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What Is Considered Heavy Lifting After Surgery?

Posted: February 13, 2025
A man sits on a couch with a sling on his broken right arm while looking at his computer.

When it comes to surgeries, the post-surgery aspect can be just as important as the surgery itself. Depending on your surgery, you might not be able to lift certain things. This Moving Help® article will explain what is considered heavy lifting after surgery, and why you should use Moving Help for your move while you stay focused on recovering from your surgery.

It’ll depend on your type of surgery, but typically, heavy lifting is considered lifting things that exceed 10 to 15 pounds.

You should always listen to your doctor’s advice and attend any physical therapy that’s needed for your surgery. If you’re planning a move, consider getting help with the heavy lifting whether you’re moving, home staging, or rearranging furniture.

Understanding Heavy Lifting

During post-surgery recovery, heavy lifting refers to activities that require excessive strain on the body, especially the surgical site. Your body needs time to heal, and if you lift a heavy object too soon, it can jeopardize the healing process.

Generally speaking, heavy lifting is lifting items that exceed 10 to 15 pounds. Of course, it all depends on your specific condition, the type of surgery performed, your overall health, and your physical conditioning.

Some examples of what is considered heavy lifting after surgery are:

  • Lifting children
  • Moving large objects
  • Carrying heavy boxes

It’s important to avoid such activities initially in the recovery phase to avoid complications.

Guidelines for Lifting After Surgery

A woman sits on a couch while petting her corgi and looking at her cast that’s on her right leg.

You should always consult with your health care provider when it comes to lifting after surgery. It’s typically recommended to start with light and manageable activities.

Then you’ll gradually increase your intensity over time.

For abdominal or orthopedic surgeries, it’s typically advised to avoid heavy lifting for at least six to eight weeks. Less minor surgeries might allow a quicker return to normal activities within a few weeks.

If you experience pain, swelling, or discomfort in the surgical area, it’s essential to stop your current activity level.

You should prioritize your health and contact your health care provider.

Consequences of Lifting Too Soon

It’s important to understand the risks associated with heavy lifting after surgery. When you engage in strenuous activities too soon, it can lead to complications such as increased pain, wounds reopening, ruptures at the surgical site.

Lifting heavy things can strain the muscles and tissues around the surgical area, which could lead to complications or delay your recovery time. This can cause physical and emotional distress to a person.

Additionally, you want to make sure you have proper form. Improper lifting habits can result in long-term effects post-surgery. By following established healthy lifting practices and following medical advice, you can create a successful recovery, which is essential.

Get Help With Heavy Lifting

Recovering from surgery can be challenging, and the last thing you should have to worry about is the physical strain of moving.

If you receive help during your recovery phase, it’ll allow you to focus on healing while the professionals take care of the heavy lifting.

When it comes to moving, it’s not surprising that you, friends, or family don’t like to lift heavy items. It’s one of the more stressful parts of the move.

What if there was a solution for you?

Two Moving Help Service Providers carry a couch up some stair in a customer’s home using shoulder dolly moving straps.

By using labor-only movers, you don’t have to do the heavy lifting yourself, it’ll make your move less stressful, you can avoid physical stress or chance of injury, and you don’t have to rely on friends and family.

Focus on Your Recovery

Recovering from surgery is a critical phase, which requires careful attention to your physical limitations and overall well-being. It’s important to understand what is considered heavy lifting after surgery to create a smooth process. Keep in mind, it’s typically considered heavy lifting when the object exceeds 10 to 15 pounds.

During the recovery period, it’s important to not overdo it. Sometimes, it’s not an option though because you might have to move or get some furniture rearranged.

That’s where Moving Help comes into place. Our Service Providers understand what it means to have reliable and helpful assistance when it comes to moving. Rather than trying to do the heavy lifting on your own, let our expert labor-only movers support you with your loading and unloading, packing or unpacking, cleaning, and piano moving needs.