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Supporting Your Spouse Through Hysterectomy Recovery: A Chiropractor’s Perspective

Selfie in our first clinic office in 2009


When your spouse goes through a major surgery like a hysterectomy, you wear two hats if you're a healthcare provider.  One as a partner, and one as a clinician. Both roles matter deeply, and both have something important to offer during recovery.


First: Show Up as a Spouse

The most important thing in the early weeks? Be present.
Those first days, and honestly, the first couple of weeks can be the toughest. There’s discomfort, fatigue, difficulty moving, and a whole lot of emotional and physical adjustment happening. Shannon’s biggest obstacle was fighting fatigue. She would be up and alert and the next thing I knew, she was asleep on the couch again.

Your job as a spouse is to simply be there:

  • Help with movement and getting settled

  • Grab things she needs so she doesn’t strain

  • Keep the home running and stress low

  • Expect less from your partner and don’t rush recovery

Healing from a hysterectomy is not a sprint. It takes weeks to months, and patience goes a long way. For us, every week brought a little more progress, slow and steady.


From a Chiropractor’s Point of View

While rest is absolutely essential at the beginning, healing isn’t just about lying still. There’s a balance. Rest, but don’t let the body become stiff and stagnant.

Here’s what I encourage:

Gentle Movement

Short walks and light movement help:

  • Keep joints and muscles from tightening up

  • Improve circulation

  • Reduce stiffness

  • Support lymphatic flow and healing

Start small. Think slow strolls around the house before going outside. Shannon was able to use our walking pad on the slowest setting without overdoing it.


Use Support Tools If Needed

Many patients benefit from temporary support items like:

  • Post-surgery abdominal binder: offering gentle support to the core and midsection. CLICK HERE for the one Shannon used.

  • Ice packs: for superficial discomfort or swelling

These aren’t forever tools, but they can make the early days easier.



Prioritize Hydration & Nutrition

Your body is rebuilding tissue and healing from inflammation. It needs fuel.

  • Stay hydrated to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. I made sure to add electrolyte packets to Shannon’s water for extra hydration.

  • Increase protein intake to help rebuild tissue, muscles, and connective structures. I made many protein shakes for Shannon in those weeks since she didn’t have much of an appetite and I wanted to make sure her body was getting what it needed.

  • Focus on nutrient-dense foods like sweet potatoes, which were Shannon’s favorite.

Think lean protein, healthy fats, colorful produce,  not “whatever’s easiest” processed foods. There were definitely times when Shannon didn’t feel like she had the energy to wait for a nutrient dense meal and could have easily gone for a bowl of cereal. That’s when the protein shakes were the most helpful.


Healing Takes Time And Support Goes a Long Way

Whether you're a spouse, a friend, or a clinician supporting someone through a hysterectomy, remember:

  • Be patient

  • Be present

  • Be encouraging

  • Balance rest with gentle movement

  • Fuel the body well

Recovery isn't linear, there are better days and slower days. But with support, patience, and mindful movement, healing can be a smoother journey.

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