6 to 12 Weeks After Surgery
Once you are six to twelve weeks into your recovery, patients may be
able to return to normal activities and may begin playing certain
non-contact sports. Contact sports are never recommended, however,
heavy lifting may be allowed after 2 months and surgeons may advise
that patients can get back on the field, court, or in the pool after 3 months.2
Published clinical research suggests that your cardiopulmonary
function (breathing and stamina) during exercise may improve
significantly after your surgery.3 However, activity levels
and cardiopulmonary function will vary and patients may not notice a
difference in these functions. You should always follow your doctor’s
instructions on appropriate levels of physical activity.