS, MS, Mch

Guwahati

Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati

900

No Booking Fees

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