Question:
Muscle Pain post-op

I am 2 weeks post-op and have some muscle pain in my butt, hips, shoulders, and neck. I think it is from resting so much. I get up and about 2-3 times a day and walk or march to music. I feel it most at night when I lay on the muscles. Will this go away as I get my body moving more and more? Is it just from laying around so much post-op?    — Denise F. (posted on July 18, 2001)

July 18, 2001
I think you are correct. You should be getting up more and moving around more. Try to relax your muscles when you are marching, don't hold your muscles rigid but let your limbs 'flow' to the music. Take deep breaths, slowly and relax. Try laying on your back and do slow deep breathing, then slowly tighten your muscles, one area at a time, and then release that muscle group and feel them relax, do this starting at your toes and going upwards to your neck and head. This is a good relaxation technique and helps you sleep better. It requires some mental consentration. Hope it helps.
   — Cindy H.