Slow Healing, Gentle Movement: My Journey Back to Yoga After Hysterectomy and Chemo
- Yusnimah
- Sep 12, 2025
- 3 min read
After going through my hysterectomy and rounds of chemo, I thought my body had completely given up on me. More than anything, I was afraid of pain. The simple thought of sitting on the floor filled me with dread - how would I get back up? I worried that my body would never allow me to return to the movements I once enjoyed.
Yoga had always been a quiet companion in my life, a practice that gave me peace and balance. After the treatment, it felt out of reach. My body was weaker, stiffer, and lack of confidence. I didn’t know if I could bend, stretch, or even breathe deeply without discomfort. The thought of rolling out a mat again seemed so far away.
But somewhere inside, I also knew I didn’t want to give up. I wanted to find a way back - not to my “old self,” but to a gentler, slower, more compassionate version of me. And that’s when I discovered a simple YouTube video with light yoga stretches and breathing exercises. It wasn’t intense, it wasn’t intimidating - it was slow, quiet, and exactly what I needed to take that very first step forward.
My Take on Healing Through Movement
What I’ve learned is this: slow healing is still healing. I don’t rush. I don’t push. I listen closely to my body, sometimes it tells me to rest, sometimes it lets me stretch a little deeper. Each time I practice, I remind myself that my goal is not to get “back to normal,” but to move with kindness and patience.
My practice right now is very simple:
Gentle yoga in the morning – sometimes just 5–15 minutes of soft stretches.
Breathing sessions – focusing on calm, deep breaths that bring me peace.
Solo practice at home – I prefer moving in my own safe space, without pressure.
Patience – I let myself move slowly, trusting that every small step counts.
And even though these movements are small, they’ve been powerful. They’ve helped me rebuild confidence, trust my body again, and rediscover joy in simple routines.
For Anyone Starting Again After Treatment
If you’re reading this and wondering if you can move your body again after surgery or chemo - yes, you can. But it doesn’t have to look like it did before. Start small. Even a few stretches or a few minutes of deep breathing can be enough.
Here are the reminders I carry with me:
You don’t have to do it all at once.
Progress is not about intensity, but about consistency.
Your body deserves kindness.
It’s okay to rest.
Resources That Helped Me
These are two YouTube videos that gave me confidence to begin moving again:
Yoga for Hysterectomy Recovery – This video helped me reconnect with my breathing in a calm, safe way. It was my first step toward feeling grounded again. It also helped me regain confidence and guided me toward gentle recovery yoga.
Post-Hysterectomy Yoga (Pelvic + Core Focus)– Once I felt ready, this gentle routine supported my core and pelvic area without pushing too hard. It reminded me that strength can return slowly, one small movement at a time.
I’m so grateful for these resources. They gave me not just exercises, but hope. If you’re starting out, you might find one or both helpful too.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’re a woman who feels like her body has been through a battle - whether it’s surgery, chemo or both, I want you to know you’re not alone. Healing doesn’t have to be rushed. You can take your time. You can listen to your body. You can trust the process.
And most importantly, you can begin again.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. This blog reflects only my personal healing journey. Please consult your doctor before starting any new exercise after surgery or treatment.
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