Fistulas are a painful medical condition. While there are several medical interventions and surgeries to treat a fistula, exercises can also alleviate discomfort and aid in the healing process.
Exercises should be done with precaution. Before following an exercise routine, consult your doctor and seek guidance that can stimulate your blood circulation, reduce constipation, and improve the overall well-being of the body.
Avoid certain strenuous exercises that can worsen the symptoms.
Here are a few exercises for an anal fistula.
Low-impact exercises can promote the healing of fistulas and improve overall stamina and health.
Regular walks outdoors, garden, or even on the treadmill can boost blood circulation. You can start with short brisk walks and gradually increase the duration or the pace with time. This is also a great exercise for improving digestion, reducing constipation, and overall well-being.
It is one of the best low-impact exercises that reduces stress and inflammation. It is good for the whole-body workout.
Stretching exercises increase body flexibility and reduce tension where the fistula has originated. It is important to take deep breaths or gently warm up your body before doing stretching exercises.
You can do shoulder rolls or neck stretches to stretch your upper body. In seated stretches, you can sit on the floor or comfortably on a chair, bend or extend the legs, and gently strengthen the spine.
Stretching exercises improve posture, and flexibility, and reduce body tension.
Deep breathing exercises are very effective in reducing stress. It increases mindfulness and relaxes the body and mind.
Sit comfortably in a position. Place one hand on your abdomen and the other hand on the chest. Now while inhaling, take deep breaths through the nose. The abdomen rises and the lungs are filled with air. Now, slowly exhale through the mouth allowing the abdomen to deflate. Repeat this exercise multiple times.
Fistulas can affect the pelvic muscles. The pelvic muscles may become weak and you may lose bladder control or bowel movements.
Pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles and improve control.
This involves contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. Squeeze the muscles, hold them in contraction for a few seconds, and then release them. For maximum benefits, perform this exercise multiple times throughout the day.
Lie down on the back. Bend the knees with your feet kept flat on the floor. Now, slowly lift the hips from the ground. Gently squeeze the buttocks. Hold this position for 3 deep breaths. Slowly return to the original position. Repeat this exercise.
Pilates strengthens the core muscles, improves posture, and reduces stress. Doing these exercises regularly can alleviate body pain and keep the body strong.
Besides exercises, several asanas can be done easily at home. Asanas like Malasana (garland pose) or Balasana (baby pose) improve blood circulation, alleviate stress, reduce constipation, and help in bowel movements.
If you have undergone a fistula surgery, consult your doctor before following an exercise or yoga regimen. It is advisable to wait for 3-4 weeks before you begin to exercise post-surgery.
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
In addition to your regular exercise regimen, following a healthy diet, drinking lots of fluids, and lifestyle are crucial in reducing the risks of developing fistulas or their recurrence.
While exercising, it is important to avoid certain exercises that are strenuous and can be harmful to the fistulas. Some exercises can worsen the condition.
