Post-Op Recovery Week 7 - Rectocele Repair - Prolapse Surgery Check In With My Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Feb 01, 2021By Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach — Certified Pelvic Floor Fitness Specialist · Published February 1, 2021
What Happens at Week 7 of Post-Op Recovery After Rectocele Repair?
Direct Answer: By week 7 after rectocele repair surgery, many women notice real improvement in their Kegel "lift" and can safely begin progressively loading exercises with weight. This stage often also reveals lingering tension or "down-training" needs in the glutes and pelvic floor from pre-surgery gripping habits, which is a normal part of full recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Noticeable improvement in pelvic floor "lift" is a positive, common milestone around week 7 post-rectocele repair.
- Progressive loading with weights and more challenging movement can typically begin once your physiotherapist confirms you are ready.
- Tension or gripping in the glutes and internal muscles can persist after surgery as a leftover coping strategy from living with prolapse.
- Down-training (learning to release, not just contract, the pelvic floor) is just as important as strengthening.
- A strong support team, including your surgeon, physiotherapist, and community, plays a real role in recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see improvement in Kegel lift after rectocele repair?
Many women notice a meaningful improvement in their pelvic floor "lift" by around 6–7 weeks post-surgery, though healing timelines vary and should always be guided by your pelvic floor physiotherapist.
What is "down-training" of the pelvic floor?
Down-training means learning to fully release and relax the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles, not just contract them. It is especially important for women who developed gripping or tension patterns while living with prolapse.
When can I start adding weight to my exercises after prolapse surgery?
Progressive loading with weights is typically introduced once your pelvic floor physiotherapist confirms your recovery and pelvic floor function support it, often several weeks after surgery.
Why do I still feel tension in my glutes and pelvic floor after surgery?
Lingering tension often reflects gripping strategies your body developed to compensate for prolapse before surgery. Down-training exercises and physiotherapy support can help release this over time.
Related Articles
- Preparing For A Rectocele Repair – Prolapse Surgery
- Riding The Rollercoaster of Emotions – The Days Before Prolapse Surgery
- Post-Op Recovery From Prolapse Surgery – Rectocele Repair
- Post-Op Recovery Week 5 – Prolapse Surgery, Rectocele Repair
- Post-Op Recovery Week 6 – Rectocele Repair, Prolapse Surgery
If you are working on rebuilding your pelvic floor lift and releasing old tension patterns after prolapse surgery, join the Buff Muff membership for guided programs that support both strengthening and down-training.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our episode:
When Your Rectum Bulges Into Your Vagina - Rectocele Prolapse
Listen to the episode
