Constipation after surgery: causes, treatments, and exercises to get things moving

Struggling to have a bowel movement while you recover from surgery? This is a completely normal part of the recovery process. Constipation after surgery is a common (and uncomfortable) experience. While post-surgery bowel problems can be frustrating, they usually resolve on their own. And there’s a lot you can do to manage your symptoms at home.

Some of the best ways to manage constipation is eating plenty of fiber, staying hydrated, taking laxatives or stool softeners as prescribed by your doctor, and finding gentle ways to move your body once you’re cleared by your doctor. “The more you get your blood flowing, the easier going to the bathroom will be,” says Victoria Smith, PT, DPT, a Hinge Health physical therapist.

In this article, learn more about constipation after surgery and how to improve symptoms through movement, according to Hinge Health physical therapists.

Causes of constipation after surgery 

Constipation after surgery can happen for several reasons, from medications used during and after surgery to dietary changes and lack of exercise during recovery. Common causes of post-surgery constipation include:

• Anesthesia slows down intestinal movement. General anesthesia relaxes muscles throughout the body, including those in the digestive tract. This relaxation can slow down gut motility or pause intestinal contractions, which can sometimes make it harder for stool to move through the intestines after surgery.

• Pain medications reduce gut motility. While helpful for short-term post-surgical pain, opioid medications can also slow down the movement of your gut. This can lead to opioid-induced constipation, which is linked to slower digestion, drier stool, and more difficult bowel movements.

• Dehydration due to fasting or IV fluids. Before and after surgery, people often eat and drink less, and IV fluids don’t always replace normal hydration. When your body is dehydrated, it tries to hold onto water, which can make stool harder and more difficult to pass.

• Lack of dietary fiber before and after surgery. Some pre- and post-surgery diets advise against high-fiber foods to prevent bloating or gas during and after the procedure. Without enough fiber to add bulk and retain water in the stool, bowel movements can become infrequent and uncomfortable.

• Less physical activity during recovery. Physical activity plays an important role in gut health. “When you move, you stimulate the muscles in your digestive tract, which can help food and waste move through more smoothly,” says Dr. Smith. Movement can also support a healthy nervous system, which is closely linked to regular digestion. New research suggests that regular movement may help calm inflammation in the body and support your gut lining. This means exercise could reduce certain chemicals connected to inflammation and may even help your gut absorb nutrients more effectively. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may have limited mobility, which can make it harder to stay active and keep your digestion on track.

• Stress and hormonal changes affecting digestion. Surgery is a physical and emotional stressor that triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can alter normal gut function, slow digestion, and contribute to post-surgical constipation.

Symptoms of constipation after surgery

Constipation symptoms after surgery are the same as typical constipation. They may include fewer-than-normal bowel movements, pain while going to the bathroom, and bloating or nausea. The most common signs of post-surgery constipation include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week

• Straining or pain during a bowel movement

• Hard, dry, or lumpy stools

• Bloating or lower abdominal discomfort

• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

• Nausea

• Lower back pain

How to poop after surgery: relief strategies

Constipation after surgery can be uncomfortable, but there are a few steps you can take to relieve constipation and poop more comfortably at home, such as gentle exercise, drinking enough water, and prioritizing a high-fiber, nutritious diet.

• Add physical activity to your recovery routine. Once you’re medically cleared by your doctor, it’s important to get your body moving. That’s because your digestive tract is made up of muscles that benefit from exercise just like the rest of your body. “Your digestion responds to movement, so the more consistently you move, the more your bowels will, too,” says Dr. Smith. Whether you get up and out of a chair, walk around your home, or do exercise therapy at home, movement is one of the best ways to keep your bowels moving after surgery, Dr. Smith says. 

• Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration keeps stool soft and easier to pass. Water helps the digestive system function efficiently and prevents the colon from absorbing too much fluid from waste.

• Eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fiber adds bulk to stool and helps it move smoothly through the intestines. Gradually reintroducing fiber after surgery can gently stimulate bowel activity without causing discomfort.

• Use stool softeners or laxatives recommended by your doctor. These medications help relieve constipation by drawing water into the stool or stimulating bowel movements.

• Limit caffeine and processed foods. Caffeine and highly processed foods can sometimes dehydrate the body or slow digestion. Being mindful of how often you consume them — and swapping them for water or fiber-rich options when you can — supports regular bowel function during recovery.

How movement can help with constipation 

Movement can support relief from constipation, but it’s important to follow your doctor’s directions about when and how to move after surgery. Some targeted exercises may help with constipation (see below), but whether and when to try them depends on the type of surgery you had, your individual recovery, and other personal factors. The exercises listed are for general guidance and may not be suitable for everyone. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new movements after surgery.

Once your doctor gives you a “thumb’s up” to start exercising, you can begin experimenting with gentle activities that support healthy bowel patterns. The above exercises recommended by Hinge Health physical therapists may be a great place to start. As you become more mobile, you may even try deeper stretches for constipation relief, such as happy baby and child’s pose. 

The information contained in these videos is intended to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment for any specific condition. Hinge Health is not your healthcare provider and is not responsible for any injury sustained or exacerbated by your use of or participation in these exercises. Please consult with your healthcare provider with any questions you may have about your medical condition or treatment.

How to prevent constipation after surgery

If you’re having surgery, you can take a few steps to minimize the risk of constipation, such as discussing your medications with your doctor, maintaining hydration and fiber intake, and starting physical activity as soon as your doctor recommends it. Steps to prevent constipation include:

• Talk about constipation risks with your care team before surgery. Your medical team is the best resource for how to prepare for surgery while preventing constipation afterward.

• Discuss your pain management plan. Because opioid medications can slow down bowel movements, talk to your doctor about how to balance pain relief with digestive health. They may suggest alternative options or specific schedules to help.

• Start walking as soon as cleared. “When it comes to preventing constipation, movement is one of the best medicines,” says Dr. Smith. Ask your doctor before your surgery or at a follow-up appointment when it’s OK for you to start incorporating gentle exercise into your post-surgery routine.

• Maintain hydration and fiber intake. Adequate hydration and fiber are key elements of healthy bowel habits. Prioritizing water intake and a nutritious, whole-foods diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help keep your stool moving and prevent uncomfortable constipation symptoms.

• Use stool softeners proactively if recommended. Consider asking your doctor whether it may help to take a stool softener after surgery to prevent constipation from developing.

When to see a doctor

Constipation often resolves on its own with time and simple, at-home treatments. But if your constipation is severe, getting worse, or causing difficulty with daily activities, see a healthcare provider. It’s also a good idea to get care if you have:

• No bowel movement for more than four days

• Intense abdominal pain or cramping

• Rectal bleeding or blood in stool

• Nausea, vomiting, or signs of impaction

PT tip: Practice relaxation techniques

Your mind and body are intricately connected. “Stress can affect many important functions in your body, including your digestive tract,” says Dr. Smith. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation can help your mind and body shift out of the fight-or-flight state, making it easier for your digestive tract to function optimally.

How Hinge Health can help you

If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, you can get the relief you’ve been looking for with Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program.

The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app when and where it works for you.

Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you.

See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan here.

This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.

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